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.
