Pest identification
What's eating my curly kentia palm?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Greyish stippling on fronds, fine webbing, browning leaf tips; worst in winter and low humidity
Control: Mist daily or use a humidifier; wipe fronds with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on undersides
Scale insects
Signs: Brown oval bumps on stems and frond midribs; honeydew leads to black sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a fingernail or toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat every two weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony patches at frond bases and in leaf axils; plant looks dusty and sticky
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; neem oil spray; quarantine the plant during treatment
Keep curly kentia palm pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Curly Kentia Palm pests — FAQ
What is eating my curly kentia palm?
The Curly Kentia Palm (Howea belmoreana) kept as a houseplant is most threatened by spider mites, which thrive in the dry warm air of centrally heated rooms. Scale insects and mealybugs also attack fronds and stems. Fungus gnats are a common nuisance in overwatered pots. Regular wiping and good airflow are the best defences.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on curly kentia palm?
Greyish stippling on fronds, fine webbing, browning leaf tips; worst in winter and low humidity Mist daily or use a humidifier; wipe fronds with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on undersides
How do I get rid of scale insects on curly kentia palm?
Brown oval bumps on stems and frond midribs; honeydew leads to black sooty mould Scrape off with a fingernail or toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat every two weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on curly kentia palm?
White cottony patches at frond bases and in leaf axils; plant looks dusty and sticky Dab with isopropyl alcohol; neem oil spray; quarantine the plant during treatment