Question
Hi,
I have two Majesty Palms on my front porch with black mold on them. What should I do to help? I've tried soapy water and plant oil.
I also have a palm in my living room with scales (scaby looking) on it. What should I do? I tried the same on it with no success.

Answer
Hi Jetta, the black mold is called "sooty mold", it is considered an innocous fungus that is feeding off the secretions left behind from feeding insects (scale, aphids, mites etc.). rid the plant of the insects and mold will disappear too. The oil should have taken care of the scale, but try regular household Isoprophyl Alcohol, swab it on the backsides of the fronds, and let it sit overnight; the next morning take your palm outside (if feasable) and with your hose, wash off all the dead insects and residual alchohol. The mold will disappear over time if left to its own devices (there being no more secretions to feed on) however, you can accelerate the process by loosening it with a sponge and then washing it off. Nick