What's eating my neanthe bella palm?

Neanthe Bella Palm is most susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in the dry indoor air common in homes. Scale insects and mealybugs are secondary threats; fungus gnats can appear in overwatered pots. Regular misting, good airflow, and wiping fronds with a damp cloth dramatically reduce spider mite risk on this compact parlor palm.

Fine pale stippling across leaflets; webbing on frond undersides; fronds look bronzed, dry, or bleached. Mist fronds frequently to raise humidity; wash with lukewarm water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days.

Small brown waxy bumps on frond stems (rachis) and leaflets; yellowing fronds and sticky honeydew residue. Gently scrape scales off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray and repeat after 10 days.

White cottony masses at the base of fronds and in the crown; stunted new fronds and honeydew. Remove with an alcohol-soaked swab; treat with neem oil foliar spray weekly until gone.

Larvae in moist soil nibble fine roots causing wilting; adults are small black flies around the soil. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti solution.