Question
I bought this plant from Home Depot, I think, any way it is a type of palm plant.  It kind of looks like there is a partial pineapple at the bottem, this is where all the stems come out of. The stems then have the individual long needles coming out of them.  It was growing very well, and gets plenty of light.  However, I just noticed that it has developed a white poedery substance at the base where all the stems come out and also on the back and sides of some of the stems and needles.  Is this a disease, and if so how should I treat it.  I really like this plant and do not want to loose it.  I also have a rosemary tree and am having a hard time with it.  How often should you feed it and is there any thing special I should be doing for it?
Thanks, Patty

Answer
Hi Patty,

Let's start by getting a proper ID for your plant because that matters. I suspect you have a sago palm, but I need confirmation. I also believe that your plant may have mealybugs. Is the white stuff soft and cotton-like?

If you can email a photo of the plant and the white stuff to me at [email protected], then I can ID your plant and the white stuff. As an alternative, you can do an online search for both of these and see if they match what you have.

Also, are you growing your rosemary tree inside or outside? How large is it?

In any case, I look forward to your reply so I can help you further.

Will Creed