What's eating my baron's palm?

Baron's Palm (Dypsis baronii) is susceptible to spider mites in warm, dry conditions and to scale insects on older fronds and stems. In outdoor tropical settings, palm aphids may colonize the developing spear leaf. Maintaining good air circulation and appropriate moisture reduces most pest pressure.

Tiny pale flecks across leaflet surfaces; yellowing and premature frond drop; webbing visible under magnification Increase humidity; spray undersides of fronds thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until resolved

Waxy or shell-like bumps on stems and leaf bases; yellowing and sticky deposits from honeydew Scrub off with a soft brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil spray at the crawler stage

Flat, disc-like aphids clustered on new spear leaves; distorted unfurling growth; honeydew and sooty mold Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators such as lacewings