Parlor palms are famous for being tough-as-nails. For the most part, you won’t have to worry about diseases with these guys. If you notice your plant looking a little funky, it’s usually a sign that something is off with its care routine rather than a serious illness. That said, pests can occasionally crash the party.
Spotting Common Care Mistakes
If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, your Parlor palm is trying to tell you something is wrong. Usually, this isn’t a “sickness” but a reaction to its environment. If you see browning, double-check its location—is it getting too much sun, or is the air just too dry for it to thrive?
Here are the usual suspects behind leaf changes:
- The roots have dried out completely
- Sunburn on the leaves
- The room is too chilly
- A spider mite infestation
Often, you can fix these issues simply by boosting the humidity around the plant. You can snip off those brown bits with a pair of sterilized scissors to keep things looking tidy. Pruning helps the plant focus on its healthy foliage, and with a few adjustments, your palm will be back to its vibrant self in no time.
Dealing with Pests
Sometimes, unwanted guests like spider mites or aphids decide to move in. These pests usually show up when the indoor air is too dry. A great way to kick them to the curb is to give your plant a regular “shower” with a spray bottle and increase the overall moisture levels in the room.
Keep an eye out for scale insects, which leave a sticky residue on the leaf surfaces. Spider mites, on the other hand, leave behind tiny whitish webs or spots. If you spot them, give the leaves a good wash with water. Make sure to thoroughly remove both the bugs and their residue—wiping the leaves down gently with a soft cloth works wonders. If the infestation has really gotten out of hand, you might want to consider using a gentle insecticide to save your palm.
