Troubleshooting
Laos Lady Palm problems — and how to fix them
Laos Lady Palm (Rhapis laosensis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown leaf tips
Most commonly caused by low humidity, fluoride or chloride in tap water, or salt accumulation from over-fertilising. Use filtered water, flush the soil periodically, and increase ambient humidity.
Spider mites
Thrive in warm, dry indoor conditions. Inspect leaf undersides regularly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and raise humidity to deter re-infestation.
Root rot
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing fronds and a mushy base. Repot into fresh, well-draining mix and allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
Prevent laos lady palm problems before they start
Most laos lady palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for laos lady palm in general rather than its problems? Read the full laos lady palm care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Laos Lady Palm problems — FAQ
Why is my laos lady palm brown leaf tips?
Most commonly caused by low humidity, fluoride or chloride in tap water, or salt accumulation from over-fertilising. Use filtered water, flush the soil periodically, and increase ambient humidity.
Why is my laos lady palm spider mites?
Thrive in warm, dry indoor conditions. Inspect leaf undersides regularly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and raise humidity to deter re-infestation.
Why is my laos lady palm root rot?
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing fronds and a mushy base. Repot into fresh, well-draining mix and allow soil to partially dry between waterings.