AT A GLANCE
Dragon trees can be infested with scale insects, which are indicated by raised structures on the undersides of leaves, sticky coating on leaves, and yellowish-brown scales. Control is by isolation, mechanical removal, and oil-based insecticides. Prevention includes careful tending, fertilizing, and controlling new plants.
How do you recognize an infestation of the dragon tree with scale insects?
A clear sign of the infestation are small, raised structures, who prefers on the undersides of the long leaves find. Because the scale insects pierce the plant with their proboscis, a clearly visible, bright spot is formed.
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The ones on the Dragon tree living lice excrete a sugary solution that forms a sticky coating on the leaves. You don't always have to be near the lice, as the insects sometimes throw the secretion far away.
What do scale insects look like on the dragon tree?
On the underside of the leaf and along the leaf blade of the dragon tree, you can
about two millimeters in size, scaly, blackish, brown, yellowish or reddish dots discover. These are the shield made of resin, wax, or substances resembling those of spider webs.The armor protects the lice from predators. The females lay their eggs under it and the larvae can develop undisturbed underneath. But it also makes controlling scale insects difficult.
What are the consequences of a scale insect infestation on the dragon tree?
Since the dragon tree is deprived of valuable nutrients, those affected by scale insects can Leaves turn yellow, wilt, or appear deformed. If the pests are not combated, this leads to to leaf loss, Growth disturbances and, in the worst case, even death of the houseplant.
How do I fight scale insects on the dragon tree?
Scale insects can be with commercially available means fight very well:
- First, separate the infested dragon tree.
- If only individual leaves are colonized, wipe off the stubborn lice with a damp cloth.
- Spray the plant thoroughly with an insecticide. The agents based on orange or rapeseed oil reliably kill the harmful insects and are environmentally friendly.
- Since the larvae are well protected by the shell, it is advisable to repeat the treatment several times.
Can you prevent scale insects on the dragon tree?
scale insect infestation you can preventable with simple means. The following measures can often prevent an infestation:
- Since scale insects are often brought into the house with new houseplants, you should thoroughly inspect all new acquisitions.
- Pay attention to proper care and fertilization of the dracaena, since nitrogen over-fertilized and ailing plants are very susceptible.
- Warm rooms in the winter months change the composition of the plant sap and scale insects can multiply even faster. Therefore, do not overheat the room in which your dragon tree is located.
Tip
Scale insects spread quickly
If scale insects are found on the dragon tree, other indoor plants are often infested as well. Orchids, palm trees, ficus, aralia, citrus plants and succulents are particularly popular with the pests. For this reason, inspect all green housemates very thoroughly on a regular basis.
