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White stuff on cat palm

Jonathan Gexter

3 months ago

last modified: 3 months ago

I'm sure others have posted already, but comments suggest to start a new post. Can someone help me identify this white stuff so I can research treatment? This is about two months after having recovered from some other brown bugs that I treated with an insecticide :(

It seems to be making its way up the leaves from the bottom....

And on a side note... the stems leaves are very sticky and I'm wondering if the following is just pollen or dust that somehow makes its way indoors (in the winter??) and gets stuck, or is it also connected to the white stuff?

Thanks!!

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 months ago
Although the photos are not the best, I believe you have mealy bugs. They are a type of sucking insect that saps the plant's vitality and can cause stunting and leaf drop. Like most other sucking insects, they excrete honeydew, a sweet sticky substance that can coat the foliage and stems and encourage the growth of sooty mold or the black substance you see on the lower stems and at the base of the plant.

Mealy Bugs
Jonathan Gexter thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Jonathan Gexter
Original Author
3 months ago
Thanks, so hard to get good photos because they are so small. I tried again with my friend's DSLR, and reposted with those images... that's the best I can do without a macro lense.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 months ago
I agree on the mealy bugs. But imo your last photo shows a wind borne seed that has blown and stuck to the honeydew.
Jonathan Gexter thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 months ago
Agree with all of the above. If it was mine, I would get some strong rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, and Q-tips and start cleaning. The alcohol will remove the bugs an the sooty mold.
Jonathan Gexter thanked Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

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