Question
I have a 4 foot standing houseplant (perhaps a dragon tree?) that has developed a white flaky fungus or mold on it.  The fungus is a delicate white substance that looks a bit like snow, and sits heaviest where the leaves emerge from the stalks.  How can I treat this?  I heard I could use hydrogen peroxide and water.  True?

Answer
Hi Ilana,

I suspect your Dracaena marginata has a mealybug infestation. However, I would describe mealybugs as looking like tiny bits of white cotton - soft and fluffy.

Hydrogen peroxide is not very effective. I recommend that you mix 5 parts water with one part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key is to spray all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. The spray must contact all of the juveniles that are almost invisible. If you miss a few because you can't see them, then they will later reproduce and the infestation will return. That is why thoroughness is the key to success.

I have written an article on treating indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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