Question
I recently bought a cat palm tree for indoor use. I have not yet repotted it but I notice the leaves are turning yellow and the tips are turning brown.It is still in the plastic 10 inch pot and it's about 3 ft tall. I am new at this so am not sure how to provide the proper drainage or how often to water it. What pot size should I buy? I'm not sure about the light source but it's not near a window but I'm starting to wonder should it be? I love this plant and would hate to loose it.

Answer
Hi Evelyn,

Forget the new pot and concentrate on the light. Repotting rarely fixes anything and more often creates new problems, such as root rot.

Your Cat palm does not need much direct sunlight, but it does need to be very close to a window with a north or east exposure. In addition, you should water it thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry.

Cat palms, like most palms, are very susceptible to spider mites. Check the fronds regularly and look for small dust-like particles on the undersides of the leaves or tiny webs on the fronds. If you find them, let me know and I will tell you how to treat them.

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