Phoenix roebelenii

[Kathryn]

When I was taking pictures of the volunteers under my triple Phoenix roebelenii, I noticed this white stuff – and it’s not snow.

Is this some kind of fungus and how should I treat it?

Kathryn

[Kris]

Dear Kathryn,

this is a very common problem in india and in my garden too,this occurs during intermitent rainfall and followed by good sunshine.

if the tree is not too tall,then put a stool or ladder climb it and gently scratch using steel wool or kitchen knief but take care not to damage it.

then fill kerosene oil in your hand held sprayer and climb the ladder and spray it in high aerosol mode(i.e high compression with very small drop lets spraying out as seen in a deoderant spray. mild coating is more than sufficent to the infected areas only. allow it to dry and do this treatment only on sunny days. the oil should air dry throughly. and while spraying never spill the oil in the root area(Cover with polythene sheet)

and do not water the palm for a month.

if you see this recuring then repeat the above method but after 1 week, spray with multi spectrum fungicide based on copper or sulfur. this will work wonders.

And if you find some leaves infected and if pruning of leaves is due then saftely remove even those leaves instead of scratching it with steel wool.

I always recomand you to go for chemical based fert ,pesticides & fungicides.but take the necessary precautions.

the problem your phoenix is facing is not a serious one.

Keep me posted of the developments.