Dracaena is one of the most popular indoor plants thanks to its easy care and beginner-friendly nature. However, this doesn’t mean it’s completely free of issues. In this article, you’ll learn about the most common Dracaena plant problems and how to manage them effectively.
Pest Infestation on Dracaena
Pest attacks are quite common, especially when the plant is weakened. Dracaena plants are more likely to attract and harbor pests when the following conditions occur:
- Weak or stressed growth caused by improper watering.
- Poor environmental or growing conditions that compromise plant health.
Common pests that attack weak Dracaena plants include spider mites and mealybugs. These sucking pests also cause yellowing of the leaves. You can treat pest infestation by following these steps:
- Rinse the plant under running water to remove as many pests as possible.
- Prune damaged leaves and stems.
- Use insecticidal soap, neem oil solution, or a weak permethrin solution.
- Isolate the plant in a warm, well-lit, and well-ventilated area to prevent spread to other plants.
- Inspect all nearby plants regularly.
Crispy, Brown Leaf Tips on Dracaena
When the plant develops brown, crispy tips or edges, this usually indicates underwatering. Lack of moisture can also cause twisted or curled leaves and stems.
You can fix this problem by maintaining a consistent watering schedule, ensuring the soil stays slightly moist at all times.
Brown Spots on Dracaena Leaves
Brown spots can develop due to poor growing conditions—such as excessive light, heat stress, or low humidity. Pests may also cause similar spotting. Below is a detailed explanation of each factor:
1. Excessive Light
Too much direct light causes energy overload inside leaf cells, leading to reactive oxygen buildup. This damages plant tissue, resulting in brown spots and dead patches.
Solution:
Move the plant to a location with bright but indirect light. If that’s not possible, use a sheer curtain to filter strong sunlight. Light needs vary depending on the Dracaena species.
2. Heat Stress
Sudden or extreme changes in temperature stress the plant. Dracaena thrives in temperatures between 18–32°C (64–90°F). Any sharp increase or decrease can damage the cells, leading to brown spotting.
Solution:
Use a fan or air conditioner in very hot conditions. In cold weather, protect the plant from drafts and keep it warm.
3. Humidity Issues
Very low humidity can also cause browning. Although Dracaena adapts well to household conditions, extremely dry air can stress the plant.
Solution:
Increase humidity by misting the air, using a humidifier, or placing the plant near other plants.
Dracaena Leaf Drooping or Falling
Leaf drop often happens because of insufficient light or overwatering.
To fix this issue:
- Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect light.
- Reduce watering to avoid soggy soil.
However, keep in mind that not watering for more than two weeks can cause lower leaves to fall naturally. Always maintain a moderate watering routine.
