Generally speaking, Parlor Palms are tough-as-nails plants that rarely get sick. However, if you start noticing brown tips or entire fronds turning brown, it’s usually a sign that something is off with its care or location.
If you see these changes, don’t wait—you’ll want to jump into action right away to save your green friend.
Why is my Parlor Palm turning brown?
The term “care mistakes” covers a few different things you’ll want to double-check. If your palm is looking a bit sad, take a look at these common culprits:
- Low humidity
- Temperatures are too chilly
- The root ball is drying out
- Sunburn
- Pest infestations
Humidity Levels
Since they’re tropical natives, Parlor Palms crave high humidity—something our heated homes usually lack during the winter. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to fix! Giving your palm a daily misting with soft rainwater (or even regular tap water) feels like a spa day for the plant. You can also set out bowls of water nearby to evaporate, or let a humidifier or indoor fountain do the heavy lifting for you.
Finding the Right Spot
Parlor Palms love the warmth; they’re happiest when it’s between 70-75°F (20-25°C) in the summer. While they like light, they aren’t fans of direct sun. A bright spot with indirect light or even partial shade is perfect. Keep them away from south-facing windows! That harsh midday sun will scorch the fronds, leading to a nasty case of sunburn. In the winter, they can handle slightly cooler temps—around 55-60°F (12-14°C)—but try not to let it get any colder than that.
Watering Needs
During the summer, your Parlor Palm is going to be thirsty, usually needing a drink every couple of days. Water moderately, but here’s a fun fact: these palms actually don’t mind “wet feet,” so you don’t necessarily have to rush to pour out every drop of excess water. The main goal is to make sure the root ball never completely dries out during the growing season. In the winter, you can scale back and just keep the soil lightly moist.
Dealing with Pests
When a Parlor Palm is stressed, pests see an opportunity. If you notice tiny, delicate webs on the fronds, you’re likely dealing with spider mites. Your first line of defense? Give the whole plant a good rinse in the shower. Afterward, wipe down the fronds with a cloth dipped in a bit of rubbing alcohol. If you spot scale insects (they look like tiny bumps), you can wipe those off with alcohol or soapy water. If the infestation gets out of hand, you might need a systemic treatment that the plant absorbs—once the bugs try to take a bite, the treatment does its job and clears them out.
