---
title: "Are these black specks on the dried out pieces of sheath along the…"
description: "Are these black specks on the dried out pieces of sheath along the stem of my Dracaena gold dust/Florida beauty normal? Looks like it could be dirt. Haven’t…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/BAlhcvNhQzatWyxRCJGLLA/6421ec6831c76a01d3cd0be5"
community: "Foliage Plant Haven"
author: "Kaela W"
published: "2023-03-27T19:20:08.277Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ynXPN-oFubej86MRr2AAcls6vZoAL7l9KBbHzXiFcU0/d7788616b9ad4f889d9baf67ec7028dd.webp?size=large"
---

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# Are these black specks on the dried out pieces of sheath along the…

_Posted by Kaela W on 2023-03-27_

Are these black specks on the dried out pieces of sheath along the stem of my Dracaena gold dust/Florida beauty normal? Looks like it could be dirt. Haven’t seen any movement, really hoping it’s not pests!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ynXPN-oFubej86MRr2AAcls6vZoAL7l9KBbHzXiFcU0/d7788616b9ad4f889d9baf67ec7028dd.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Hiya! commented on 2023-03-27

Hard to say…could be pest poops. I would see if I could remove them. Then spray down stem, leaves and soil. I’ve been using the newish Neem MAX by Bonide and it seems to be doing a great job for my plants regarding all types of pests.

#### Tracy replied on 2023-03-28

Do you use neem as preventive maintenance or treatment of an infestation, personally? I’m curious about it. 👀

#### Kaela W replied on 2023-03-29

I personally use neem for prevention and insecticidal soap for treatment

### Lucyfern commented on 2023-03-28

If it’s grown in a little higher humidity it might just be some benign mold growing on those dry small leaves

### ADDeejay commented on 2023-03-28

Looks like mold.

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