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Kentish Palm - killing a super plant
juliasavory
Posts: 4
I bought a very healthy Kentia Palm early June. It really was a beauty. I put it in the living room to start with and it did OK, but as soon as the heating went on and the fire lit, the problems began.
I moved it to the hall that has a big skylight. And 18 degrees temp average. Husband was in charge of watering.
One bit of the plant died and we cut it off. Young leaves started at the base but quick shrivelled up.
We haven't watered it for 3 weeks.
Can anyone please advise? 
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Posts
Could it have been overwatered before you left it dryish for 3 weeks?
Yes that is possible.
That could very well be the problem then julia. They do not need to be watered too often so leaving it until the top 1-2 inches of compost are bone dry before watering again is a plan to follow. Just keep an eye on things now and see if there is any improvement.
Thank you. Should I move it somewhere warmer to speed up drying the soil a bit? should I cut the brown leaves off?? How would I know if the roots were water logged or rotting?
The only way you would know about any root problem is by tipping the palm out of its pot. I wouldn't myself do that as I would prefer to see how it progresses. You can remove the brown leaves. It would not really be necessary to move it to a warmer place as long as the drying out process is continued. They don't mind light shade and a little like aspidistras they can stand neglect.
Great, thank you.