What's eating my three-leaf licuala?

Three-leaf Licuala is an uncommon indoor palm highly susceptible to spider mites when kept in low humidity. Mealybugs and scale insects also attack the petioles and pleated leaf segments. Being a slow-growing rarity, even mild infestations can set the plant back significantly — early detection and humidity management are key.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on frond undersides; edges of pleated segments brown and dry out prematurely. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, targeting undersides, every 7 days for 3 weeks.

White waxy fluff at leaf joints and base of petioles; honeydew deposits encourage sooty mould. Remove with alcohol-tipped cotton swabs. Treat the whole plant with neem oil solution; repeat every 10 days until no new colonies appear.

Hard or soft waxy bumps on stems and frond midribs; leaves become chlorotic and plant vigour declines. Physically remove scales with a soft brush dipped in soapy water, then apply horticultural oil spray. Systemic treatment if infestation is severe.