Pest identification
What's eating my ravenea glauca?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale stippling and silvery discolouration on fronds; webbing on leaf undersides in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap regularly
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown or white bumps on stems and fronds; honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Physically remove with horticultural oil and a brush; systemic insecticide for large infestations
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax at the crown and frond bases; stunted new growth
Control: Alcohol wipe or neem oil spray; repeat at weekly intervals for at least a month
Keep ravenea glauca pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ravenea Glauca pests — FAQ
What is eating my ravenea glauca?
Ravenea glauca, a silvery-leaved Madagascan palm grown as a specimen tropical, is vulnerable to spider mites and scale insects in dry indoor or greenhouse environments. Mealybugs can colonise the crown. Outdoors in warm climates, palm weevils can be a threat. Maintaining humidity and avoiding drought stress are the primary defences.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on ravenea glauca?
Pale stippling and silvery discolouration on fronds; webbing on leaf undersides in severe cases Increase humidity; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap regularly
How do I get rid of scale insects on ravenea glauca?
Waxy brown or white bumps on stems and fronds; honeydew and sooty mould Physically remove with horticultural oil and a brush; systemic insecticide for large infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ravenea glauca?
White cottony wax at the crown and frond bases; stunted new growth Alcohol wipe or neem oil spray; repeat at weekly intervals for at least a month