[Arid_gardener] Re: Sick Palm Plant

[RodMcQ6@aol.com]

Pascale, The Chinese Fan Palm ( Livistona chinensis ) is a medium to high 
water use plant and makes a good indoor potted plant. You may not be giving 
it enough water. I would suggest that you flush the pot periodically to 
remove any salts that may be browning the leaves. It is typical of palms for 
the lower fronds to yellow and die. Most palms require  periodic 
fertilization to keep them looking healthy. Try to find a palm tree 
fertilizer to meet the special needs of palms, one that is high in nitrogen 
and potassium  and low in phosphorous, a 3-1-3 Ratio is ideal. Do not use a 
high phosphorous fertilizer such as Miracle Grow 15-30-15 or other similiar 
formulation. 
      University of Arizona has an excellent bulletin on line about palm tree 
care at : http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1021.pdf

Good luck.
Rod McKusick
Master Gardener and Arborist