King Palm Pink Scaling: Fungal Disease or Scale Insects?

One of my double king palms has pink scaling with powdery residue and odd smell. Nursery advised cutting it down and reducing water. Is this right? How often should I water king palms?

Two Possible Problems

1. Fungal Leaf Disease

• Pink coloration on individual leaflets/fronds
• No insects visible
• Favored by excess moisture, poor air flow

2. Scale Insects

• Oval bumps, scrapable with fingernail
• May have pinkish cottony covering
• Produce honeydew (sticky residue)

Critical: Diagnose First

Send photos (via Allexperts attachment) for accurate ID. Treatment differs completely:

• Fungus: Copper fungicide, improve air flow, reduce irrigation
• Scale: Systemic imidacloprid soil drench

King Palm Watering

Established: Deep soak weekly in dry season. New plantings: 2–3×/week first year. Never let sit in water. Palms hate wet feet.

Don't cut it down until diagnosed. Many palm issues are treatable.