What's eating my ruffled fan palm?

Ruffled Fan Palm, a shade-loving tropical, is most troubled by spider mites — especially in low humidity — and by scale insects along its pleated fronds. Mealybugs and fungus gnats (in wet potting mix) round out the main threats. Keep humidity high and avoid overwatering to reduce pest pressure.

Pale stippling and bronze discoloration across the pleated fan fronds; fine webbing at leaflet folds Raise humidity with regular misting or a pebble tray; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days

Flat brown or oval waxy bumps along frond ribs and petioles; sooty mold on honeydew deposits Scrape off with a soft brush, then apply horticultural oil; use systemic insecticide for heavy infestations

White cottony masses in crown and between pleated leaflet folds, sticky leaves, slowed growth Dab with alcohol swab; spray neem oil solution weekly; isolate affected plant immediately

Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil, causing yellowing and wilting despite adequate watering Allow top inch of potting mix to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)