Dracaena is a very poplar houseplant when it comes to the regulation of moisture, oxygen and toxins in the air. It has even been recommended by NASA as a great choice for persons who want to boost their well-being in their homes or business. However, just like all other plants, houseplants are not spared by pests. This article discusses the different treatments you can use to combat different pests.
Spider mites
This is probably the most common pest around houseplants. It causes the leaves to take on a mottled appearance as well as to appear dusty underneath. When shaken over a sheet of white paper, you can see tiny moving spiders. You may also notice spider webbing that stretches between the leaves. The solution here is to clean your office foliage with soapy water then spray with insecticidal soap. To prevent a recurrence, make sure the air around the plant is humid.
Mealybugs
When there is an attack by these pests, you will see tiny balls of cotton on the stems, leaf axils or on the roots system. The tiny balls are usually mealybugs which will be moving slowly. The leaves of your plant may start to turn yellow or even be covered in secretions. You need to clean the insects with a cotton swab that is dipped in alcohol. You also need to spray the whole plant with a solution of 7 parts of water and 1 part of rubbing alcohol.
Scale insects
These pests will cause shell or scale like bumps on the leaves and stems. The plant may become yellow with time and be covered in secretions. Experts in wholesale nurseries will advise you to scrape off the shells using an old toothbrush that has been dipped in soapy water. You should then treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Aphids
These pests are green to black in color with a round-body. They are also translucent and tend to cluster together on new growth. They may cause your dracaena to turn yellow and be covered in secretions. Always inspect a plant for this before purchasing it from an interior foliage provider. If you have the problem, wash your plant with a damp piece of cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. You should also treat the plant using insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies
These are tiny, white in color pests that look like dandruff. They usually rise when the plant is touched. You will notice small translucent bumps under the leaves. To solve this problem, plantscaper suppliers will recommend that you vacuum the plant so as to suck the flying adults. You will then need to wash the plant with a damp piece of cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
There are many more pests that may attack your office foliage. The solution is to inspect the plant regularly and keep it clean. If you must use pesticides, use the ones that are engineered for houseplants. You should also separate the infested plants from the uninfected ones.