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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    January 20, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    There are many things that can affect a palm tree like this but it was likely either a fungus or an insect infestation. It is also likely that whatever it was has not gone away and this is why the palm has gotten as tall as it was. I would treat the tree with neem oil, which takes care of both insects and fungus. I would leave pruning to only removing brown fronds. Once it is not stressed, it should grow tall for you again.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    January 16, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    There are two things that would cause this. One would be pest, typically scale, on palms. To look for pests, look for growths or dirt looking substances near the base of the fronds. Scale especially will not move but looks like just bumps on the leaves. If you find these, treat the tree immediately with an insecticide. I like neem oil myself as it is safe for people and pets.

    The other possibility is something is attacking the roots, perhaps a root rot fungus or nematodes. This article will help you identify root rot:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm

    But, if it is nematodes, you will need to have the soil assessed by your local extension service to confirm that they are the problem.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    February 3, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like it scale. Treat the leaves and leave them on the tree. While they may look unsightly until new leaves grow in, the plant needs them to help it remain healthy and to produce energy while it is growing new leaves. This article will help you with the scale: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/palms/sticky-palm-tree-leaves-treatment-for-palm-scale.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    February 4, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    That is probably caused by scale insects. They are very hard to spot on the plant and will look almost like specks of dirt or fuzz on the underside of the leaves. Here is more information on how to treat it:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    February 21, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The alcohol can dry out the leaves if used too much, which may be what's caused the drying leaves. A safer alternative for treating scale is neem oil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    March 25, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It is probably powdery mildew. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm

    You can treat it with either a chemical fungicide or neem oil. Both should be available at any store that sells gardening supplies.

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