Dracaena / Dragon Tree problem

 
Hello,


I wonder if anyone can help. My Dracaena / Dragon Tree indoor house
plant has some white spots on it, I'm not sure if it's a fungus, or eggs
of some kind. The white spots when brushed away leave what looks a bit
like 'burning' on the leaves (discolouration, to yellow and then to
brown depending on length of time).


Leaves at the bottom of the plant are dropping off quickly at the
moment, although it does have new growth at the top so I'm not sure if
this is its natural growing cycle.


The web suggests that this plant should be relatively easy to care for,
problems may be caused by overwatering (=root rot), or 'spider mites',
for which I have found the following 'cure':


"The USDA recommends a simple treatment for this pest: Combine one
tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and one cup of vegetable oil and
mix. Add this mixture to one cup of water in a handheld spray bottle and
shake well. Spray the entire plant, including the undersides of
leaves."


I would be most grateful if someone could point me in the right
direction, it's a beautiful plant that otherwise seems healthy, and I
don't want to lose it! I attach some pictures that, despite my poor
photography skills, hopefully give an indication of the problem!


Thanks,
Matt


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--
MattS

 On Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:51:45 +0000, MattS


Looks decidedly like mealybug, a well known pest on indoor plants.
Certainly not red spider mite. Whether your home-made insecticide will
work, I don't know. The emulsified oil plus the soap in the detergent
is said to clog the breathing holes on many plant pests, so it might.
It's also the basis for some commercial 'organic' sprays. But if it
doesn't work I've used Provado Ultimate Bug Killer, made by Bayer, on
mealybug with success. Available at any good garden centre. Be aware
that you do have to spray twice with about a ten day interval. The
first spray kills the adults but not the eggs. The second spray kills
the newly hatched bugs, hopefully before they've had time to start
laying.

--
 
Chris

Gardening in West Cornwall overlooking the sea.
Mild, but very exposed to salt gales