Last but not least, the dragon tree is a very popular houseplant because it is considered to be fairly easy to care for. Sometimes, however, an infestation with scale insects or mealybugs requires courageous intervention.

Dragon trees infested with lice should be isolated from other plants

Early detection of lice on the dragon tree

In contrast to many other plant pests, lice in the semi-shady location of a dragon tree are often not immediately visible to the naked eye. More serious damage to the leaves in the form of yellow spots only becomes apparent as the infestation increases. At this point in time, the leaves of the dragon tree are often already covered with the white threads of mealybugs, which can no longer be overlooked. The earlier a lice infestation is discovered on a dragon tree, the less it can affect plant growth if combated thoroughly.

Prevent lice infestation with special care

The fact is that it basically does no harm to wipe the leaves of the dragon tree with a damp, soft cloth about once a week. Afterwards, they not only shine more beautifully after being freed from dust, but adhering pests are also simply wiped off. Mealybugs in particular only feel comfortable on the leaves and in the leaf axils of the dragon tree when they find relatively warm and dry conditions. It is therefore advisable to prevent these pests with the following measures:

  • do not place the dragon tree on a windowsill over a radiator
  • keep the humidity in the room high
  • dust the leaves regularly with a fine mist of water

This is how you fight sprawling colonies of lice on a dragon tree

Once a dragon tree has been caught and masses of tiny, white mealybugs or brownish scale insects can be found on the leaves, gentler methods can be used in addition to the chemical mace. First wash off the attached lice with a damp cloth or rinse the plant. The best way to deal with really intensive lice infestation is to use two sponges and a soft soap solution by pulling individual leaves between the two sponges soaked in them.

tips

Unfortunately, even after a thorough cleaning of the leaves, the lice often spread again on a dragon tree. Not infrequently, spared lice crawl up from the soil in the pot to the leaves. Rely on the so-called hydroponics to prevent this danger.

Category:

Indoor plants