Does anyone know what is causing these white patches on my boss' office plant? Thanks for your help!

I'd say either Mealybugs or Powdery Mildew but I think it looks like Mealybugs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M... http://www.google.com/search?

I've had problems with mealies on a couple of house plants that don't get proper air circulation. When I find mealybugs I take Q-tips and Isopropyl Alcohol (common rubbing alcohol) and just dab the white areas. One time I had a heavy infestation on a plant but didn't want to throw the plant out so I put the alcohol in a spray bottle and soaked the plant thoroughly which killed the bugs.

*** If you use the spray bottle method, be sure that you label the spray bottle ... and always make sure the plant is in shade with no wind.

with Lin

with Lin and Tarev. Then, if you can, hose off the plant....getting into the bracts as well (where you also have sprayed with alcohol to get the buggers hiding and breeding in there.

as well, unfortunately. I'm fighting mealy bugs in my jade plant right now. I use rubbing alcohol soaked q-tips to get the egg cases off, and then I spray the plant all over with diluted dish soap in water. It seems to be working so far.

Adding a wee touch of salad oil to the dishsoap spray is good too...it suffocates the beasties.... if the plant isn't too big, you can turn it upside down and dunk it in the soapy/oily water....

I use a mix of Neam oil (one teaspoon), Murphy's Oil Soap (two teaspoons), in a 60/40 mix of water/alcohol. In a one pint spray bottle. I am told to use all the mix that day. Don't know why. Was told not to same any. Mix fresh each time. Need to use at least 3 times in about 3 weeks.