What's eating my heart-leaf fan palm?

Heart-leaf Fan Palm is a shade-loving indoor palm that most commonly falls victim to spider mites and mealybugs in the dry conditions of indoor environments. Its broad, heart-shaped fronds provide good surface area for sap-sucking pests. Fungus gnats can become a problem if compost is kept too wet.

Tiny yellow or white flecks across fronds; webbing on leaf undersides and at growing points; fronds may desiccate at tips. Increase ambient humidity. Spray plant thoroughly with water to dislodge mites, then treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a 7-day cycle.

Cottony white residue in leaf axils and along the heart-shaped frond base; sticky honeydew and sooty mould may follow. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a swab, then apply a neem oil drench to the whole canopy. Quarantine plant from other houseplants.

Larvae damage hair roots in waterlogged compost; plants may wilt despite adequate soil moisture. Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use Bti-based biological drench (e.g., Gnatrol) and sticky yellow traps for adults.