Pest identification
What's eating my dypsis madagascariensis?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Tiny pale flecks and bronzing on fronds, fine webbing on leaf undersides; worse in heated indoor conditions
Control: Raise humidity; shower fronds regularly; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; introduce predatory mites
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or waxy bumps on stems and leaf rachises; yellowing fronds, sticky honeydew
Control: Manual removal with a soft brush and horticultural oil; systemic insecticide for heavy infestations
Mealybugs
Signs: White wax in crown and leaf axils; fronds yellow and growth stalls
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil; persist for 4–6 weeks to break all life stages
Keep dypsis madagascariensis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dypsis Madagascariensis pests — FAQ
What is eating my dypsis madagascariensis?
Dypsis madagascariensis, a Madagascan feather palm grown as a tropical specimen or indoor tree, is most often attacked by spider mites in low humidity. Mealybugs and scale insects exploit stressed plants, colonising frond bases and stems. Fungus gnats breed in soggy compost and can damage young roots.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on dypsis madagascariensis?
Tiny pale flecks and bronzing on fronds, fine webbing on leaf undersides; worse in heated indoor conditions Raise humidity; shower fronds regularly; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; introduce predatory mites
How do I get rid of scale insects on dypsis madagascariensis?
Hard or waxy bumps on stems and leaf rachises; yellowing fronds, sticky honeydew Manual removal with a soft brush and horticultural oil; systemic insecticide for heavy infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dypsis madagascariensis?
White wax in crown and leaf axils; fronds yellow and growth stalls Treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil; persist for 4–6 weeks to break all life stages