Kentia palms are very hardy palms that rarely get sick. The palm tree is more likely to be troubled by pests. When do pests appear more frequently, how do you recognize them and what can you do in the event of an infestation?

Mealybugs like to nibble on a Kentia palm

Which pests can occur?

  • scale insects
  • spider mites
  • Mealybug
  • thrips

The sooner you discover a pest infestation, the easier it is to combat it. Therefore, check the leaves of the Kentia palm regularly.

How to recognize the pests on your Kentia palm

At the latest when the leaves of the Kentia palm turn yellow, dry up or look stunted, you should check the palm for pest infestation.

Scale insects can usually be seen with the naked eye. Spider mites, on the other hand, are best discovered by spraying the fronds with water. You will then find small webs in the leaf axils. Mealybugs and thrips leave sticky marks on the fronds. Thrips are also often found on the undersides of leaves.

Combat pest infestation immediately

As soon as you discover pests on the Kentia palm, you should take action. The longer you wait, the more uninvited guests will spread. Isolate affected plants immediately to keep other houseplants healthy.

If possible, rinse the fronds of the Kentia palm with lukewarm water in the shower to rinse off the pests. However, the water jet should not be too hard. In stubborn cases, tackle the lice, mites and thrips with a soft brush or cotton swab and some alcohol.

Cover the pot with foil before putting the kentia palm in the shower. Otherwise, fallen pests could hide there and spread again.

prevent pests

Pests mainly occur when the Kentia palm is in a location with very low humidity. Especially in winter, when the rooms are heated, pest infestation is more common.

Increase the humidity in the room by regularly spraying the leaves of the Kentia palm with lukewarm, lime-free water. It also helps if you place bowls of water near the pots.

tips

Kentia palms are sensitive to most control sprays. It is better to use special plant sticks against pests that are inserted into the plant substrate.

Category:

Trees