Dracaena Warneckii Problems

Overwatering

• Overwatering plants results in conditions such as root rot and mold. Excess moisture contributes to a lack of oxygen in the soil, which can ultimately kill the plant. Reduced oxygen subjects the plant to bacteria and fungi in the soil. Use containers with good drainage and appropriate soil types for dracaena. In the case of root rot, use the top part of the plant for cuttings or air layering. Dracaena prefers little watering and does best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings.

Light Issues

• Dracaena warneckii thrives in low to medium light. These light preferences make this plant an appropriate choice for hallways or corners. According to the University of Minnesota, low light is described as light enough to read words on a page. Too much light for low-light plants often results in dehydrated leaves, scorching and a bleached appearance. To relocate a dracaena to a brighter area, increase light conditions gradually. Turning plants a few times a month contributes to even access to light sources.

Diseases and Conditions

• The dracaena occasionally develops conditions that affect leaves and roots. Leaf spot occurs near the base of the plant and causes spotting with yellow halos on young foliage. To avoid leaf spot, water dracaena at the soil level instead of overhead. High levels of fluoride cause brown areas in the white edging on the dracaena warneckii leaf. Balance the soil's pH and avoid fluoridated water. Soft rot reveals itself in root cuttings that have gone brown and mushy, with a strong and unpleasant odor. Throw away plants infected by soft rot.

Pests

• Common pest problems for the dracaena include mite and scale-insect infestations. Mites damage leaves as they feed from the cells, eventually killing foliage. A member of the spider family, mites weave delicate webs and reproduce rapidly. Keep infested plants away from other houseplants until the problem is eliminated. Scale insects live underneath small waxy disks. They feed from the plant, reducing the overall vitality. Soft scale insects leave a thick honeydew on foliage. Mold thrives in this thick liquid.