Low humidity or salts in tap water. Raise humidity, use filtered water, and trim the tips.

Overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and check drainage.

Scorched, bleached fronds

Direct sun. Move to indirect light.

Tiny webs on undersides

Spider mites in dry air. Rinse the fronds and raise humidity.

Houseplants

A graceful low-light palm that has been a houseplant since the Victorians. Pet-safe and undemanding.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Low light

Where to put it

Low to medium indirect light, away from direct sun, which scorches the fronds. Happy in dim corners other plants would sulk in.

Watering

Every 1–2 weeks, less in winter.

Soil mix

Standard well-draining potting mix.

Pot

Any pot with drainage; it likes being a little snug.

Repotting

Every 2–3 years; it is slow-growing and dislikes root disturbance.

Propagation

Grown from seed, which is slow and impractical at home. Buy as a clump rather than trying to divide, the roots resent splitting.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Brown frond tips. Low humidity or salts in tap water. Raise humidity, use filtered water, and trim the tips.
Yellowing fronds. Overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and check drainage.
Scorched, bleached fronds. Direct sun. Move to indirect light.
Tiny webs on undersides. Spider mites in dry air. Rinse the fronds and raise humidity.