The trunk of my new palm has some kind of white powdery substance on it. I don't know what it is or what to do about it. Can you suggest what I should do?
I think your P.roebelenii has a case of the mealy bugs. Get a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and dab it on each insect, Watch out for very sharp spines..(from the palm). If your problem is bigger than that I suggest spraying a horticulture oil like Neem or safers soap. If all else fails look for any Cryptolaemus beetles they eat mealy bugs for breakfast.