Question
I believe I have a leatherleaf fern, but I'm not 100% sure.

It's growing well, but just this past week I've noticed sugar like crystals on the stems. The crystals are whitish in color. The plant seems no worse for it, but I was wondering what this is and should I be concerned?


Answer
Kevin,

It sounds like sand or fertilizer to me. I don't think it is anything to worry about.

The following website has pictures of leatherleaf fern:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=leatherleaf%20fern&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&ta...

If that is not what you have I suspect you may have what is called cardboard palm. The following website has pictures of cardboard palms.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.denverplants.com/foliage/image...

If your plant is the cardboard palm be very careful not to overwater it, let it dry out really well between waterings. If those are not your plant send me a picture and I will try to identify it. Good luck.

Darlene