Question
I purchased a palmtree from lowe's I think it is a pygmy date plant although I am not certain in ways it has white stuff on the leaves in the center where new palms would be sprouting from. I am pretty sure it is not bugs, because I can scrap off the white stuff with my finger nail and it looks like someone painted on my palm more than bugs, fungus? I live in the desert where it gets 105 degrees it gets water at 9pm and again at 5am. I tried the rubbing alcohol thing not sure it did anything. If you have any answers I would appreciate any help. I love my palm I really don't want to lose it.


Answer
It sounds like a scale insect known as "Aucalaspis Scale",but it usually infests a Cycad called the "King Sago"; I have never seen it on Pygmy Dates before. If it is indeed this scale insect, then you need to take immediate and proper action; spray the palm with a Horticultural Oil coupled with an insecticidal drench (Bayer Rose and flower drench). The scale will continue to multiply as it feeds on the Palm if nothing is done. If you can send me an image, it will help a lot.