Question
Palm ?
Good morning
I have a small palm plant not sure what it's called would appreciate if you could identify it for me will attach a picture.My problem is that with every new frond that comes out their always seems to be this reddish brown residue on it. I can scrape it off with my finger nail.I have use a little soapy water and also tried alcohol it goes away with that but once a new frond starts up it's on there again.Please help
Thanking you in advance Carol
AnswerCarol,
It is either a the Kentia palm, the botanical name is Howea Fosteriana, Or it is a Majesty Palm, the botanical name is Ravenea glauca or Ravenea rivularis. It depends on what the base of the palm looks like. If you air is very humid or if you tend to overwater it may be a mold or fungus. If it is mold the only solution would be to dry the air out a bit and cut back on the amount of water you give the plant. Make sure the top 2 inches of soil are dry before you water again.
If your air is very humid the redish brown stuff sounds may be a type of mold or fungus that may be in the soil. If the air is very dry it could be the eggs of spider mites. Have you seen webbing on the plant ever? If so I wouldd bet on spider mites. If you think it is spider mites you need to spray rubbing alcohol on the plant thoroughly and especially let it run down that center where the new growth comes from. Spray the plant twice a week for a month or two untill you see no more signs of mites. Good luck.
Darlene
