Hello, I have a Dracaena massangeana Which has been thriving for the past year or so but all of a sudden around a month ago I noticed some of the leaves are discolouring or actually having some abnormal traces of fading. The new growth is also unhappy and not growing as usual. I have attached a couple of photos with the hope that someone can tell me what is wrong with my Dracaena. I have not changed the watering routine and have not fertilized it since Sept. But last week when I thought maybe it is growing too many leaves and needs to be fertilized I fertilized it a bit. Still the same symptoms! thanks for your input.
Have you looked closely for pests? Nothing definitive from the photos. However in photo 4602... there is what appears to be an aphid about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom and a black speck (with legs) a bit further up. There is also a strand of material which looks suspiciously similar to spider mite silk.
I actually thought I had seen some signs of insects a couple of weeks ago and that is why I sprayed it with Neem oil, natural soap mixture last week. Do you think it is just the pests. I was really worried about mosaic virus or bacterial infection. I have uploaded a couple of more photos Any thoughts ?
I think you are right. Even after the Neem oil spray there are still some pests (sadly)! thanks for noticing them in the picture. It has been 10 days since I did the Neem oil spray. Can I spray neem oil and natural dishwashing detergent again tomorrow or is it too soon? Can you please confirm the ratio of Neem oil, liquid detergent and waster please. Should I add baking soda too? thanks again for your feedback.
I can't offer you specific advice on the use of these products as my experience is limited to insecticidal soap. In my case I repeat sprays every 7-10 days in order to interrupt the pest's life cycle. Also, take note of caveates in using soaps not specifically intended for insect control: Monstera Deliciosa help!
