you have scale - small white dots. these are actually small sucking insects and they are not too hard to control. since you plant does not appear to have buds you can choose several methods of control. The easiest mix about one tablespoon of liquid soap (not detergent) with a gallon of water and spray it on the plant, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves. do this at seven day intervals for about three applications and you should have control. other methods include horticultural oil and safe insecticides like neem oil or similar. good luck. ps - not a bad infestation now so control should be easy.