Office Plants have Developed a Strange Fungus

[MichelleThomas1]

Hi there,
Over the past couple of weeks I have noticed the plants in my office suddenly become infected with this white fungus on the stem. Can anyone identify what it is and how to treat it?

Thank you

 

[Crabbergirl]

Hi Michelle,
Welcome to Gardenforums.com
Looks like aphids. They are very common in house plants. There are a few simple ways you can rid your plants indoors of aphids with out using chemicals. The first thing I always do is get a wet paper towel with a little soap water on it. Then I just kind of gently wipe the areas where I see the pest. They have very soft bodies and will die easily. Then, for the ones that you cannot see, mix 1 tbs dish soap to 1 gallon of water and spray the entire plant. Especially undesides of leaves or fronds. If you are not into doing all that, you can buy indoor insecticidal soap at most places that carry garden or plants supplies ( walmart, hardware stores even Home Depot) You should spray all plants even if you don't see activity, as aphids are like a virus, you may thing you have escaped it only to get it a couple days later

 

[Jade]

Could be mealy bugs too, aphids like a little more succulent growth generally. You could use the same treatment for either bug.

 

[seancorr]

I agree with Jade, I think they are mealybugs, because I have a palm similar to the one in the picture and have a serous problem with them on it.

 

[Bradeen]

I agree with Jade, I think they are mealybugs, because I have a palm similar to the one in the picture and have a serous problem with them on it.

Agree with seancorr.