Pest identification
What's eating my dracaena arborea?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves bronze and drop early
Control: Increase humidity, shower the plant, apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Remove by hand, then treat with horticultural oil; repeat in 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax at leaf bases and axils; stunted new growth
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with insecticidal soap
Keep dracaena arborea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dracaena Arborea pests — FAQ
What is eating my dracaena arborea?
Dracaena arborea faces the same indoor pest pressure as most large dracaenas. Spider mites and scale are the most frequent attackers, exploiting warm, dry conditions. Mealybugs colonize leaf axils and trunk crevices. Thrips can scar leaf surfaces. Consistent humidity and routine wiping of leaves prevent the worst infestations.
How do I get rid of spider mites on dracaena arborea?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves bronze and drop early Increase humidity, shower the plant, apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on dracaena arborea?
Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Remove by hand, then treat with horticultural oil; repeat in 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dracaena arborea?
Fluffy white wax at leaf bases and axils; stunted new growth Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with insecticidal soap