Question
Hi Nick,

The new growths and older leaves have blackening along their leaves.  I have given them mineral feeding etc.  The plant is located in a downstairs bathroom with little heat and some light from a window.  Can you give me any idea what might be causing this leaf dis-coloration

Answer
Hi Helen, it sounds like wet roots, usually the leaves spot and then blacken when there is a build up of moisture in the roots (a common problem with indoor palms that were planted without a 3 inch bottom lining of drainage medium); I would replant it and make sure there is about 2-3 inches of peastone lining the bottom, to prevent an accumulation of water sitting on the roots. If when you take it out of the container, you find them dry, then go ahead anyway and plant it as I said, then make sure when you water in the future, you give it a good watering and then let it dry out between waterings, people tend to water a little each day and what happens is the root ball doesn't get the water, it just filters down the side and collects in the bottom. Watering incorrectly is one of the biggest problems contained plants have. Just to cover the bases though, after repotting, spray the fronds with a copper fungicide to take care of any fungal problems that may also be going on. regards Nick