King Palm Rusty Spots: Likely Scale, Send Photos

Symptom Analysis

Rusty spots → dark brown whole leaf → black rub-off spots = severe scale infestation. Black spots = sooty mold on honeydew. Scales removable with fingernail; no leaf damage underneath.

Water Hypothesis

Lawn irrigation may keep root zone too wet → stress → scale susceptibility. Moving to slope = good drainage idea.

Action

1. Email photos: jdcawly@mckendree.edu for confirmation.
2. If scale: Horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid drench.
3. Move in fall: Cooler temps reduce transplant shock.

Photos will confirm scale vs. fungal vs. nutrient. Scale is most likely given black rub-off spots.