Question
I've had this palm plant for four years now.  It has grown three new shoots/leaves, but the none of them have ever opened.  At this point the new ones are longer and the stems thicker and stronger than the old ones.  They look healthy -- shiny and green, but I don't know what's wrong.  I water them once or twice a week and I have put them in different rooms for light.  I take it outside on warm days.  Do you know why the leaves won't open?

Answer
Emily,

If the temperatures are above 60 degrees it should be outside for the summer. Palms are tropical plants and love the sun. However when they haven't been outside much they need to go into a semi shady location and slowly be moved out into full sun so it doeesn't get sunburned. If it is 80 degrees and above it will need watered more often, every 2-3 days. More sun will help open those fronds. The following website may answer additional questions: http://www.palmtreedr.com/problems.html   Good luck!

Darlene