Question
I was wondering if you could help me with taking care of my cat palm.  I bought it about 2 weeks ago and DID NOT re-pot it.  I set it next to my NW window, where it gets filtered light most of the day.  I live in an extremely dry climate at 7200 feet.  I have a ceiling fan that is not directly above the plant, but it could possible be getting some of the draft off it.  

The plant is still primarily green.  The trunk is strong, and the palms still has a good, fanning shape.  However, some of the leaves have started to curl and the tips have turned brown/yellow.  

I mist with a spray bottle 1x per week.  I have not fully watered it since I bought it two weeks ago, because I was afraid I over watered it.  I have heard the dirt needs to stay moist, but am not clear how moist.  When I do the finger test, the dirt feels moist, but it is not "wet".  The top of the soil is dry.  

Can you help me, I do not want this plant to die.  Thank you.

Answer
Kelly,

You are severely under watering this plant. This palm likes more water than most palms. It should be watered at least once a week but the drain tray should be emptied an hour after watring it. You can empty it with a turkey baster by suctioning the excess water out.  I suggest you go to a garden center such as Lowes and buy a water meter for around $12.00. You insert it half way into the soil and it tells you if the soil is moist, medium or dry. Your cat palm should not get to dry, it does not like to totally
dry out and will quickly die if it does. Good luck.

Darlene