What is the white stuff on sago palm trees & how do I get rid of it?

Answer 1

If it is scale and you want to treat organically, try Neem oil either painted right on the scale or sprayed on. Scale can sometimes be gently scraped off. Once removed they die. Scale needs to be treated aggressively as they reproduce very quickly.They're creepy insects and just suck the life out of the plants they attack!

Until you are sure that you have things under control, do not fertilize as this just pumps everything up and gives the little buggers something more to chew on.

I have seen people actually cut off the really bad fronds and spray all the remaining leaves with a high pressure hose while continually checking it for any further infestation. Others say to use dishwashing soap, but I really don't think it works.

Here's a link to an interesting solution - Flea and Tick spray.

Good Luck and hope your sago gets well!

Answer 2

It is most likely Thai Scale, a wicked insect pest introduced into Florida that is very difficult to irradicate. It needs to be treated with three different rotated insecticides, one chemical every 10 to 14 days. Your county extension agent can tell you which three to use. One hint: it looks ugly, but it helps to reduce the population first by cutting all the leaves off. I am serious. The lack of leaves will force the plant to make new fresh leaves. Also, if it is potted, make up a galvanized tub of the diluted insecticide, and dip the whole plant, pot, roots, leaf-stubs and all. Let it sit there a few minutes, so the insecticide seeps into all the nooks and crannies where the insects hide.
Like another person said, your plant may just not be worth the trouble. Burn it to prevent the bugs spreading to someone else's healthy plant. And just don't buy another Sago until the nurseries get this invader under control - the plant may even have come from the nursery with eggs already on it, so don't feel bad.

Answer 3

You have scale.
Check out the link below for help.
If you don't want to deal with is try a lawn and shub company.
Scotts, TruGreen or one of the thousand in the phone book.
Just don't over pay. If this is your only plant of vaue. Try it yourself or just replace it. If you have other plants of value it may be worth the service. Expect to pay about $45 five times a year to cover fertilier and insect/disease control.