What's eating my whale fin snake plant?

Whale Fin Snake Plant (Dracaena masoniana) is a tough, low-maintenance houseplant whose biggest pest threat is spider mites, though mealybugs and scale insects also appear on the large succulent leaves. Root rot from overwatering is more common than pest attack. Its thick leaves make infestations easy to spot once you look for them.

Pale silvery or yellowish speckling across the large leaf surface, fine webbing at the base of the leaf in severe infestations, and leaf dullness. Wipe both sides of the large leaf with a damp cloth; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase room humidity if below 30%.

White cottony tufts at the base of the leaf where it emerges from the soil or along the leaf margin; plant growth stalls and leaves may yellow. Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs; spray insecticidal soap to all affected areas. Check the soil surface and base for root mealybugs and drench if found.

Hard brown or tan shields fixed to the leaf surface, especially along the central midline and margins; honeydew and sooty mold follow. Scrape off with a fingernail or soft brush; wipe the leaf with horticultural oil on a cloth. Repeat inspection after 2 weeks.