Question
Hello! First off, I have a baby baby TINY sago palm that I have had for a while now- it is growing slowly but has just spit out 5 new fuzzy little fronds. It is perfectly healthy! So I bought a second sago palm one week ago from lowes (the same place I bought my first one), and potted it so I could have one on each side of my door. I keep them outside, I live on the very east coast of NC where it is warm adn very humid. Today I was inspecting them, and my new sago has a green build-up all over it's spiny bulb/trunk. I spread the leaves open a bit to look in towards the center, and there were little new fronds coming out that are all shriveled up, cripsy and BROWN! I guess my question is, can this be a mildew or fungus that has stopped it from growing new fronds? I did not notice this green stuff in the store. It only has 3 big fronds (my little one has 5, and is making 5 more), but they look really healthy except that they stick straight up (too little sun I think). I do not want this plant to die or to kill my other one if it is dying! What do you think it is and what do you perscribe? Thanks so much, Amy

Answer
The green stuff may be algae, especially if the plants are in a somewhat shaded area.  This would not harm the plant.  The crispy fronds are not good.  Give it some time to see if it puts out more.  The fronds will stick straight up when young.  As it matures the fronds will lay down.  They will do this at each new flush of growth.  I do no think you have anything to worry about transferring from the new to the old plant.  Good Luck.