What's eating my jenkins fan palm?

Jenkins Fan Palm, native to northeast India and Southeast Asia, is susceptible to scale insects and palm aphids as its most common foliage pests. In its natural range rhinoceros beetles can damage the crown. When grown as a container specimen in cooler climates spider mites become the principal threat. Inspect the crown and petioles regularly during growing season.

Fine stippling and bronze discolouration on leaflets; delicate webbing on undersides; worsens in dry indoor conditions. Raise humidity; wipe fronds with a damp cloth and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray, repeating every 7 days.

Waxy, immobile bumps on petioles and leaf midribs; honeydew drip and sooty mould on lower fronds. Remove physically with a soft brush and soapy water; follow up with horticultural oil spray or systemic drench in severe cases.

Clusters of flat, dark aphids on new growth and crown; sooty mould reduces the plant's vigour and appearance. Blast off with water; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil. In outdoor settings encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds.