Corn Plant (Dracaena) Stem Rot: Soft Rot Bacteria from Insect Wound

6-ft Dracaena fragrans with moldy smell from one stalk, holes in new growth after porch exposure — insect chewing created wound → soft rot bacteria (Erwinia/Pectobacterium) invasion.

Disease Process

1. Outdoor placement → insect feeding (caterpillar/beetle) → wounds
2. Bacteria enter wounds → soft rot (foul smell, mushy tissue, water-soaked appearance)
3. Smell = bacterial metabolites (putrescine, cadaverine)
4. Mold may colonize secondarily (musty smell, spores at high humidity)

Emergency Action

1. PRUNE affected stalk at base — prevent spread to healthy stalk
2. Sterilize tools between cuts
3. Keep dry: No rain, no overhead water, low humidity
4. Monitor healthy stalk for symptoms

Why Not Fungicide

Bacterial soft rot — fungicides don't work. Copper bactericide might slow but can't cure established stem rot. Pruning is only effective control.

Prevention

• Inspect before moving outdoors
• Quarantine new plants
• Immediate wound treatment (cinnamon powder, hydrogen peroxide)
• Indoor placement = lower pest pressure

Sacrifice one stalk to save the plant. Dracaenas often resprout from base.