Pest identification
What's eating my dracaena steudneri?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, pale leaves with webbing on undersides; accelerated leaf drop
Control: Shower plant, boost humidity, apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Scale insects
Signs: Brown waxy bumps on stems; sticky residue leading to sooty mold
Control: Manually remove scales, then apply horticultural oil every 10–14 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters in leaf axils; honeydew on lower leaves
Control: Spot-treat with rubbing alcohol; follow with insecticidal soap drench
Keep dracaena steudneri pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dracaena Steudneri pests — FAQ
What is eating my dracaena steudneri?
Dracaena steudneri is a robust large-leafed dracaena that, as a houseplant, is most threatened by spider mites in dry indoor air and by scale insects on its thick stems. Mealybugs hide in leaf axils. Thrips may rasp young leaves, leaving silver streaks. Good air circulation and regular inspection are the best prevention.
How do I get rid of spider mites on dracaena steudneri?
Stippled, pale leaves with webbing on undersides; accelerated leaf drop Shower plant, boost humidity, apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of scale insects on dracaena steudneri?
Brown waxy bumps on stems; sticky residue leading to sooty mold Manually remove scales, then apply horticultural oil every 10–14 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dracaena steudneri?
Cottony white clusters in leaf axils; honeydew on lower leaves Spot-treat with rubbing alcohol; follow with insecticidal soap drench