Troubleshooting
Parlor palm problems — and how to fix them
Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) 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 frond tips
Low humidity or tap-water minerals.
Full parlor palm brown frond tips diagnosis →Yellow fronds
Overwatering or root rot.
Full parlor palm yellow fronds diagnosis →Curling or shrivelled fronds
Spider mites — check the undersides with a torch.
Full parlor palm curling or shrivelled fronds diagnosis →Brown lower fronds
Normal turnover for older fronds; trim at the base.
Prevent parlor palm problems before they start
Most parlor palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Parlor palm problems — FAQ
Why is my parlor palm brown frond tips?
Low humidity or tap-water minerals.
Why is my parlor palm yellow fronds?
Overwatering or root rot.
Why is my parlor palm curling or shrivelled fronds?
Spider mites — check the undersides with a torch.
Why is my parlor palm brown lower fronds?
Normal turnover for older fronds; trim at the base.