What's eating my majesty palm?

Majesty palm is particularly prone to spider mites indoors — its need for high humidity conflicts with typical heated interiors where mites thrive. Scale insects attack the trunk and frond bases. Mealybugs cluster in the crown. Spider mites are by far the most common complaint, often exploding rapidly. Consistent high humidity is the most important preventive step.

Silvery or yellow stippling on leaflets; extensive webbing in heavy infestations; rapid frond die-back. Move to a more humid spot; shower the plant thoroughly; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; repeat until clear.

Brown or white waxy bumps on trunk, petioles, and frond undersides; honeydew and sooty mould. Scrub off with a horticultural oil and soapy water solution; repeat on a 10-day cycle.

White cottony masses at the crown and at frond bases; leaves yellow; growth stunted. Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs; follow with neem oil spray; check crown closely after each treatment.