Common Dracena Problems – What’s wrong with my Dracena plant?
Dracenas are palm-like trees and shrubs, often grown as houseplants. They come in many shapes, heights and varieties, but many have sword-shaped leaves and are always green. Dracenas are generally hardy and carefree houseplants. But you may encounter problems with dracena plants from time to time. Read on to find out more about common dracena problems and how to solve them.
What’s wrong with my Dracaena?
Problems with dracena houseplants often involve inappropriate cultural care rather than something more serious. Plant diseases are rarely a problem.
Taking care of the Dracaena culture is not difficult, but one must pay attention to their requirements to keep them in good health. These plants need bright but indirect sunlight. They also need to be watered regularly with warm water when they dry out.
So, what’s wrong with my dracena houseplant, you ask? Problems with dracena plants in the house are usually water or
related to parasites.
Common problems of the Dracaena plant
Lack of water or very low humidity can lead to dryness of the tips and edges of the plant. Too much water can cause problems for the Dracena plant, such as sudden loss of leaves or root rot. Leaf loss and root rot can also be caused by poor drainage.
If you place these plants in direct sunlight, their dracaena problems can result in round spots and dry stripes on the leaves. The yellow tips may indicate over-fertilization. This can also be the result of too much fluoride in the water.
Scale insects and mites are the most common pests of dracena. You will see them on the leaves or notice that they turn yellow. Wash them with soapy water or buy a treatment at the garden store.
More serious problems with Dracaena
Those who grow dracena plants outdoors will face more serious dracena problems. These can include fusarium blotch and soft rot. Leaf scorch can also occur on these plants, but is less common.
If the problems of your Dracena plant show up as reddish or tan spots with yellow halos, the plant may have fusarium leaf spot, a fungal problem. The spot is found on young leaves and usually near the base of the leaf. The way to prevent fusarium leaf spot on leaves is to stop spraying them over your head. The way to fix existing leaf spots is to apply a fungicide according to label instructions.
If your problems with dracena involve a slight rot, the plant will look and smell as if it is rotting. The lower leaves will collapse. This is not a problem that can be cured, so get rid of the plant.