Question
Hello, I have a medium sized palm tree that is in a large pot, covered with small rocks on top of the main soil line.  I'm not sure what kind of palm it is but it's very thin and fan like with a few branches spread out, with thin stalks.  My question is about the black spotted spore like objects that are contaminating and germinating on the leaves.  I was wondering if you might know what kind of disease this is and help me out with a cure or finding a solution to resolve the issue.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Kai, it sounds like a rust fungus (very common) caused by the fronds getting wet and the spores incubated on them;; a copper fungicide (home depo) should prevent the new fronds from getting infected, the old ones will remain afflicted, but the fungus is more an aesthetic problem, then a functual one (just unsightly). regards Nick