What's eating my livistona decipiens?

Livistona decipiens (ribbon fan palm) is generally pest-resistant, but scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites are the most commonly reported problems — particularly in dry or greenhouse conditions. Sticky residue, yellowing fronds, or fine webbing are the key warning signs to act on promptly.

Waxy or brown shell-like bumps on frond undersides and petioles; sap loss leads to yellowing fronds and sticky honeydew Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil when crawlers are active; scrape off established scales manually before spraying

Populations explode in dry conditions; cause fine webbing and stippled, pale fronds; most visible on leaf undersides Boost humidity; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil thoroughly to leaf undersides every 5–7 days for several cycles

White cottony masses in leaf axils; excrete honeydew that promotes black sooty mold and attracts ants Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton bud to small infestations; use insecticidal soap spray for larger outbreaks, repeating weekly