Question
I have a corn cane that has been in the family for about 12 years.  My wife added 2 new canes to achieve fullness.  Almost immediately one of the new canes produced a very fragrant flower that was quite sappy. We let it dry out then cut it off.  During the drying process is when a white fluffy "dust" started to appear.  This has spread to all the leaves.  I have taken it outside today to spray it off.  Do I have a concern with a mite of some sort?

Answer
Do you think the fluffy stuff may be pollen from the dried flower.  See if it will wash off first.  There could be other possible reasons as well.  Spider mites will cause spider web like structures, but the leaves would dry up with such an infestation.  The other cause could be cottony scale but the leaves would also turn brown with that infestation.  The last is powdery mildew, which I dont think occurs on cane type plants.  If you suspect an insect, use Safer's Insecticidal Soap and treat the plant about every 3-4 days for a total of 3 applications and see if the problem goes away.  Let me know what you think.  Good Luck.