Pest identification
What's eating my king palm?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny mites colonize frond undersides in dry, dusty conditions; cause stippled, yellowing foliage and fine webbing across leaflets
Control: Hose off foliage regularly; mist to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides every 5–7 days until mites clear
Scale insects
Signs: Small brown or white bumps fixed to fronds and stems; sap removal weakens growth, honeydew deposits attract sooty mold
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; repeat after 2–3 weeks to catch crawlers
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses appear in leaf sheaths and at frond bases; honeydew and sooty mold follow heavy infestations
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray insecticidal soap for larger colonies; repeat weekly until clear
Keep king palm pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
King Palm pests — FAQ
What is eating my king palm?
King palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) has relatively few serious pest problems. Spider mites are the most likely issue, especially on indoor or sheltered specimens in dry conditions. Scale insects and mealybugs occasionally infest fronds, and palm leaf skeletonizer caterpillars may attack outdoor trees in warm climates.
How do I get rid of spider mites on king palm?
Tiny mites colonize frond undersides in dry, dusty conditions; cause stippled, yellowing foliage and fine webbing across leaflets Hose off foliage regularly; mist to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides every 5–7 days until mites clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on king palm?
Small brown or white bumps fixed to fronds and stems; sap removal weakens growth, honeydew deposits attract sooty mold Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; repeat after 2–3 weeks to catch crawlers
How do I get rid of mealybugs on king palm?
White cottony masses appear in leaf sheaths and at frond bases; honeydew and sooty mold follow heavy infestations Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray insecticidal soap for larger colonies; repeat weekly until clear