Question
Hi Tracy,

I'm hoping you can help me with a Pygmy Date Palm that seems to have developed a disease.

I bought it about 3 months ago.  I noticed then that it had some white chalky spots on some of its lower leaves, but didn't think much of it.  Recently the spots have become fluffy/cottony and have spread over many of the leaves, even at their base near the trunk. Some are covered nearly all over. The spots are on both the top and underside of the leaves. (I can't seem to get a decent photo - sorry)

It's otherwise doing well - it's grown a few new leaves since we got it.  The plant is potted and kept indoors.

Could it be fungus or mealy bug?  If so, could you help me with treatment?  I also have a potted Ficus Benjamina nearby; should I keep them apart?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,
Monica

Answer
Hi Monica,
  Yes, you should keep all other plants away from this plant. However it may be too late and they are already infected.
The problem is not fungus or disease. Your plant has mealy bugs.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied, oval shaped, scale like insects with many legs. Mealybugs are covered by a sticky, white, cottony looking substance that extends out from it's body like short filaments. Mealybugs can be a problem to get rid of because the cottony substance often protects the insect from pesticides. The best way to get rid of Mealybugs is to pick them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Be sure to check all little crevices, folds and grooves on both the leaves and stems. Also check the pot and the area immediate surrounding the pot (such as a window sill) as well as the plant for eggs.
Since the infestation is so bad you may need to also use a systemic insecticide. A systemic insecticide is a insecticide that works by getting absorbed into the plant and distributed throughout all parts the plant. When an insect feeds on the plant it is poisoned. Systemic insecticides are especially good for severe infestations or reoccurring insect problems. There are two forms of systemic insecticides, one is a granule that gets mixed into the soil and is taken up into the plant by the roots. This form of systemic takes time to take effect, often 5-10 days. The other form is spray systemics. This form of systemic is sprayed onto the plant's leaves and is absorbed into the plant. This form works like a spray insecticide, killing insects on contact, then works as a systemic for lasting control.

It usually doesn't take very long for such a high population of insects to damage a plant beyond it's ability to recover. The most important thing in dealing with an insect problem on houseplants is quick, effective treatment. Be sure to check ALL of your other plants carefully for any sign of any kind of insect presence (not just Mealy Bugs).

Here is a link to a guide I wrote on insect control on houseplants. It has a lot of information on the most common insects found on houseplants, the different methods of controlling them and the different kinds of insecticides commonly used.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Insect-Control-On-Houseplants_W0QQugidZ10000000004625662

If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
      Thanks
          Tracy