Kentia Palm Appears to Be Dying

Question

I have a Kentia palm that is sick and appears to be dying. It is planted close to another Kentia, which is thriving, and both are treated the same. The one in question was by far the largest, but now it is not. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I would consider two possibilities. The first is that the larger palm has pests that are hurting the tree. Check the plant closely. Scale is a common pest forpalms, but it could be something else. I would even say go ahead and treat the palm with neem oil as it will not hurt and will kill any pests that you may have missed.

The other is that the tree may be dying from old age. Do you know how old it is? Trees, like all living things, have a lifespan and it may be that this one has reached its end.