Dracaena Reflexa 'Anita' Mealybug Treatment

Stephanie's year-old Dracaena 'Anita' shows small white specks on trunk, otherwise healthy. Likely mealybugs (cottony appearance) rather than mold.

Mealybug Identification

Look for cottony masses at leaf joints and along stems. If specks are hard/shell-like, it's scale. If soft/cottony and stationary, mealybugs. Mold would have soft, mushy trunk areas.

Alcohol Wipe + Spray Protocol

1. Dip cotton balls in rubbing alcohol; wipe all visible mealybugs off trunk and leaf joints.
2. Spray entire plant (leaf tops/bottoms, stems, soil surface) with alcohol every 3 days for a month.
3. Consistency is critical—missed treatments allow egg hatch and reinfestation.

If Actually Mold

Move to drier location, ensure no standing water, dry thoroughly between waterings, spray with Lysol every 3 days for a month.

Mealybugs are far more common on Dracaena. The wipe+spray method is highly effective when done thoroughly.