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Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea) Pests: Scale + Fungus Gnats—Treatment Plan

Two Pests on Chamaedorea elegans: Sucking Bugs + Soil Crawlers

Susanne's parlor palm (likely Chamaedorea elegans) has sucking bugs on leaves (wash off with soapy water) AND tiny crawling/flying bugs in soil. Dead leaves brown from edges inward. When removed, many small creatures visible among roots. In Germany she used Lizetan tablets; can't find equivalent in US.

Expert Analysis from Darlene

Soil bugs = fungus gnats from overwatering → root rot → attracts gnats.
Treatment: Water with rubbing alcohol to kill gnats, THEN cut back watering or they'll return.
Repotting history? Original pot size vs. current? Needed for further advice.

Palm is still alive with healthy leaves—recovery possible. Contact Darlene at plantlady6@yahoo.com.

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