| The bottom layer of leaves on my sago palm is starting to turn brown. Is my plant starting to die or do they usually turn brown and fall off as they grow taller? The plant is about a foot high and in a big pot. It gets watered regularly, and gets enough sun. But my problem still exist. |
| Caryota, or Sago palms, are small to medium-sized palms that grow best in shady sites, in rich, moist soil. They should thrive in regular potting soil and the moisture you're giving them, so I'd suspect the site is too sunny for them. Sago palms may or may not retain their old leaves, so what you've observed is normal for the plant. They can be cut off if they're unattractive to you. It's not unusual for palms to have just one row of leaves at the top of the trunk. If your palms are acting differently than they have in the past, they may need to be fed, or they may need a deeper soaking than the sprinklers are giving them. Periodic deep soakings will also leach salts away from the roots. If you can get up to the top of the palm to inspect the leaves, you may find spider mites (look for webbing between the leaf fans and the stem). An infestation of spider mites can turn leaves brown prematurely. To avoid the problem, hose the foliage down every few weeks to remove the dust and any spider mites that might have taken up residence. If you want to feed your palm, you can spread several inches of organic matter over the roots so the nutrients released as the organic matter decomposes will trickle down into the soil, or you can broadcast an 8-8-8 complete fertilizer over the root zone. Palms are sensitive to salts, so don't apply any more fertilizer than the label recommends or you'll burn the roots. Your palm may not start growing again until next spring, but if you feed it, and water it regularly, it should perform well. |
