Identification: Indoor palm pest

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by Cathy Williams, Feb 3, 2019.

  1. Cathy Williams

    Cathy Williams New Member

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    Hobart, Australia
    Hi,
    I’d be most grateful for assistance identifying a white-grey, (sort of) fluffy pest that is very hard to rub off two of my indoor palms a bungalow palm and possibly a lady palm). It appears primarily on the stems but also along the ridge of some fronds. It does not appear to be affecting the underneath of the fronds. I have had mealy bugs on other plants but this does not appear to mealy bugs. The substance when I am able to scratch it off is not sticky.
    Although some fronds are browning from the tips, I suspect this is because they have been sunburnt or overwatered thanks to the overloving of some house guests.
    I live in Hobart, Australia. It is currently summer where we experience a cooler summer compared to the mainland (around 23-30C) but currently are suffering unusual levels of ash from bushfires and higher tenperatures which would be stressing the plants further.
    Any identification and remedy would be appreciated.
    Cat
     

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  2. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    For lady palm, Rhapis excelsa, that white stuff in the second photo looks normal. See one of the photos at
    Rhapis excelsa | Identifying Commonly Cultivated Palms.

    Bangalow palm would be Archontophoenix cunninghamiana; a similar palm is Archontophoenix alexandrae.
    A. cunninghamiana does not have silver scales on the bottom side of the leaves, whereas A. alexandrae would have.
    See http://www.palmbeachpalmcycadsociety.com/palms/documents/ArchontophoenixCunninghamiana.pdf and
    Archontophoenix alexandrae | Identifying Commonly Cultivated Palms

    I don't really know these trees, so someone else could chime in here. I just thought the second photo looked similar to what I have seen on some normal palm leaves.
     
  3. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    The frond in the second photo looks much like those on my Chamaerops humilis. I'm not familiar with the other palm but the substance looks like natural growth.
     

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