Hello, I'm new to this forum as well as trying my luck at palms. I basically got my Kentia earlier this year. Recently I repotted the palm in a 10" pot using Supersoil Cactus & Palm Mix. I water it 1 gallon about once a week. I stick a toothpick through the drain holes to determine soil moister. Last week I used Vigoro fertilizer (6-5-12) and also added maybe 10 tspns of Mychorrizal Fungi. When I first got the palm it looked a little worse, the steps forementioned are the steps I've taken to cure this sick guy. Any insight would be very appreciated. The Kentia is stunning and I would love to see it grow for years to come. Thanks!
Hi DiegoLifer, Sounds and looks like you are overwatering. Your plant may also have sunscald. Take a look here for some helpful growing info. This first site has a second page. http://www.valentine.gr/kentia_en.htm http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Howea_forsterana.html http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/HOWFORA.pdf Newt
After reading the suggested pages, I believe I made quite a few mistakes. Too bad I didn't research before I bought. BTW, thanks for responding with valuable info! So what happens to tarnished leaves? Do they grow back?
Don't feel bad. I know all this stuff and do the same thing. I often make a spur of the moment purchase and then do the research, only to discover that I should have done it the other way around. You may continue to get some browning, but don't be discouraged. Just cut off the brown sections of the fronds. You may lose a stem or two, but as long as the roots aren't damaged, it should recover. Once yellowed or brown, the green does not return. Newt
Also there is some great information from Dr. Alan Meerow (Uni Florida) on palms generally at http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/palms/palmproduction.htm - it is for commercial growers, but the info can be used anyway. Contains lots of data about soil, watering, etc. Soil requirements are quite different and normal potting mix may not work as well. From my research Dr. Alan Meerow seems to be a leading world expert on palms. There is also some data at http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/1997/archives/27/in_the_garden/trees_and_palms/kentia_palms - though about Australian conditions the comments are applicable generally. Rob
