Hi there, I've got these yellowish spores growing on my palm tree. I'm pretty sure it's a fungus, here are the pics. My mom, the greenest thumb I know, told me that I could just spray with some soap and water and it'd go away? The tree looked a lot worse this morning too, I hosed it down some out side, this fungus was pretty caked on. Am I treating this wrong?
Re: Palm / fungus identification Looks like a scale infestation. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BQL8UY
Re: Palm / fungus identification You've got a Boisduval scale infestation, in my experience removing by hand with rubbing alcohol is more effective than insectidal soap for these critters! http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/PDF/Johnson-Scale.pdf
Re: Palm / fungus identification Works for me - and the rubbing alcohol won't hurt the plant at all? Definitely making sure it won't get into the soil at all, but just want to be sure.
Re: Palm / fungus identification None of my plants have suffered ill effects from the rubbing alcohol. It takes more time than spraying with insecticidal soap, but in my opinion it's more effective and well worth it! Good luck : ) ~Rachel
I have had leaf damage from alcohol on 2 of my plants, not palms I think though. I remove the hard scale first by a very sharp blast of water spray from the "flat" setting on a standard 7-way hose nozzel at home centers. I use my hand to support the leaf so I can get a closer blast. Washing the leaves outdoors every time you water will also make it much harder for the bugs to propogate.
