Hi! I got an areca palm four months ago, and found some mite on the stems. I thought I killed them by some insect-spray for plant, at least there's no sign of bug-life on the stems any more. The palm grew well the first months, but ever from the last weeks it begun to dry up from some leaves in the same stem, and then down to the stem. So far about four or five stems have dried out and died. I've taking good care (at least I thought so) of my plant, it has got right amount of water, placed in good light while staying away from direct sunshine. It is also standing quite near the radiator-owen to keep warm during the cold season. I spray water on it almost everyday. I'm getting really worried about it, and I don't know what caused the death of the stems. Some leaves are stilling getting dry and I worry the whole plant will die soon if I don't fix it. Can anyone help me? Thanks a lot! :) Attached photos- one shows the poor dried leaves and the other the stem. Regards, Nora
Being near the radiator may be doing more harm than good. I would guess that the heat would have a drying effect in the area, lowering the humidity and thus causing the leaves to go brown. The spraying of water does little to raise humidity levels since its effect is so short-lived. You might try moving the plant to a warm but cooler location and perhaps putting it on a pebble-filled water tray (while making sure the container is above the waterline).
