This plant was really neglected at my work. Barely watered the soil was hard and crumbly, gets indirect sun, probably never feel fertilized, temperature fluctuates alot as well.
So I took it upon myself to help save it. What causes this? Online states fungal/bacteria. Which freaked me out as I don’t want a nice act to save a plant, but hurting my collection. So I chipped up all the leaves from it, and it’s been shunned to the corner of the room, with its own grow lamp. 😅
by kha_
2 Comments
That’s good move to isolate it in case it’s some kind of infestation, I’m relatively new to being a plant person, but it’s seems like some kind of an infestation, use some neem oil spay (3ml in 800ml water) as a preventative measure. Hopefully someone will be able to be more helpful.
Ot looks like tar spot, which is a fungus, but is considered cosmetic – its treatable and less likely to kill the plant than other infections. You can see that the plant isn’t dying. Its an infection of the leaf, rather than the root.
You can treat it with s solution of baking soda in soapy water, with maybe a few drops of neem oil.
It thrives where there is poor air circulation, ususlly when the leaves have been wet, so its a good idea to water the soil rather than the leaves, and to consider putting it near a fan, or a window.
Dracaena needs soil that is on the dry side. Its roots need air as well as water, so they often do well with a little benign neglect. It will get stronger and help you fight off the infection if you keep the soil damp, but never wet. Water it thoroughly, until water starts to exit the drainage holes. Then wait until the top inch or 2 of soil is dry before watering again, and don’t let excess water hang around in or under the pot.
It wants bright, indirect light. Not full sun, but if your room is quite dark, it needs a grow light, or it gets leggy and weak.
Its an easy, attractive plant! I hope you enjoy it.