Here's the sick guy -

And a close up view -

I have sprayed with Bayer Tree and Shrub to no avail. Alcohol did nothing before that. Should I behead the plant. Dig up the whole thing?

In addition to know what the heck is going on, I don't want it to spread to other plants. This is in a alcove with a large skylight. Most of these plants have been there for over 20 years - even tho they are not in the best spots for their best growth.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

Think it either scale(by appearance) or some kind of mite(similar to aloe mite whose damage results in distorted growth). If you behead , make sure that the stems are clean.

But prior to that,id rather you take a closer look at the rosette center , and see what is bothering the plant , so to know how to treat...

Thanks, Stefan. I won't be devastated if I lose this plant. I have several of them and I can start more, as they root easily for me.

Here's the shape of the overall plant - the top looks smashed.

The leaves in the center look like they break off easily.

There are a few of those brown spots on the leaves, but I have those on all of my Dracaena, different types. I think it is from high humidity and rain at this time of year. It is not scale, tho. Can't be removed from the leaves.

I did find mealies on my other plants. That's why I sprayed this one with Bayer at the same time. The others are now fine, but not this one.

I did try to shake the top of the plant over paper. I did not get any little critters that way, but some leaves did break. These guys withstand hurricanes, so it is not normal for the leaves to be that brittle.

Thanks again!