I have 2 Kentia palms in a conservatory. They are about 5-6 ft in height. They are in pots which have a water reservoir that you top up when the water level gets low. The leaves have started to go completely brown and shrivel. This has affected both plants and has happened to almost all of the leaves. I have read articles and books but don't know whether the plant is too dry or too wet or what the problem is. Can you help please?
Kentia palms need very well draining soil. If overwatered the roots could rot. You will need to determine if the soil is too wet.
If it feels wet and soggy they are over watered.
I would inspect them carefully for any signs of bugs or disease.
Here are a few links to help you pinpoint the cause.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kentia-palm/howea-forsteriana-kentia-palm.htm
How can I restore my 2 metre Kentia Palm back to dark green? It lives on a covered deck so the sunlight is filtered but it gets very warm and dry during the day and colder at night. It was repotted into a ceramic pot with a mixture of potting mix and pumice sand but has gone down hill ever since. I mistakenly thought it was too tight in its PB bag when I purchased it. I water approx. every fortnight in winter and weekly in summer and water the foliage at the same time. I gave it a dose of diluted Epsom Salts but haven't seen a noticeable difference.
Be careful not to overwater your Kentia Palm, only water when the top inch or so has dried out.
Don't water on a schedule, make sure you check the soil.
Also humidity is very important, misting the palm will help.
Do not over fertilize, this to can do damage to the plant.
If you see signs on insects or other disease, treat with Neem Oil.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kentia-palm/howea-forsteriana-kentia-palm.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have a Kentia Palm in a moderate, indirect light corner on the 2nd floor of my home. I have allowed it to dry out in between waterings and water it thoroughly (approx. every 2 weeks) until it has some excess in the saucer. When I return to check on it about 20 minutes later, it has soaked up all the excess water. Then, within 2-3 days of watering it, an entire lower frond turns brown and dies, while the rest of the plant looks good. What am I doing wrong with this plant?
The lower leaves may not be receiving enough light or lack of humidity is common as an issue with these houseplants.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kentia-palm/howea-forsteriana-kentia-palm.htm
I have a Kentia palm that is growing in a 12” container for 6-8 years. It has developed 4 large trunks and I’m wondering if I should try to divide it. It seems healthy enough but maybe it’s getting crowded in there. Thanks very much! __________________________
Yes, it's a good idea to divide your Kentia palm. The alternative is to repot all the trunks together in a larger pot.
To divide, remove the root ball(s) from the pot, then gently separate the roots of each trunk from each other. Each trunk most likely has its own clump of roots that can be separated from the others without too much damage. Repot each one, water well, and keep out of direct sunlight for a few days. You might need to stake them temporarily to help them stand up.
Here is more about Kentia palm:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kentia-palm/howea-forsteriana-kentia-palm.htm
I have a Kentia palm clump planted in the ground that has been there for about 10 years. This last week I've been noticing fronds on one of the trees drooping and the next day they break at the trunk. They are not brown and the other trees in the clump are doing fine. I've lost about 8 fronds this week and can't figure out what it is. There are no signs of insects or disease and nothing has changed with its care.
Over or under watering is the most common issue with Kentia Palms. Either extreme can lead to disease.
Make sure the soil is well draining. Only water when the top 2 to 3 inches of sandy soil has dried.
Misting your plant can help during dry periods.
I have a lot of white, almost spider like tiny spots all over my kentia Palm. What is is and can I eradicate it?
Sounds like Scale on your plant.
Treat with Neem Oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have a Howea Forsteriana (Kentia) It was a group of 3 but one of the 3 died soon after purchase. It is in a window with a lot of light but not direct sun. It does not sit in water because the pot is raised from the dish. I try not to water too often. But now all the branches from one of the 2 stalks have died and there is a upcoming sproup that looks like it is turning brown. What am I doing wrong? Nancy Robbins nancyrobbinsdesign@gmail.com
Over watering is the most common cause of loss of these hardy plants.
This article will refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kentia-palm/howea-forsteriana-kentia-palm.htm