Question
Hi, I have been given a coco palm (with large 'nut' in a pot)  I placed it in my bedroom which is quite warm but all the leaves are turning brown from the bottom of the stem up each leaf in turn towards the top?? Is this becuause it is not getting enough water or light?? There are no instructions with it and Im not the best plant keeper in the world so any help would be greately appreciated.

Answer
Jayne,

A cocoa (coconut) palm tree's natural environment is outdoors in Florida in full sun in sandy Florida soil with water from the rain wich quickly drains away in the sandy soil.  They get 70-80 feet tall.

So in your home it needs to be in the sunniest location possible, preferably in a cooler room, this time of year it is not hot outdoors in Florida. You need to have the window covering open from dawn to dusk.

When you water the plant you need to go back an hour later and empty the drain tray under the plant. If it is too large to pick it up to empty it you will need to use a turkey baster and a bucket. Then insert a bamboo skewer into the soil. Then do not water the plant again until the top 2/3rds of the soil is dry when you pull the skewer out to check it. If you follow thos instructions you will not be overwatering it or underwatering it.

You should know that this plant is destined to become a very tall palm tree. So unless you have a home with very high ceilings or you live in a climate that you can plant this out side or you are planning on retiring to Florida or Arizona in a few years this plant will outgrow your home! If you do not repot it into a larger pot too soon it will help keep it smaller longer. When you do repot it only go to a pot that has a diameter not more than 2-4 inches larger than the pot it is in now.  Then leave it in that pot at least 3 years before repotting again and then follow the same instructions. That will inhibit it's growth as much as possible before you have to move or give it away. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene