If the Kentia palm gets brown tips, it looks very unsightly. The reason for this is almost always the humidity where the palm tree is located. What you can do if the leaf tips are brown and how to prevent the discoloration.
Why does my Kentia palm have brown tips and how do I prevent this?
Brown tips on a Kentia palm are usually caused by too low humidity. To prevent this, you should regularly spray the palm tree with lukewarm, lime-free water, ensure sufficient moisture and ensure temperatures of at least 18 degrees Celsius.
Causes of brown leaf tips on the Kentia palm
Brown leaves or fronds are almost always caused by too much or too little moisture. If only the tips turn brown, this is usually an indication that the humidity in the room is too low.
Make sure the temperature and humidity are right
Kentia palms like it very warm. The ambient temperature should be at least 18 degrees. Especially in winter, the air in the room is very dry at these temperatures, so the low humidity leads to the unsightly brown tips of the leaves.
Increase the humidity by regularly spraying the Kentia palm with lukewarm, lime-free water. Open bowls filled with water also contribute to a better indoor climate.
In the summer, the Kentia palm really appreciates being placed in the warm summer rain for a while. Then let the root ball drain well.
Cut off brown tips
You can cut off the brown tips at any time. Use a pair of clean, small scissors; nail scissors (€15.00 on Amazon) usually work too. Make sure that the cutting edges are very sharp so that the leaves do not tear.
Only cut into the browned part of the leaf. You must not damage the still he althy, green leaf. The interfaces dry up and leave brown edges, which also look unsightly.
Avoid leaf discoloration through correct watering
Incorrect watering most often causes the leaves to turn brown or yellow. Kentia palms tolerate neither complete dryness nor waterlogging.
Water abundantly in spring and summer. Excess irrigation water must be poured out immediately. In winter, the Kentia palm is only watered moderately so that the root ball is always slightly moist.
Lukewarm rainwater is best for irrigation water. If not available, you can also water the Kentia palm with soft, stale, lukewarm water from the tap.
Tip
While brown leaf tips are mainly caused by too low humidity, brown spots on the leaves are caused by temperatures that are too low. Occasionally pests are also responsible.
