Troubleshooting
Preston Palm problems — and how to fix them
Preston Palm (Dypsis prestoniana) 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.
Slow growth in suboptimal temperatures
Growth virtually halts below 18°C. In cooler conditions this palm will hold but not thrive. Provide supplemental heating in glasshouses and avoid any cold draughts that lower local temperature.
Magnesium deficiency
Older fronds show broad yellow banding along the leaflet margins while the midrib remains green. Apply magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) to the soil at 30 g per 10 L of water. Use a palm fertiliser containing Mg routinely.
Phytophthora root and crown rot
Caused by waterlogging or poorly draining containers. The spear leaf collapses and the crown becomes soft and malodorous. Repot into fresh, well-draining substrate, remove all affected roots, and treat with a phosphonate-based fungicide.
Prevent preston palm problems before they start
Most preston palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for preston palm in general rather than its problems? Read the full preston palm care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Preston Palm problems — FAQ
Why is my preston palm slow growth in suboptimal temperatures?
Growth virtually halts below 18°C. In cooler conditions this palm will hold but not thrive. Provide supplemental heating in glasshouses and avoid any cold draughts that lower local temperature.
Why is my preston palm magnesium deficiency?
Older fronds show broad yellow banding along the leaflet margins while the midrib remains green. Apply magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) to the soil at 30 g per 10 L of water. Use a palm fertiliser containing Mg routinely.
Why is my preston palm phytophthora root and crown rot?
Caused by waterlogging or poorly draining containers. The spear leaf collapses and the crown becomes soft and malodorous. Repot into fresh, well-draining substrate, remove all affected roots, and treat with a phosphonate-based fungicide.