Pest identification
What's eating my cylindrical snake plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling or dusty appearance on the tubular leaf surface; fine webbing at leaf bases in dry air
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; improve air humidity
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony residue packed at the base where leaves emerge; slow growth; yellowing tips
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs; flush the growing medium; apply neem oil solution
Scale insects
Signs: Brown waxy bumps adhered along the cylindrical leaves; yellowing and loss of vigor over time
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray; repeat monthly
Keep cylindrical snake plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cylindrical Snake Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my cylindrical snake plant?
Cylindrical Snake Plant (Dracaena angolensis) is a tough, drought-tolerant houseplant with few pest problems. Spider mites are the most frequent attacker in dry indoor environments. Mealybugs may colonize the base of the cylindrical leaves, and scale insects can appear on neglected specimens.
How do I get rid of spider mites on cylindrical snake plant?
Faint stippling or dusty appearance on the tubular leaf surface; fine webbing at leaf bases in dry air Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; improve air humidity
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cylindrical snake plant?
White cottony residue packed at the base where leaves emerge; slow growth; yellowing tips Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs; flush the growing medium; apply neem oil solution
How do I get rid of scale insects on cylindrical snake plant?
Brown waxy bumps adhered along the cylindrical leaves; yellowing and loss of vigor over time Scrape off with a soft brush, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray; repeat monthly