Iron chlorosis on dracaena sanderiana

Abstract

A study of a chlorosis on Dracaena sanderiana in Puerto Rico disclosed the following facts: 1. The chlorosis which consists of a yellowing of the younger rather than the older leaves of the sanderiana is caused by a lack of available iron. 2. The chlorosis was found in soils with pH's ranging from 4.2 to 7.5 and with textures from loamy sands to heavy clays. It was more prevalent on poorly drained soils. 3. The use of ferrous sulfate sprays gave unsatisfactory results because of a spotting or uneven greening of the leaf and an unsightly residue which could be removed only with difficulty by washing. 4. The use of Fe-EDTA (12 percent as metallic iron), an organic iron complex as a spray (1 pound per 100 gallons) gave satisfactory control without leaving any spray residues or causing spotting. 5. Fe-EDTA gave satisfactory results when applied to the roots in solution, but took longer to work than did the Fe-EDTA spray. 6. General recommendations are given for the control of iron chlorosis in sanderianas