Question
Hi Will,
Thanks for your response.  My plant is indoors. The bug is very tiny, hardly visible, unless you look very closely. I would say they are much smaller than a pin head, and I have seen them move.

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Followup To

Question -
Hello, I have a ponytial plant about 4 years old.  Its in a 10" pot about 16 inches high.  It suddenly has tiny black bugs on its leaves and Im not sure what kind of bugs they are and how to treat the plant.  I have been showering, the leaves only, every other day with warm water, but it dosent seem to help.  Any suggestions?
Thank you
Maria

Answer -
Hi Maria,

Ponytails are quite pest resistant and there are few pests that attracted to them or will cause them damage. I need a few questions to be able to properly ID the pests.

Is your ponytail indoors or outdoors?

Please describe the black bugs. Do they fly? Do they move? How big are they?

Will Creed

Answer
Thanks, Maria.

Your description does not fit any pest that feeds on a ponytail palm. Scale insects appear as small, slightly raised bumps, but they do not move visibly to the naked eye. Thus, that is not what you have. They are probably some local insect that have landed and are resting on your palm and are of little concern.

I suggest that you spray your plant with a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol, and a squirt of liquid soap. That should remove the bugs and I would be surprised if they return.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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