White Crust on Dracaena Soil: Salt Buildup, Not Mold—And How to Fix Brown Tips

Identify the "Mold"

White, crusty, irregular deposits on soil surface and pot rim = salt accumulation from hard water/fertilizer. True mold has threadlike structures (hyphae) and colors (brown, gray, yellow, bright yellow).

If It's Salt (Most Likely)

1. Soak entire pot in water overnight to dissolve salts.
2. Scrape dried salts from pot sides.
3. Brown leaf tips = salt burn or chlorine toxicity.

If It's Fungus

Scoop off top layer, replace with fresh potting mix. Most soil fungi are harmless decomposers.

Water Quality Fix

Let tap water sit overnight to dissipate chlorine before watering.