Q.Growing a Palm Indoors
We have inherited a palm in our workplace – not sure on the exact type of palm, but currently keeping it in an area with no natural light (with the help of a 50W LED indoor growing light). Some of the stems/fronds are going brown and we are worried that this is due to the lack of natural sunlight or that the LED light we have just isn’t big enough. Any advice you can offer on this please? Photos attached for reference. Thanks.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Depending on what type of LED it is, you may very well be lacking some spectrums that is necessary for plant growth. Many sub-par LED only contain red and blue, with some white. This is not enough of the spectrum to maintain healthy plant growth. Unfortunately, The LED's that replicate the sun in spectrum and intensity are not cheap. Personally I run KIND LED, as this gives perfect spectrum and is over-powerful. My 750 watt panel can light a 5x5 area while also allowing me to set up multiple environments from intense light to dim. Having the incorrect light will not make a plant happy.
The next issue at hand will be fertilization. You will need to fertilize, at least, once per year with slow release all- purpose fertilizer. Make sure to water when the soil starts to dry, and not when it is completely dry.
Here is an article on your palm, which I believe to be an Areca palm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/areca-palm/growing-areca-palm-indoors.htm
