Dracaena — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

Brown/yellow leaf tips and margins (scorched)

Likely cause: Fluoride sensitivity — from high-fluoride soil or fertilizer.

Fix: Avoid soils heavy in perlite and superphosphate fertilizers; keep soil pH 6.0-6.5.

Leaf tips/margins burn or yellow

Likely cause: Over-fertilization.

Fix: Feed only monthly in spring/summer with liquid foliage-plant fertilizer.

Sudden loss of many leaves

Likely cause: Temperature changes, drafts, overwatering, poor drainage, or heavy pests.

Fix: Keep 60-70°F days, avoid drafts, adjust watering, treat pests.

Pests (scale, mites)

Likely cause: Common indoor pests.

Fix: Inspect regularly and treat as needed.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.