Question

Plam&Disease   I need to identify this palm in order to work out the optimum conditions for it, becasue it has a disease (flaky, white spots/scales on leaves and stems - they can be rubbed off with the finger but leave some white staining).
I have attached a picture of the plant and the diseease.

The plant is in a centrally heated room in Germany (i tell you this for the climate zone), it is on a wheeled stand and can be moved closer or further from direct sun coming in the window. It seems to be watered correctly.

The disease is widespread but not yet dense.
I'd be grateful with help identifying the specific palm and the disease.

Answer
Hi Neil,

Your Palm is an Areca Palm and it has a serious mealybug infestation.

Mix a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part isopropyl alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key is to thoroughly spray the entire plant. All leaf and stem surfaces must be dripping wet with the spray solution. It is also important to get the spray down inside the narrow spaces at the base of the plant where the fronds attach to the stems. Mealybugs like to breed in out of the way locations, so thoroughness is the key to success here. Because of the seriousness of the infestation, I suggest you re-treat the Areca again in a week.

Areca Palms are not one of the more hardy Palms species when used indoors. They need lots of very bright, but mostly indirect sunlight all day. Right in front of a north or east window that is completely uncovered is the best location for light. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry in between thorough waterings. Raised humidity and good air circulation from a fan or open window are also beneficial, but often not practical. Do your best with your Areca, but keep your expectations low.

I have written articles on Palm care and indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at:
A link to HorticulturalHelp.com

or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com