Seeing those fronds on your parlor palm turning brown can be worrying, but don’t panic! Browning leaves are actually a very common issue that’s easy to remedy with a few care adjustments. As a long time parlor palm owner, I’ve successfully treated many a case of browned tips and can help get your plant healthy and thriving again.
What Causes Parlor Palm Leaves To Turn Brown?
There are a number of factors that can cause the leaves of your parlor palm to turn brown. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:
-
Overwatering – Parlor palms are susceptible to root rot if their soil stays too wet Excess moisture leads to mineral deficiencies in the plant, causing the fronds to brown This is one of the top reasons you’ll see brown frond tips.
-
Underwatering – While wet feet are bad, parlor palms also don’t like completely dried out soil. Insufficient watering causes the fronds to dry out and brown.
-
Low Humidity – In their native tropical habitats, parlor palms enjoy moist, humid air. Dry indoor environments lead to stressed plants and brown leaf tips.
-
Temperature Changes – Exposure to cold drafts from air conditioning vents or windows can shock parlor palms, resulting in browned foliage.
-
Sunburn – While parlor palms like bright, indirect light, too much hot direct sun will scorch the tender new fronds.
-
Salt Buildup – Minerals and salts in tap water that evaporate onto the leaves can burn the tips over time.
-
Pests – Insects like spider mites feed on and damage the fronds, causing them to turn brown. Watch for webs and bugs.
-
Repotting Stress – Parlor palms are sensitive to root disturbances from repotting, which can also cause leaf browning.
How To Treat Brown Parlor Palm Leaves
If your parlor palm is developing brown fronds and tips, take prompt action to get it healthy again. Here are some treatment tips:
-
Adjust your watering schedule based on how quickly the soil dries out. Allow the top inch to dry before watering.
-
Use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water to prevent mineral buildup. Flush the soil monthly.
-
Mist the plant daily and increase surrounding humidity levels to 40-50%. Use a pebble tray.
-
Move the palm away from direct sunlight, AC vents, and other temperature fluctuations.
-
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season to prevent deficiencies.
-
Inspect closely for spider mites and treat any infestations found with insecticidal soap spray.
-
Trim off any fully dried or dead fronds to improve appearance. Cut at the base of the stem.
-
Be patient! Palm fronds take time to recover once damaged. Proper care will stimulate new growth.
With some simple adjustments tailored to your specific situation, you can get your parlor palm thriving once again. Don’t give up!
How To Prevent Parlor Palm Leaves From Turning Brown
While occasional minor tip browning is normal, you can take these proactive steps to prevent major leaf browning from developing:
-
Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Check moisture levels frequently.
-
Water thoroughly until it drains from the drainage holes. Avoid both under and overwatering.
-
Use room temperature filtered or distilled water rather than cold tap water.
-
Site the plant away from hot and cold drafts. Maintain indoor temperatures of 65°F – 80°F.
-
Provide bright, indirect light near an east or west window. Rotate the plant periodically.
-
Increase humidity around the palm to 40-50%. Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
-
Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant food during spring through fall.
-
Monitor closely for pests like spider mites and treat promptly.
-
Trim off fully dried fronds to maintain a tidy appearance.
Proper parlor palm care will prevent extensive leaf browning and keep your plant looking lush!
When To Worry About Browning Parlor Palm Leaves
Occasional minor browning is normal, but be concerned if you notice:
-
Browning spreading rapidly across multiple entire fronds
-
Multiple fronds browning at the same time
-
Browning combined with drooping or wilting
-
New fronds emerging already browned
-
Signs of pests like webs or bugs
-
Browning that continues to worsen despite your care efforts
Significant leaf browning can indicate an underlying pest, disease or cultural issue that needs attention. Act quickly at the first signs of a problem to get your parlor palm back to health.
Take Action To Treat Parlor Palm Leaf Browning
While browned fronds are annoying, they’re one of the most prevalent problems parlor palm owners face. Stay calm and methodically make a few simple care adjustments tailored to your situation. With attentive care, your parlor palm can make a full recovery! These plants are generally hardy and resilient when issues are addressed promptly. Don’t give up on your parlor palm!
Parlor Palm Care Top Tips
The Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a classic house plant. It has been a firm favourite since Victorian times when it was typically given prominent display in the parlour, where guests would be entertained. This attractive and elegant plant has light green leaves that feather out from slim stems. It is also known as the Good Luck Palm, Dwarf Mountain Palm, or Chamaedorea Palm. The Parlor Palm is a wonderfully low-maintenance and pet-friendly plant. It’s a slow grower so is perfect if you don’t have much space. But, like all plants, there are things you can do to keep it looking and feeling its absolute best! Read on to learn everything you need to know about Parlor Palm care.
Yes, the Parlor Palm is a low-maintenance plant, but that doesn’t mean you can completely neglect it! Here are our top tips for Parlor Palm care:
Watering Your Parlor Palm
Unsurprisingly, Parlor Palm care involves the essential act of watering your plant. In spring and summer, Parlor Palms only need watering when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry. How often this will happen depends on how warm it is. Make sure you get the compost evenly moist, but not soggy.
In winter, you can reduce the watering further. Overwatering can lead to root rot and the growth of fungi. It’s better to under-water a Parlor Palm than over-water it, but the best Parlor Palm care should be about getting it just right.
Why Is Our Palm Plant Turning Brown
FAQ
Should I cut the brown leaves off my Parlour Palm?
You can prune the yellow/brown leaves off your palm. It’s best to remove that whole section of leaf. You don’t have to take off the whole frond unless it’s so damaged that you’ll only have a few pieces left on the stem.
How do you revive a brown parlor palm?
Brown tips – underwatering or over-fertilization
Remedy – Thoroughly water your plant by removing it from its decorative pot and watering in the sink. Alternatively, only fertilize once or twice in the spring/summer, and make sure to use a diluted dose.
What does an overwatered parlor palm look like?
In the winter months, water it less frequently because it takes longer to dry out. Most plants show you a sign something is off, whether it be water, sunlight or pruning. The Parlour Palm will get brown leaf tips, which indicates overwatering, while yellow fronds tell you that the plant needs a bit more water.
How do I treat brown leaves on my palm tree?
Under watering: When a palm plant doesn’t receive enough water, the leaves can turn brown and dry. To solve this, ensure the plant receives adequate water. Water your palm thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain, and then let the top inch of the soil dry out before watering again.