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European fan palm · Chamaerops humilis

Why are there bumps on my European fan palm leaves?

If you see small, raised bumps on your palm leaves, you are likely dealing with scale insects. These pests suck sap from the plant and hide under hard shells. Check the undersides of the fronds first.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for bumps.
  2. Check the leaf stems for sticky residue.
  3. Look for tiny white cottony patches near the base.

Likely causes

  1. Scale insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small brown or tan bumps that look like tiny shields on the stems or leaves. If you scrape them with a fingernail, they come off easily.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like tiny bits of white cotton tucked into the crevices of the palm. They also suck sap and leave a sticky residue behind.

    What to do: Dab the white spots with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Rinse the plant with a gentle stream of water to wash away any remaining pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your european fan palm

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Treat the plant as soon as you see the first bump to prevent a full infestation. If the palm is covered in sticky honeydew, the infestation is severe.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your palm in a well ventilated area and inspect the foliage every time you water.

European fan palm: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your european fan palm and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my palm?
A light infestation is usually just an annoyance, but a heavy one can weaken the plant significantly. Catching them early is the key to keeping your palm healthy.
Can I use regular soap to kill them?
You can use a mild dish soap mixed with water, but neem oil or insecticidal soap is much more effective. Make sure to rinse the leaves after treatment.

Guides to these causes

More problems with European fan palm

Back to the European fan palm guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.