Pest identification
What's eating my licuala peltata?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull circular fronds; webbing on leaf undersides; fronds may brown at tips in severe cases
Control: Maintain high humidity with frequent misting or a pebble tray; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at petiole bases and along veins; sticky honeydew attracts ants and sooty mould
Control: Dab with isopropyl-alcohol cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft waxy bumps on petioles and frond undersides; reduced vigour and leaf yellowing
Control: Physically remove scales; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks for 3 cycles
Keep licuala peltata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Licuala Peltata pests — FAQ
What is eating my licuala peltata?
Licuala peltata (Ruffled Fan Palm) is a humidity-loving tropical that suffers most from spider mites when air is too dry indoors or under cover. Mealybugs and scale insects attack the leaf bases and petioles of this ornate palm. Palm aphids may appear outdoors in warm climates. High humidity and regular inspection are the best defences.
How do I get rid of spider mites on licuala peltata?
Stippled, dull circular fronds; webbing on leaf undersides; fronds may brown at tips in severe cases Maintain high humidity with frequent misting or a pebble tray; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on licuala peltata?
White cottony masses at petiole bases and along veins; sticky honeydew attracts ants and sooty mould Dab with isopropyl-alcohol cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on licuala peltata?
Hard or soft waxy bumps on petioles and frond undersides; reduced vigour and leaf yellowing Physically remove scales; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks for 3 cycles