Why Does My Sago Palm Tree Have White Powder on It?

If your sago palm has silvery-white powder on its leaves, a thrips infestation is probably the cause. Native to Japan, the sago palm, or Cycas revoluta, attracts the tiny insects, which may also leave behind black dots.

Thrips

Only 1/20 inch in size, thrips are winged insects that suck cells out of palm leaves to feed. Thrips are black, brown, red, white or yellow and are usually too small to be detected.

Effects

Sago palm trees with a thrips infestation will have damaged, chewed foliage, silver markings and possibly black fecal spots on the leaves. Some infestations will prevent any flowers on the tree from opening.

Solutions

The best solution for a thrips infestation is a broad spectrum insecticide such as malathion, according to the University Press of Florida website. The North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension website recommends the application of a light dormant oil, which can be applied as long as the weather is not too hot.

References

• University Press of Florida: Palm Solutions
• University of California Davis Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Thrips
• North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Care of Palms