Knowledgebase

Dracaena and Yucca #820790

Asked February 21, 2023, 7:59 AM EST

I've recently noticed these white spots and streaks on my indoor plants. Otherwise they seem healthy. Is it some sort of powdery mildew? The spots and streaks come off easily with a dust cloth. What should I do to treat these plants? Is there condition something that could spread to other plants?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

While it doesn't appear to be a disease or pest from the photos, we suggest trying to wipe all the leaves off and seeing if it comes back. If it does not wipe off all the way it could suggest thrip damage or mealy bug damage. To our knowledge it isn't likely that it is powdery mildew on an indoor plant. You could also try to hose it off in the shower and wipe the leaves if this helps. 

The other idea we had, is to ask if the plants are misted with water or fertilizer, because the spots do look like mineral deposits that sometimes collects on leaves for this. 

Let us know if they return after trying to clean them off or if you have misted the leaves. If we can help further, we will try other suggestions.

Emily 

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 21, 2023, 1:18 PM EST

Thank you for responding to my query, Emily.  And thank you as well for responding to the one submitted by my friend, David Marwick, about the color change in his amaryllis.  Because I am a Master Gardener, people often ask me plant-related questions.  If I don't know the answer - as is often the case - I refer them to ask extension.

On Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 1:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied February 21, 2023, 1:45 PM EST

Absolutely! Not sure we had the most straight forward answers, but let us know if you find out more info!

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 21, 2023, 1:51 PM EST

Loading ...