The mountain palm is one of the robust palm trees. Diseases almost never occur. If the palm tree shows any abnormalities, it is usually due to care errors. In an unfavorable location, pest infestation can occasionally occur. Important information about diseases and pests of the mountain palm.
What diseases and pests can occur in mountain palms?
Diseases rarely occur in mountain palms. Care errors such as dryness of the pads, low humidity, sunburn or a location that is too cold are more common. Pests such as spider mites and scale insects can occur if the humidity is too low. This can be remedied by increased humidity and, if necessary, pest control.
Diseases are rare
You rarely have to deal with real diseases with a mountain palm. This type of palm tree is very robust.
If the leaves or leaf tips turn brown, it is not due to a disease, but rather a care error is usually responsible. Occasionally, a pest infestation can also be to blame.
A pest infestation must be combated immediately, as the uninvited guests quickly spread to other plants. They can also damage the mountain palm so much that the plant dies.
Brown leaves or leaf tips due to incorrect care
If the leaves or leaf tips turn brown, it is usually not a disease, but simply care errors. The leaf discoloration is caused by:
- Ball dryness
- low humidity
- Sunburn
- too cold location
- Infestation by spider mites
This damage can almost always be remedied and even avoided entirely by increasing the humidity.
Simply cut off brown leaves or leaf tips with sharp scissors. When removing entire fronds, you must always leave a small piece of the petiole on the trunk of the palm tree.
Pests that can affect the mountain palm
Spider mites and scale insects appear when the humidity is very low. To prevent pest infestation, it is recommended that you regularly spray the fronds of the mountain palm with water.
Spider mites can be recognized by the small webs that are mainly found on the leaf axils. You cannot see these pests with the naked eye. Scale insects leave a sticky substance on the leaves, which in the worst case can lead to sooty mold.
Shower the mountain palm with water to remove pests and residue. You can rub off any residue with a cloth. If the infestation is severe, you should use pest control products.
Tip
Mountain palms can even tolerate being in water for a long time. That's why they can be cared for very well in hydroponics. However, the palm tree should be grown in water right from the start.
