Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - October 03, 2015
From: Anoka, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Palm Leaves Turning Brown
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
My palm plant leaves are turning brown starting at the tip and moving down the leaf. I've changed my watering amounts, and moved it from the direct light to partial light and back. It's not by any vents or cold breeze.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants needs a little more information before we can definitively diagnose your palm problem. Without knowing the type of palm, it is more challenging to offer advice about what is causing the browning of the leaves. Also whether the plant is growing indoors (which I assume) and not outdoors would also assist with the diagnosis.
In any event, if it is growing indoors there are several general causes of leaf browning that deal with the root health and the frequency and type of watering that could be the problem. Indoor palms are extremely sensitive to chemicals in the tap water and should be watered after the water sits for 24 hours. Browning of the leaves could also be caused by underwatering (also caused by the roots being pot bound), overwatering, root rot and fertilizer buildup.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/houseplants/growing-palms-indoors/
The University of Minnesota Extension has an informative webpage on growing indoor palms. Here's what they say about brown leaves and watering for several palm types:
Though their light requirements may differ, all these palms have similar needs when it comes to water and fertilizer. In fact, dried brown leaf tips or leaf margins, two of the most common problems facing indoor palms, are related — directly or indirectly — to how they are watered and fertilized.
Keep palms relatively moist. In spring and summer, or when temperatures are warm and days are longer, water them as soon as their soil feels dry a little below the surface. Allow the soil to get slightly drier in winter.
It's important that potting soil drains well and containers you use have functioning drain holes. Water palms thoroughly, then spill or siphon off excess water that collects in the tray or saucer below the pot.
Fertilize lightly from late winter through early autumn, the time when houseplants are likely to grow most actively. A build-up of fertilizer salts in the soil results in those dreaded brown tips and edges, especially if you allow the soil to get too dry between waterings. If you're unsure about fertilizing, err on the side of too little rather than too much. You can always fertilize again, if necessary.
Finally, keep palm fronds clean. Spider mites are attracted to dusty foliage and can balloon into a serious problem, particularly in winter when relative humidity is low indoors.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Problems with lantanas in Austin
September 02, 2008 - Lantanas redux! I'm having similar problems with my Lantana here in Austin, Texas, as the person in Bandera. My husband has cut it back to the ground twice this summer. It returns, beautiful vibra...
view the full question and answer
Spots on persimmon tree leaves from Dripping Springs TX
July 10, 2013 - We are in rural Hays County Texas off Hamilton Pool Rd Texas. Large persimmon trees are turning yellow, blackish spots on underside of leaves. What do we do?
view the full question and answer
Diagnosis of problem with Parsley hawthorn
August 06, 2007 - I have a Crataegus marshallii (Parsley hawthorn) that is about 3 years old. It leafed out this spring and flowered lightly. As the summer has progressed, though, the leaves have been dropping premat...
view the full question and answer
Powdery growth in hydrangea in Philadelphia
June 20, 2010 - My hydrangea plants have a weird growth on their leaves that looks like white rice. It looks like it would be powdery if brushed, but I don't want to touch it for fear that it some type of mold. Any...
view the full question and answer
Wilting stems on beautyberry in Georgetown, TX
August 16, 2009 - Last summer I discovered that a 4-year old beautyberry had one (of many) stems that died. Leaves on this single stem wilted and dried up. This year the same happened to two or three stems. The rest of...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |