Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 8/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 kentia palms, my problem is that all of a sudden 2 of the fronds turned brown and I guess dead, now it is happening to the other one I have, I got these because I was informed that they are very hardy and good palms for the home, they each have 3 fronds and are about 3 feet tall, I paid a lot of money for them they are in my living room which is facing west. am I overwatering or underwatering. I don't want the plants to die, can you help? Thank you

ANSWER: Debbie,

Tell me how often you are watering them?  Are you keeping them moist or letting them dry out well between waterings?

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Usually they seem pretty dry, but if i stick my finger in the soil it feels damp.

Answer
Debbie,

The botanical name is Howea Fosteriana, but is known more commonly as the Kentia or the sentry palm. The Kentia is an upright palm with beautiful, arching, dark green leaves.

Your problem could be water but it could also be too little light. Although the Kentia is versatile and will tolerate lower light levels, a bright morning sunshine location would provide enough light and intensity to sustain the plant and allow for proper care.

Here is a "light indicator" for Kentia palm plant care - in low light the plant may only hold 4 6 fronds, in medium light levels you may see twice as many fronds. So, generally the more light the better.

These palms grow pretty tall in rather small pots. When watering make sure the entire root ball is watered, and allow a least one half of the potting media to dry. DO NOT keep the root ball moist or wet all the time or rotting will occur. They should not be transplanted to a large pot because they are automatically overwatered in a large pot.

How Will You Know If You Over Watered Your Kentia?
Look for the fronds with yellowing tips, then yellow speckling and followed by browning. During the winter time be especially careful not to over water your kentia.

What Happens With Underwatering? An under watered Kentia will develop tips that are brown, and the fronds will not be as erect and possibly leaning.

Kentias are slow growers. While caring for them if you must prune do so selectively to the leaves and don't remove the entire frond.

The Kentia is a great interior plant like Rhapis, and more expensive than other palms like the Majesty Palm. A properly maintained and cared for Kentia palm can be enjoyed for years and years. Good luck with yours.

Darlene