Mystery Growth in Dracaena Soil: Fungus or Mealybug Eggs?

White “eggs” coating the soil of a recently repotted Dracaena are likely either fungal spores (mushroom mycelium) or mealybug eggs. The fact they washed off easily suggests fungus.

Immediate Steps

1. You did right: removed the plant, rinsed roots, repotted in sterile soil in a clean pot.
2. Do not use a larger pot—excess soil stays wet and causes rot.
3. Spray soil surface daily with Lysol (or generic equivalent) for 1–2 weeks to kill fungal spores.

Monitor

If white growth returns and looks like cottony clusters, it’s mealybugs. Drench soil with straight rubbing alcohol weekly for 10 weeks (empty drainage tray after each). But fungal spores are more likely.

Keep the plant warm, bright, and on the dry side. No fertilizer until recovered.