What's eating my açaí palm?

Açaí Palm (Euterpe oleracea) faces its biggest threats from palm weevils — large grubs that tunnel into the growing crown — and spider mites in dry indoor or greenhouse conditions. Scale insects and mealybugs also attack stems. Vigilant inspection of the crown and prompt weevil control are essential to prevent fatal damage.

Grubs tunnel into the central spear and crown, causing leaf collapse, foul smell, and potentially killing the palm. Cut out and destroy infested crowns; use pheromone-baited traps to catch adults; avoid wounding trunks which attract egg-laying females.

Fine stippling on fronds, silvery or bronzed leaf surfaces, fine webbing visible in dry conditions. Increase humidity around plants; spray fronds forcefully with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides thoroughly.

Flat or rounded waxy bumps on leaf stems and frond midribs; honeydew drips and sooty mold follows. Apply horticultural oil when crawlers are active; scrub accessible scale off with a soft brush; repeat applications at two-week intervals.