Question
I have a 2ft. tall Dracaena and it has 3 main stalks. the smallest stalk of the three lost ALL of its leaves... so I pruned the 3 stalks... its been about a week since I have pruned it, today I went to check up on its progress... I noticed that the stalk felt hollow. I peeled the skin back and there were little white bugs moving, slowly... but they were moving. How can I fix this? is it too late to save the plant...? the other two stalks are perfectly fine. Please Help! I love plants and if it dies i will be really disappointed. Thank You.

Answer
Denver,

Chances are you overwatered the plant causing tissue damage and possible root rot. Insects quickly attack a damaged plant. First allow the plant dry out. Then put a bottle of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the stalk that has the white bugs. Tha alcohol will kill them on contact. After that make sure the dracaena is in a very bright location but does not have actual sun shining on it. Insert a bamboo skewer into the soil and check it before watering the plant. Do not water the plant unless the skewer is 3/4ths dry. This will stop overwatering and damage to the plant. Also, do not water this plant with water that has flouride or chlorine in it as is common in most towns=. This plant hates flouride or chlorine and it cause large brown blisters on the leaves, trunk and roots of the plant if it is used on the plant. If you have more questions feel free to write adain. Good luck.

Darlene