The Hawaiian Palm (also known as the Volcano Palm) is a total fan-favorite for indoor plant lovers. Even though it’s a succulent and generally pretty tough against pests, there is one tiny troublemaker that loves to crash the party: the spider mite.
What Exactly Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are teeny-tiny arachnids that love to hang out on the undersides of leaves, sucking out the plant’s sap. This drains the life right out of your greenery. You’ll usually spot them by the fine, silky webbing they leave behind on the bottom of the leaves. If you don’t step in, these little guys can actually kill your plant.
Spotting Spider Mites on Your Hawaiian Palm
The main reason these pests show up is low humidity. This is super common in the fall and winter when we’ve got the heater running 24/7, drying out the air.
If your palm starts dropping leaves during the colder months and you notice fine webs underneath them, you’ve likely got an infestation. These mites are so small you can barely see them with the naked eye, but their impact is huge. If left untreated, your palm will wither away, and worse—the mites might migrate to your other favorite houseplants!
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Sure, you could reach for a heavy-duty insecticide, but I usually recommend skipping the “chemical warfare” inside your home. Spraying chemicals in your living space means you’re breathing them in, which can trigger allergies or just be plain unpleasant. Instead, try these simple, effective steps first:
- Isolate the plant: Move it away from your other greenery immediately so the mites don’t spread.
- Give it a shower: Rinse the palm thoroughly with cool water.
- Focus on the leaves: Be extra diligent about spraying the undersides of the leaves where the mites hide.
- The “Greenhouse” Trick: Cover the plant with a clear plastic bag. This creates a humid, tropical environment inside the bag that spider mites absolutely hate.
- Wait it out: Keep the palm covered for about two weeks. By then, the mites should be history.
Preventing Future Attacks
The best defense is a good offense! To keep spider mites away, make sure your Hawaiian Palm isn’t sitting in a spot that’s too hot or dry during the winter. A temperature between 60°F and 70°F (15-20°C) is the sweet spot. To boost humidity, you can place a tray of water near the plant or give it a regular misting with a spray bottle. Your palm will thank you!
