Troubleshooting
Kentia palm problems — and how to fix them
Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown leaf tips
Tap-water minerals or dry air; use filtered water.
Yellow fronds
Overwatering; reduce frequency and check drainage.
Spider mites
Common in dry rooms; rinse fronds monthly to prevent buildup.
Slow growth
Normal — kentias add one to two fronds per year.
Prevent kentia palm problems before they start
Most kentia palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Kentia palm problems — FAQ
Why is my kentia palm brown leaf tips?
Tap-water minerals or dry air; use filtered water.
Why is my kentia palm yellow fronds?
Overwatering; reduce frequency and check drainage.
Why is my kentia palm spider mites?
Common in dry rooms; rinse fronds monthly to prevent buildup.
Why is my kentia palm slow growth?
Normal — kentias add one to two fronds per year.