Madagascar Dragon Tree leaf problem?

I have had a Madagascar Dragon Tree indoor plant (Dracaena marginata... I think) for about a year now, but recently it has began developing speckled patches of small light brownish spots on its leaves. The spots appear along the length of the leaves (I'm not referring to drying leaf tips) and they tend to be on the newer leaves, not the older leaves. The plant was perfect when purchased and has never been repotted although some fresh topsoil (house plant compost) was added. I'm pretty sure that I am not over-watering the plant.





Any ideas or solutions will be most appreciated.

Madagascar Dragon Tree leaf problem?
It is possible that the damage you've described is due to overwatering. Another remote possibility is an infectious disease (leaf spots). Maintain good nutrient levels if diseased.








Soft-bodied sucking insects are a third possible cause. Look at the under side of the leaves as these insecs like to feed there. They prefer succulent, new growth. I think that aphids or mealybugs are the most likely candidates. For control, follow the recommendations in the following links: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4...


http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4...





Pic of Madagascar Dragon tree with mealybug damage: http://www.plant-care.com/images/dracaen...








General care:





Tolerant of many soil types, but it is best to have a well drained soil that is moisture retentive.


Planting medium can consist of peat and bark .


Preferrs a pH level of 5.5 to 6.0 (acidic)


Has relatively high trace element requirements. so use a fertilzer with trace elements.


Maximum temperatures are 75 to 90°F, keep night temperatures at 60°F or above to avoid damage.


Cold damage occurs between 30 and 35°F.


Moderate to heavy feeders.


Apply a fertilizer source of 200 ppm N every watering.


Allow plants to dry between waterings, then irrigate thoroughly





Additional Info: Foliar sprays of Boron are used for a condition called flecking. Flecking is white spots near leaf tips and emerging roots. Chlorosis is caused by nutrient deficencies, not water on the leaves. Fusarium moniliforme produces tan spots, sometimes with an orange or yellow halos on the leaf. There is no recommended cure other than to maintain high levels of nutrients in soil.
Reply:The answer is completely useless and has paid little attention to the detail on my question. Aphids or mealybugs are NOT the most likely candidates as you suggest Report It

Reply:Ahhhh,your plant may be suffering from something called Fusarium moniliforme,or leaf spots.Sometimes the leaves can have chlorotic spots on it because water gets on to the eaves, so be careful to water directly into the soil.It can also be caused by a combination of environmental and nutritional factors.


Foliar sprays of boron and trace elements may reduce problem.Maintain high levels of nutrients in soil


Hope this helps.