Brown Palm Leaves

by Melony
(Coldwater Michigan)

Question:

The leaves on my palm tree just keep turning brown. What is the problem and how can I fix it? I have tried to not water it as much, watered it a little more - just don’t know what I am doing wrong.

Answer:

Melony,

There could be several reasons for the leaves of your palm tree turning brown.

Change in Environment

A sudden change in environment can cause palm tree leaves to turn brown. Look out for this problem with newly planted palms, as well with palm trees that are just brought home from the garden center or nursery. Check the environment requirements for your palm to make sure it receiving enough sunlight and humidity.

Lack of Water

Without enough water, the leaf tips begin to turn brown. Typically, palms need moist, well-drained soil. The day after watering, the soil should be moist down to the root of the palm.

Note: Newly planted palms should be watered every day for the first week.

Too Much Water

Overwatering can cause palm tree leaves to turn yellow or brown and fall off. Using soil that has good drainage can help prevent this problem. You can amend the soil by adding thirty to fifty percent sand to the mix.

Too Much Sun

Avoid exposing young palm trees to full sunlight. The leaves of palm trees that are receiving too much sun will turn yellow, begin to dry up, and eventually turn brown.

Potted palms can be acclimated to sunlight by placing the pot in a shady location and gradually moving the pot closer and closer to full sun.

Place a plastic cover over palm trees planted in full sun (use four sticks to hold up the plastic). Slowly increase light levels by punching more holes in the plastic every week.

Wrong Climate

Make sure you can provide the ideal environment for your palm tree. Outdoor palms should not be planted in climates that are too hot, too cold, or too dry. The wrong climate can cause palm leaves to turn brown and fall off, and the palm tree could eventually die.

Please Note: These are general problems/solutions that can apply to both indoor and outdoor palm trees.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to return and post a comment, give an update, or ask another question.

Warmest Regards,

Wendy