The Hawaii palm is a fairly robust succulent that is not often attacked by pests. Spider mites occasionally appear in an unfavorable location and when the humidity is too low. You should fight these immediately to avoid the houseplant dying.
How do you recognize and combat spider mites on Hawaii palm trees?
If Hawaii palm trees are infested with spider mites, you will see fine white webs on the undersides of the leaves. To combat them, rinse the plant, dry it well and increase the humidity. If the infestation is severe, neem-based products can be used.
Identifying spider mites on the Hawaiian palm tree
If the Hawaii palm tree sheds its leaves in summer, this is a normal process and does not indicate an infestation by spider mites. However, if the Hawaii palm tree turns yellow or loses leaves in winter, you should be vigilant.
If you discover very fine white webs, especially on the undersides of the leaves, you must assume that they are spider mites. You cannot see these with the naked eye.
What can you do if you have a spider mite infestation?
- Rinse plant
- Don’t forget the underside of the leaves
- Cover substrate
- Hawaii palm then let it dry thoroughly
If you suspect that spider mites have attacked your Hawaii palm, rinse the plant under running water. Don't forget the undersides of the leaves. Then let the Hawaii palm dry thoroughly.
If the infestation is severe, you can use commercially available sprays (€13.00 on Amazon). Fighting spider mites with neem-based products has proven to be an ecologically sensible measure.
Prevent pest infestation
The fact that spider mites appear especially in winter is due to the often very dry heating air. Sometimes it is just too warm where the Hawaii palm is located.
Place the plant at ideally a maximum of 15 to 20 degrees. Under no circumstances should there be a radiator nearby. Increase humidity by placing bowls of water near the Hawaiian palm tree.
To prevent spider mites, you should care for a Hawaii palm tree outdoors in the summer if possible. A bright but not directly sunny location on a balcony or terrace is best. The fact that the Hawaii palm can still lose all of its leaves is not a big concern. Make sure that rainwater can drain away easily so that the trunk does not become soft.
Tip
Propagate a Hawaii palm tree is not easy. It is difficult to get seeds. If you care for two specimens, you can try harvesting seeds yourself.
