Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 10/29/2009

Question
I recently cut down my 10-year old dracaena (itself a cutting from a much older plant).  About a week later I noticed that the stump end had developed some type of fungus (thick white fuzzy coating). This has never happened in all the years I've been cutting down my dracaenas. I cut another inch off the top of the stump but it appears to be happening again. (In the meantime, the cutting was potted and seems to be doing just fine.)

Any help?

Answer
Debbie,

Because this has been such a wet year there is a lot os mold and fungus spores in the air in a lot of areas. I would spray the top of the stump lightly with Lysol spray every other day for 3 times. Then if you see any more mold spray it again. Be careful not to keep the stump too wet. No, I do not have stock in Lysol and you can use the generic spray, I have and it works just as well to kill the spores. I have used this to kill many fungal attacks on houseplants as long as I use it in the early stages, spray it at least every other day lightly until the problem resolves itself.  It works and does not cause allergy problems like other fungicides used indoors can. Good luck.

Darlene