Question
Hi,

About one month ago, I bought a Kentia palm from a woman that had it since many years. The plant is about 8' high. It comes with a double-wall plastic pot.
When I bought it, it had a few dry spots, and the leaves were rather thin, but otherwise it seemed healthy. It had a few new leaves growing up.

At its original place, the plant was in a well lighted room. It was watered once a week with
some dissolved fertilizer.

At my home, it is standing in front of a north window. Some light is cut by the roof, so the plant remains always in shadow even if it's next to the window. Overall, it has less light than before. Also, the room is very hot in summer
(no climatisation).

I kept watering it once a week without adding any fertilizer. Between waterings, I allowed the surface of the soil to dry (1-2cm), but it kept moist below.

Recently, I have been absent from my home for a week, and when I came back, I saw that a few leaves have died - they dried, turned light and dark brown and contorted. All of them were new leaves, while the bigger leaves remained unchanged and seemingly healthy.
There is one new leave that hadn't open yet - so I don't know if it's still alive.

I am afraid that I caused some root rotting by overwatering. I've read on the internet that the death of young leaves means an inevitable death  for the palm, is that true? Is there something I can do? I was so happy to have this plant!

Thanks a lot for asnwering...


Answer
Hi Anna,

Kentia palms have a single growing tip. When it dies, then there can be no future growth. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to correct and and apparently that has happened with your palm.

Why did it happen? I suspect a combination of inadequate light and soil that stayed too moist. It is easy to overwater a plant this is not getting enough light because in low light a plant uses very little water. In addition, a double-walled pot retains moisture for a very long time.

I am sorry I don't have more positive news for you, but we all lose favorite plants from time-to-time. I hope you are not discouraged from trying again with another plant.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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