What's eating my beaucarnea gracilis?

Beaucarnea gracilis, a slender-trunked relative of the ponytail palm from dry Mexican habitats, is largely pest-resistant. Mealybugs are the most common houseplant threat, sheltering at the base of the leaf tuft. Spider mites attack in hot dry rooms. Scale insects occasionally colonise the slender trunk. Overwatering causes far more damage than pests.

Fluffy white deposits at the leaf base rosette; sticky honeydew; yellowing and stunted new leaves Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for spot treatment; neem oil spray; improve air circulation around the plant

Tiny pale dots along the leaf surface; webbing visible at the base of leaves in heavy infestations Raise humidity; rinse foliage under warm water; treat with insecticidal soap or predatory mites

Waxy brown bumps on the trunk; weakened overall vigour, honeydew drip Manual removal with horticultural oil; systemic drench if population is high