Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a cat palm that seems to be doing well.  It is taller & fuller than what it was when I purchased it in July.  My only concern is that one by one the leave are browning slowly.  Not in the same manner it would if it was getting too much water, or not enough water.   It almost looks as if the leaves are burning.  It is NOT in direct sunlight.  In fact, it is in a low to medium lighted area, off to the side of a window facing east.  Initially I had about 15ft away, in front of the same window.  Is this browning normal?  I water the palm once a week with a 2 liters of water.

ANSWER: Hi Tash,

Your cat palm needs more light. It should be very close to an east window and not off to the side. A few hours of morning direct sun is fine.

Make sure the soil is not drying much below the surface before you water it. Provide enough water so that some runs through the drainage holes. Don't use hard water.

Trim off the discolored fronds as they will never get their green color back.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC



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

QUESTION: Will placing the palm in front of the window burn/brown the leaves more?  I have read and was told by the nursery where I purchase the plant that if it is placed in direct sunlight it will burn and kill the palm?

Answer
Hi Tash,

The information provided by the nursery is only partially correct. Cat palms do not want hot, direct, mid-day sun. However, a few hours of morning sun is fine. Fifteen feet from the window is very low light and not adequate. Where you have it now may be ok, depending on how close to the window it is and how far off to the side it is.

Too much sun will not burn or kill the fronds. It will cause the fronds to become a paler green/yellow in color.

There are many subtleties in caring for plants that are often overlooked by many plant professionals and experienced  plant people. I think this is an example of that.

Best,
Will

I hope you didn't downgrade me in the knowledge rating based on incomplete information that you received elsewhere.