Pest identification
What's eating my lady palm?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow stippling on leaflets; fine webbing between frond segments; fronds dull and eventually brown.
Control: Mist frequently; wipe individual leaflets; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until resolved.
Scale insects
Signs: Small brown or tan bumps on cane stems and leaf sheaths; sticky honeydew below.
Control: Scrub with a soft brush and diluted horticultural oil; follow with repeat oil sprays every 10 days.
Mealybugs
Signs: White powdery clusters at frond bases and within leaf sheaths; weakened, yellowing growth.
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days and inspect the base of each cane.
Keep lady palm pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lady palm pests — FAQ
What is eating my lady palm?
Lady palm is a hardy houseplant but is susceptible to spider mites in low-humidity indoor conditions and scale insects on its cane stems. Mealybugs can hide at the base of the tightly packed fronds. Spider mites are the most common complaint, causing fronds to yellow and look dusty. Regular misting and leaf cleaning are very effective prevention.
How do I get rid of spider mites on lady palm?
Yellow stippling on leaflets; fine webbing between frond segments; fronds dull and eventually brown. Mist frequently; wipe individual leaflets; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until resolved.
How do I get rid of scale insects on lady palm?
Small brown or tan bumps on cane stems and leaf sheaths; sticky honeydew below. Scrub with a soft brush and diluted horticultural oil; follow with repeat oil sprays every 10 days.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lady palm?
White powdery clusters at frond bases and within leaf sheaths; weakened, yellowing growth. Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days and inspect the base of each cane.