What Is Wrong With My Parlor Palm?

Does the trunk or the branches have sunken lesions on them?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Do the leaves have spots or blotches?

Are there any small translucent spots on leaves, spots later turn black?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Sunken lesions are caused by canker disease. Several culprits can be identified for this issue, including bacteria, frost, or fungi. Prune out and destroy dead branches and infested areas. Be sure to make pruning cuts at least 3 or 4 inches below the canker and disinfect pruners between cuts. Spray both the healthy and diseased sections of a tree with Liquid Copper during and shortly after periods of excessive rain.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root rot. Several pathogens cause root rots of seedlings as well as mature plants. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants. Solarize the soil before replanting.

Your plants are suffering from fungal leaf spot. These can come from several fungus diseases, causing spots to occur on foliage. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Spray between rains. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular translucent spots scattered over the leaf surface between the veins. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for parlor palms. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.