Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - March 22, 2011

From: Leavenworth, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Indoor non-native palm tree turning yellow from Leavenworth WA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Why are my indoor palm plant leaves turning yellow. It's about 4 feet bought at local Home Depot store, and it was beautiful when I brought it home. It gets plenty of light. I have only had it for 2 weeks, I watered it once a week the soil is not moist. Am I under watering it or over watering it?

ANSWER:

We don't know what an "indoor palm tree" is, as we ordinarily discuss plants with their scientific names, to avoid confusion like this. There are not many palms native to North America, which is our area of expertise, and we're willing to bet that what you have is not one of them. Very few plants that are meant to be grown indoors are native. Plants native to an area are accustomed to the climate, envrironment, rainfall and temperatures of that area outside. Generally, tropical plants do better in the extreme conditions indoors.

So, we want to direct you to some people who actually do know what you are talking about. You will have better luck going to indoorpalmtree.net, where they have links, pictures and discussions of various palms intended for use indoors.

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Invasiveness of non-native Lonicera fragrantissima in Austin
November 21, 2004 - A couple of years ago I mistakenly bought Lonicera fragrantissima (winter bush honeysuckle), thinking it was native. I have since discovered that it is native to China and considered invasive...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Mandevilla care
March 08, 2006 - I have a mandevilla and it looks like there are about 5 plants in one pot. Can it be separated without killing it? And, if it can be separated how should it be done? The plant is about 7" high and i...
view the full question and answer

Removing St. Augustine, replacing with native plants
October 06, 2007 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants, always excited to talk to the Green Guru himself. I've recently purchased a house in South Austin and am interested in establishing a small, 500+ sq ft, prairie grass and wi...
view the full question and answer

White powder on non-native houseplants from Fort Davis TX
February 11, 2011 - I have a white powder on my houseplants that I can't figure out what it is or what to do about it? (Dracaena & Corn plants) Could be a fungus can you help? (can send a photo if you will tell me how t...
view the full question and answer

Snow damage to non-native Japanese maple in Oakdale NY
December 29, 2009 - My beautiful 10 year old miniature Japanese Maple was damaged by heavy snow this year. Two of the biggest limbs cracked under the weight of the snow and are just barely hanging on. Can I repair them...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.