What is the white stuff on my pygmy date palm?

Answer by  SARAAN (46)

The white stuff found may be mealy bugs. The best treatment to do is o spray a mixture of equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. This must be continued for a few days to avoid the eggs hatching. Rinse the leaves with water after a day of spraying.

Answer by  lorel (274)

Most likely any white stuff on a plant, unless it is paint or some foreign substance that was put there by human activity, is some kind of mold or fungus. Plants living in non-native environments are particularly susceptible to fungus infection.

Answer by  bovineovine (112)

That white stuff is most likely called powdery mildew. Its a form of a fungus. It is caused by water hitting and staying on the leaves rather then the soil. It is similar to Athlete's foot in humans. (ew. ) An easy way to rid yourself of this is soap and water on a rag. Wipe it down; let dry.

Answer by  Dana46 (2345)

White stuff could be caused by a number of problems, including mold or fungus. If the plant is getting a lot of moisture with little sunlight this is likely the problem. Move the plant to a place where it gets at least a few hours of natural sunlight and plenty of fresh air and it should be resolved.

Answer by  sanesh (86)

The most common insect problem sagos have are scale insects. The magnolia white scale being the most common. Recently pygmy date palms ,have a scale from Asia that serious. To date nothing has been able to condition. The affected cycads are coated with a white crust. Scales will suck all the juices out of leaves and the palm will die