Question
Hello,  Ponytail Palm plant; 10" pot 5" deep; I only have northeast windows(lately there hasn't been any sun); hasn't been reppotted since i bought it.  I noticed several days ago that there was a powdery white substance on the stems and where the leaves start.  In the last two days it just kind of took over and now its almost everywhere except the new growth.  There also has been a couple leaves that look a little black.  I have been trying to reasearch this for the last couple of days and now Im more confused than ever.  I dont know if it a mold or a disease or an insect infestation so i have no idea how to get rid of it.  Ive asked a few people and ive been told to let it go a dry out but its already dry, Ive been told to spray it with lysol, wipe it off with alcohol , wipe it off with water, and do take the whole plant and run water over it.  So im not doing anything right now and its just getting worse.  So my question is what is this and how do i get rid of it?  THanks lindsay    Im sending you pictures

Answer
Hi Lindsay,

Thanks for the photos. It appears that the white stains are either pesticidal residue left over from the greenhouse sprayings or mineral deposits from hard water.

Try mixing a little vinegar and water with a squirt of liquid soap. Spray the leaves, then wipe them off with a soft cloth or paper towels. It may require a little elbow grease!

If your local tap water is on the hard side, then water your plants with filtered, distilled or rainwater. And if you mist your plants, make the same switch.

Will Creed