Question
I recently bought a cat palm - 5 foot high in a 10" diameter plastic pot w/ 5 drain holes on the sides - about 2" from the bottom. I am an experienced gardener but never had this kind of houseplant, so I immediately "read-up" on the needs of this plant.  Even though we have a forced-air gas heating vent on the floor very close to the plant, I've shut it off as much as possible. I understood that it requires lots of H2O and water it amply 2 times/week.  About 6 weeks later, I am horrified to notice brown tips on most of the old growth fronds.  There are beautiful new shoots appearing, too, I will mention.  SInce I know that overwatering kills more plants than any other mis-deed, I wonder if I am over-watering: I've NEVER had any water come out of the drain holes, but wonder about their placement - could it be that the plant IS being over-watered and that the bottom roots are sitting in water?
Please help.  Gratefully, A Pennsyvania Senior

Answer
Mary,

The brown leaf tips could be from either over or under watering. Your theory that water could be sitting in the bottom of the pot sounds quite plausible. But since you also have never had water come out the drain holes it may be that you just aren't watering it enough. I suggest that you take the plant to the garage or a bathtub and lay it on it's side. Then take a sharp knife and cut a hole in the middle of the bottom of the pot.  That will immediately tell you if there is stagnant water in the bottom of the pot. If there is not it may be that you are underwatering. In the future water it enough so that a slight bit of water comes out the drainage hole. Then you now it is watered thoroughly. If there is too much water in the drain tray you can use a turkey baster to suck it out for disposal. There is a very fine line between over and underwatering with a cat palm. Good luck with yours.

Darlene Kittle