Mealybugs on Palm: Not Fungus, Treat with Alcohol or Brand X Cleaner

Will Creed: It's mealybugs, not fungus. Young mealybugs lack cottony coating and hide in crevices. Spray all surfaces to drip point. Non-toxic: Brand X foliage cleaner (silicon-based, penetrates crevices) from Southwest Plantscape Products (800-333-7977). Or 1:5 rubbing alcohol:water + squirt liquid soap, spray thoroughly, repeat in 5–7 days, then weekly checks. Test on few leaves first. Never spray in sun or >75°F.