What is this white fuzzy stuff and how do I get rid of it?

[Georgie7675]

I have been tending to a plant for the last 5 years. It's one of those palm house plants that came as part of an arrangement of plants for a funeral. It started growing this white fuzzy stuff maybe during the second year I was caring for it. It hasn't completely died as new growth is appearing periodically. But the white stuff remains and the leaves look like they're rotting. Can someone tell me if this is mold or mildew and how to get rid of it?

[applestar]

Without a photo, I'm just guessing, but it could be mealy bugs -- a sucking insect related to scale insects that covers/protects itself with white cottony looking waxy substance. Try touching them with cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. If mealy bug, it should wipe off with orangish-red smear. if so, proceed to remove them with the alcohol and swabs.

Palms tend to need more light than you might think as they look OK but slowly deteriorate in less than ideal light conditions.

[Georgie7675]

Thank you for the reply. I had a picture to post but couldn't figure out how to do it. But after a bit more research, I agree that it's probably mealy bugs. I'm going to try the alcohol test and proceed with getting rid of the bugs.