The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is one of the toughest palms out there. If you give it a good spot and keep up with basic care, you’ll rarely have to deal with pests or diseases. However, even the heartiest plants can run into trouble sometimes. Here’s how to spot the signs of a sick palm and how to get it back to looking its best.
Common Issues with Windmill Palms
- Sooty Mold
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Root Rot
Dealing with Sooty Mold (Black Coating)
If you notice a weird black, soot-like coating on your palm’s fronds, you’re looking at Sooty Mold. The good news? It won’t kill your plant outright. The bad news? It slows down growth by blocking sunlight. This fungal issue is actually a side effect of an aphid infestation.
To fix it, simply wipe or wash the black film off the leaves and then focus your energy on getting rid of those aphids.
How to Kick Aphids to the Curb
If the leaves feel sticky to the touch, you’ve likely got aphids. That sticky residue is called “honeydew,” and it’s basically what the bugs leave behind. Beyond being gross, aphids suck the nutrients right out of the fronds, which can eventually cause them to die off.
First, give your palm a good “power wash” in the shower or with a hose to knock most of the bugs off. Use a soft sponge to wipe away any stubborn ones. Afterward, treat the plant with a mild insecticidal soap or a soapy water solution. You’ll need to repeat this for a few weeks using a spray bottle to make sure you get them all. You can also find systemic pesticide spikes at your local garden center to pop into the soil for extra protection.
Stopping Spider Mites in Their Tracks
You’ll know you have spider mites if you see tiny, fine webs tucked into the leaf axils (where the leaf meets the stem). These pests are usually only a problem for indoor palms because they absolutely love dry, indoor air. If left unchecked, they’ll cause the fronds to dry out and turn brown.
Start by giving the plant a thorough rinse in the shower, making sure to hit the undersides of the leaves. To keep them from coming back, try to increase the humidity around your plant—misting it regularly or using a humidifier works wonders.
Preventing Root Rot the Easy Way
Root rot is almost always a “human error” problem. It happens when the roots sit in water for too long, leading to waterlogging and decay.
The fix is simple: always empty the drainage saucer after watering and water your Windmill Palm moderately. You want the soil to stay moist, but never soggy. As long as you don’t overdo it, those roots will stay healthy and happy!
