The dragon tree is a very popular houseplant, not least because it is considered quite easy to care for. Sometimes, however, an infestation with scale insects or mealybugs requires courageous intervention.
How can you combat and prevent lice on the dragon tree?
To combat lice on the dragon tree, you can wipe the plant with a damp cloth to remove the pests. If the infestation is severe, use a soft soap solution and two sponges. Regular spraying of the leaves and a higher humidity in the room help as a preventive measure.
Identify lice on the dragon tree early on
In contrast to many other plant pests, lice are often not immediately visible to the naked eye in the partially shaded location of a dragon tree. Only when the infestation increases does more serious damage appear on the leaves in the form of yellow spots. At this point, the leaves of the dragon tree are often already covered with the white spider threads of mealy bugs that can no longer be overlooked. The earlier a louse infestation is discovered on a dragon tree, the less it can affect plant growth if it is thoroughly combated.
Prevent louse infestation through special care
The fact is that it basically doesn't hurt to wipe the leaves of the dragon tree with a damp, soft cloth about once a week. Afterwards, when they are freed from dust, they not only shine more beautifully again, but any attached 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 above a radiator
- keep the humidity in the room high
- dust the leaves regularly with a fine mist of water
How to combat sprawling louse colonies on a dragon tree
Once a dragon tree has been hit and the tiny, white mealy bugs or the brownish scale insects can be discovered on the leaves in large numbers, in addition to the chemical club, somewhat gentler methods can also be used. First wash off the resident lice with a damp cloth or shower the plant. The best way to deal with really intensive louse infestations is to use two sponges and a soft soap solution (€4.00 on Amazon) by pulling individual leaves between the two sponges soaked with them.
Tip
Unfortunately, even after the leaves have been thoroughly cleaned, the lice often spread again on a dragon tree. It is not uncommon for lice that have been spared from the soil in the pot to crawl up to the leaves. Rely on so-called hydroponics to prevent this danger.