Are spider mites harmful to my Dragon Tree?

They suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes yellowing or leaf drop if left untreated.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from others to prevent the mites from spreading to your other houseplants.

Dragon Tree: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for fine webbing near the joints of the leaves.
Wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to see if any residue comes off.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny white webs between leaves or small yellow dots on the foliage. The leaves may look dusty or dull.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The air in your home is very dry, which encourages mites to move in. The leaves may look brittle or pale.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help deter these pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dragon tree

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, the infestation is advanced and requires immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they multiply quickly in dry air.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down monthly and maintain a consistent humidity level. Avoid placing your plant near heating vents that dry out the air.

Dragon Tree: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dragon tree and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are spider mites harmful to my Dragon Tree?: They suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes yellowing or leaf drop if left untreated.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from others to prevent the mites from spreading to your other houseplants.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I get rid of pests on my Dragon Tree?