Cat Palm Plant Care

We can't tell you how often to water a plant as it's entirely dependent on the growing conditions, but you can easily check yourself by pressing your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the soil is dry, it's time to water this one! Cat palms love a good soak!

How much light does a cat palm need?

Cat Palm grows best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun early in the morning, but if you expose it to too much sunlight, this will scorch the leaves. Place it about 2 feet (60 cm) away from the window, to avoid direct sunlight exposure. This palm can grow at least 3 feet (90 cm) wide.

Is cat palm a good indoor plant?

They prefer high to moderate humidity, but are adaptable. Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum): This palm grows in stemless clumps, and will thrive in bright light. The soil needs to be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. It is one of the easiest parlor palms to grow indoors.

Do cat palms need full sun?

No, cat palms can not take full sun, and the leaves can burn in direct exposure. Full to partial shade, especially during the afternoon hours, is ideal. Now that you see how simple cat palm plant care is, you can grow one in your home or outdoors. Use these tips to keep it happy and healthy for many years to come.

Should I cut brown tips off cat palm?

Let palm fronds continue to grow until the entire leaf turns yellow or brown with age. In the meantime, you can tidy up your cat palm by using a sharp, clean pair of shears to trim off the brown tips at an angle. Pro tip: Insect pests can be another cause of discolored or damaged leaves.

Do cat palms like being misted?

Like many tropical houseplants, cat palms like high air humidity. This can be achieved by misting your plant once or twice a day using a spray-bottle of water.

Why is my cat palm getting brown tips?

Water Needs As with light, cat palms don't do well with extremes in watering. They don't tolerate dry soil or soggy soil. Either one can result in the leaves turning yellow or brown and even dropping off all together. Instead, keep the soil moist to the touch.

How do you keep a cat palm alive indoors?

Humidity may be the most important thing to this plant. This is one of the main reasons why these plants do not do well indoors. Ideally, the room should have around 55 percent humidity, but since that is not always possible you have to get creative. You can use a humidifier or place this plant on a wet gravel tray.

Where do you put a cat palm?

The Right Amount of Light for Cat Palm The best place to grow your cat palms is in bright indirect light and no direct sunlight. If you have your cascade palm close to a window, we recommend you rotate them to provide even light distribution.

Should you Mist palms?

Make your Palm happy by misting them a couple of times a week, or adding a humidifier nearby. If the humidity drops too low, particularly during winter, fronds can start to crisp and die.

Do cat palms get big?

Plant specs This palm only grows 6 to 8 feet tall in a rounded form. It's a slow grower that will tolerate sun or shade, though shadier locations are best.

How do you winterize cat palms?

Cover the soil above the Palm trees with mulch to protect the roots from hard freezes. Wrap the center spear and the first three to six leaves with water pipe insulation. Be sure to fold the top over to make sure that no water gets inside the insulation.

Why are my cat palm leaves turning yellow and brown?

Underwatering Causes Cat Palm Leaves to Turn Yellow When a single palm frond turns yellow, there's no need to worry because older leaves die naturally. New sprouts replace old leaves. But if several leaves turn yellow at once, then your cat palm is most likely underwatered.

When should I repot my cat palm?

You should never repot a palm until its roots have filled the existing pot. These plants really like to be root bound. I'd put it back into its original small pot, keep it moist but not soggy, and place it in good indirect bright light.

Can brown palm tree leaves turn green again?

Can Brown Palm Leaves Turn Green Again? Completely brown palm fronds are usually dead and will not turn green again. This is a natural process for palms as they will shed dead fronds as new ones grow.

How big does a cat palm get?

Cat palm is smaller than other palms and is ideal for small spaces such as apartments; it grows just 3 to 6 feet tall. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, Cat palms make lush additions on outdoor patios as well. Cat palms do best in bright light and moist (but not wet!) soil.

Do cat palms go dormant?

It's common for Cat Palm to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time. Cat Palm is native to Tropical and Subtropical Americas. Yes, you may see your Cat Palm bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.

Is Epsom salt good for palm trees?

But if your palm is suffering from a magnesium deficiency, Epsom salt can be a good supplement in addition to regular fertilizer applications. If that's the case, use Epsom salt. Sprinkle 2 to 3 pounds of Epsom salt under the tree's canopy, then water.

Can a cat palm live in low light?

Cat Palms grow best in low light. It will also do very well in areas where it receives filtered light (partial shade). Indoors a south or east facing window would be ideal.

Why are my indoor palm leaves turning brown?

Indoor palms are extremely sensitive to chemicals in the tap water and should be watered after the water sits for 24 hours. Browning of the leaves could also be caused by underwatering (also caused by the roots being pot bound), overwatering, root rot and fertilizer buildup.