house plant with... mold?

Ladson, SC

We bought this large palm-type house plant from Home Depot. Almost immediately we noticed it looked like mold on several fronds. We put it outside thinking the heat would help kill the mold. We just brought it back inside for the winter and it's going to die at the rate that this "mold" is killing it. Can anyone help identify whether this is, in fact, mold and how to treat it?

Unfortunately, I am unsure about what the plant is. I can tell you that the leaves near the base of the fronds aren't leaves but these brutal 2" long spikes LOL

Thumbnail by bmmorris Thumbnail by bmmorris
Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b)

I believe you've got mealy bugs http://idtools.org/id/palms/sap/factsheet.php?name=7479

Ladson, SC

Thank you! That is exactly what they are! I never would have thought it was a bug.

Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b)

No prob. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Remember, at Home Depot you can return it within a year as long as you have the receipt. I forgot to mention that your plant looks like Phoenix roebellini. Look on the floor for goo from the bugs.

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