Question
Hi Darlene,

Recently I bought a pygmy date palm from Walmart  (about two weeks ago). When I purchased it, one or two leaves were brown. Initially I placed it 4-5 feet away from the window in a pretty hot room. Only two days after I bought the plant I noticed more browning on the leaves. I actually did not water the plant the first day I bought it. Two days later decided to move the plant from my office room into the living room because our living was not as hot ( air conditioning).  Lately I have been watering the plant 2-3 times away and misting every other day ( per instructions). I did not see any improvement. I actually feel like the plant is getting worse. ( Overall it looks fine but if you pay close attention you notices the brown leaves)
The plant is in the original 9" pot and has good drainage holes. It's far from the window but gets west light for most of the day.  I live in Ohio. I don't know if the plant does not get enough water or too much. Does it get enough light or is it too dry in the house. Is the pot big enough ( the palm is 30 inches tall). Today I prunned  off all the brown leaves,  watered the plant and placed it by the window.

Thank you very much,

Vio

Answer
Vio,

Your date palm would like to be outdoors this time of year in Ohio in a shady location in the afternoon.

Place the date palm in bright, natural light throughout the year. They grow happily in sunlight near an east window that receives the morning sun during the fall winter and early spring.

Pour water at the top of the planter to keep the soil moist. Keep soil from becoming excessively wet. Otherwise, root rot will result. Empty the drain tray an hour after you water so the roots won't rot.

Avoid drying out the soil or the palms will droop and their color will change to light green.

Protect date palms from drafts near air conditioning, doors and windows. They love warmth.

Keep the date palm in temperatures of 60 degrees at night and between 70 and 80 degrees during the day.  When it iss 90 or above check the watering more frequently but do not leave sitting in water. During winter, the temperatures can vary from 55 to 60 degrees because they are not actively growing.

Regularly rinse the foliage with lukewarm water. You can do this by placing the palm in your shower or rinse it with a hard, fine spray. The lukewarm water keeps pests away.

Set palms outside during the summer months. Gradually increase its exposure to heat and light. Keep the plant out of direct sunlight.

Give the palm the brightest indoor light during the growing periods. Add fertilizer when the palm is vigorously growing. Dilute liquid fertilizer or add a slow release brand in the planter.Good luck!

Darlene