Brown spots on the leaves of the Kentia palm can have very different causes. In most cases the temperature is simply too low. Kentia palms like it warm. What you can do about brown spots on the fronds.
What causes brown spots on Kentia palm?
Brown spots on Kentia palms can be caused by low temperatures, pest infestation, lack of nutrients, incorrect watering or direct sunlight. To reduce the spots, optimize palm care, control for pests, and provide appropriate temperatures and lighting conditions.
Causes of brown spots on Kentia palm leaves
- Temperatures too low
- Pest Infestation
- Nutrient Deficiency
- too moist / too wet root ball
- Sunburn
Kentia palms like it warm
Temperatures that are too low are the most common cause when the Kentia palm gets brown spots. The palm tree loves warmth and is therefore better grown indoors all year round.
It should never be colder than 18 degrees at the location of the Kentia palm. The palm tree, on the other hand, tolerates higher temperatures very well as long as the humidity is high enough.
Watch out for pests
Sometimes the brown spots are caused by pests. Possible causes are
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Thrips
considered. You can recognize spider mites by the small webs in the leaf axils of the fronds. The dorsal shields of scale insects, which are located on and under the leaves, can be seen with the naked eye. Thrips show themselves through fecal deposits on the undersides of leaves.
If there are pest infestations, rinse the Kentia palm with lukewarm water to wash away the pests. Cover the substrate so that uninvited guests do not settle there. Insert special plant sticks (€31.00 on Amazon) into the soil to combat the pests.
Brown spots due to care errors
Incorrect watering can also cause Kentia palm leaves to become mottled or turn yellow. The plant substrate must be neither too wet nor too dry. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
Nutrient deficiencies also show up - albeit rarely - in spots on the leaves. Fertilize the palm tree or repot it.
Do not place the Kentia palm directly behind a pane of glass in the sun in summer. The leaves then burn and have the unwanted brown spots.
Tip
The Kentia palm can also be propagated from seeds, but is usually purchased as an early plant. Often the substrate of the palm you buy is not ideal, so you should repot it straight away.
