Heidi,

Are the tips of the leaves browning as well? Sounds like you have a fungal rot. Try treating it with Mancozeb or similar. At present I am having a big problem with scale on my Cordylines, this is the result of ants carrying them onto the plant. This can also weaken the plants dramatically even to the point of collapse.

Andrew.

Hi Heidi,
You have the dreaded fusarium in your cords, It is probably due to the wet summer, sometimes the disease takes quite a while to appear. Spraying with a copper spray does the trick, however it does leaves a residue, but this will eventually wash off. I have heard there is also a good rememdy using bleach and water, but I don't have the recipe at the moment I will try to get it and pass it on. Don't worry the cordylines will bounce back, but will probably send up shoots each side of the damaged head. If you don't like that look, once spring comes, cut them back and pot up the cane. The scale (Mussel scale) Coral Coast mentioned is all over North Qld. and it may become a huge problem, crotons are also affected and probably many others. As yet it does not appear to be in SE Qld.

Tamoure, Does anyone know where this scale originated from?
Is it new? Already we have the rust on frangipanis from the U.S. I'd hate to think of another one. Don

Apparently the DPI are not concerned about the scale problem. Their reaction was that this scale has been around for a very long time. Perhaps, the wet summer which followed years of drought have allowed this pest to multiply at such a rapid rate. Personally I have never seen it before. Control of ants is vital in combatting this pest.