Unattractive brown spots on the palm fronds can massively spoil the visual appearance of the plant. Mistakes in care are not always to blame for the poor condition of the plant, pests and fungi can also be the cause. In this article, we would like to investigate the causes together with you.
If there is too much direct sunlight, the palm tree can get sunburned
Is the palm sunburnt?
If you have placed the palm directly in the blazing sun after the hibernation and have not slowly gotten used to the changed conditions, yellow and later brown spots will appear on the leaves. These are caused by the strong UV light and unfortunately do not regenerate.
remedy
The acclimatization of palm trees should be done carefully. First place the plants in a sunny, sheltered place on the balcony or terrace. Only after about two weeks are the southern beauties allowed to move to their final location.
spider mites
Unfortunately, palm trees are very susceptible and an infestation with these sucking insects is quite common. If no measures are taken to get rid of them, the little creatures can even damage the plant so severely that it subsequently dies. Spider mites usually hide on the underside of the leaf and can hardly be seen with the naked eye. When fogging, the fine water droplets get caught in the webs. This is often the only way to find the pests.
prevention
Spider mites love dry air. Therefore, spray the palm regularly in the winter quarters and increase the humidity.
remedy
These pests can be extremely persistent. Multiple treatments with a suitable spray are recommended.
scale insects
These harmful insects also occur relatively frequently. Since they are still mobile when they are young and migrate across the palm tree, many plant lovers only notice them when they become immobile at an advanced age. The pests then form large colonies that can hardly be overlooked on or under the leaves.
prevention
Scale insects primarily attack weakened plants. Preventive helps:
- Don't make the palm tree too dark.
- Ensure sufficient humidity.
- Water regularly but do not overwater.
- Follow the usual fertilizer recommendations.
remedy
Small colonies of lice can be scraped off or washed off with a sharp knife. In addition, the specialist trade has extremely effective chemical agents ready to put an end to the lice quickly.
tips
If you don't notice any brown spots, but brown deposits on the palm, it is usually sooty mold. This fungal disease is commonly transmitted by aphids, so check the palm for infestations and control the pests.