Please take a look at the following picture (focus is not great):
http://www.consumergroup.com/renda.jpg

I have noticed some black spots on the crown shaft. Sometimes I think I
can remove them by carefully scratching them with my finger nail
although I really don't know if this is a normal feature of the
Cyrtostachys renda or if it is a type of fungus. I have been using a
topical / contact based fungicide a bit but not sure whether I need it
or if it is helping. If it is a fungus, maybe I need a stronger
systemic fungicide?

I am just not familiar with this plant and was wondering if anything
thinks this is the normal look of the crownshaft (ie. to have some
blace small spots on it). It is a relatively small plant (3-5 gallon).
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I am growing it in Palm Beach County, FL (zone 10) and I bring it in
any night that I think the temperature will drop to 65 degrees F or
lower.

Thanks,

-David

Your picture looks great! But your picture seems to show clear algae /
moss rather than what I have. I assume you are simply letting me know
they can look dirty or less than perfect. I just thought it was
strange that these black spots (in many cases) can be slightly
scratched off with a finger nail.

Where are you growing your plant? It looks like its in a swamp.. = )

Your picture looks great! But your picture seems to show clear algae /
moss rather than what I have. I assume you are simply letting me know
they can look dirty or less than perfect. I just thought it was
strange that these black spots (in many cases) can be slightly
scratched off with a finger nail.

Where are you growing your plant? It looks like its in a swamp.. = )

wrote:
Your picture looks great! But your picture seems to show clear algae /
moss rather than what I have. I assume you are simply letting me know
they can look dirty or less than perfect. I just thought it was
strange that these black spots (in many cases) can be slightly
scratched off with a finger nail.

Where are you growing your plant? It looks like its in a swamp.. = )

Sorry for the confusion. They are not my plants or pictures.
They are from a German "Geography and restaurant economics"
site run by Paul Hoffman. Paul's pic was of a plant in Costa Rico.
I just wanted to show you that plant's stems so that you wouldn't
go to extremes and kill your plant trying to help it.