What Are the Pests & Diseases of a Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana?

Sap-Sucking Insects

• Spider mites, scales, thrips and mealybugs are a few of the sap-sucking pests that feed on the phloem sap coursing through the “Massangeana.” These pests typically won’t cause extensive damage to the corn plant, but can reduce the appearance of the “Massangeana.” As the insects consume the cell content of the plant, the “Massangeana” may experience discolored and wilted leaves that can drop from the plant. Furthermore, their feeding can lead to poor vigor and stunted growth in the plant. Spraying the foliage of the corn plant with neem oil at seven- to 14-day intervals will control these pests without the use of unnecessary toxins.

Chewing Insects

• According to the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service website, chewing insects can be a problem on the “Massangeana” corn plant. The larval stage of fungus gnats are an example of a chewing insect that can become a problem to “Massangeana” especially when grown as a houseplant. The adult fungus gnats cause little to no harm to houseplants but can quickly become an annoyance to people. Their larvae, however, is a different story and will chew on the roots of the infested corn plant. Fungus gnats will become a problem when there is too much moisture and decaying matter plaguing the corn plant. Simply remove decaying plant matter from around the plant and avoid overwatering to control fungus gnats. For serious infestations, drench the soil with 1 to 8 teaspoons of the bacterium insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis mixed into 1 gallon of water.

  Leaf-eating caterpillars -- such as banana moths -- are another chewing insect that can infest corn plants. However, leaf-eating caterpillars are generally not a problem for "Massangeana" grown indoors as a houseplant.

Diseases

• “Massangeana” corn plant is susceptible to leaf spot disease and root rot. Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that will leave brown or yellow irregularly shaped spots on the foliage of the corn plant. In extreme cases, the leaves may fall from the plant. Leaf spot disease rarely causes long-term damage and most plants can tolerate this fungal infection. You can, however, help control leaf spot disease by removing all fallen plant debris and forgoing overhead irrigation. Root rot is a more serious problem that can greatly affect the health of the corn plant. Root rot will occur if the plant grows in soil with poor drainage or if you provide too much water for the plant.

Considerations

• The best defense against pests and diseases is to provide the “Massangeana” corn plant with good cultural care. Avoid overwatering the plant, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry before irrigating, and regularly clean up debris around the plant. Too little water will cause the tips of the leaves to brown and curl, and can leave the plant stressed, which in turn makes it more susceptible to problems. A healthy and vigorous corn plant will be able to tolerate pest and problems better than an unhealthy one.