If you’ve noticed the tips of your Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) turning brown, don’t panic! It’s a common issue that can stem from a few different things—ranging from simple care mistakes to environmental stress. The good news? Most of these are easy to fix. Here’s the lowdown on why it happens and how to get your palm back on track.
Common Culprits for Brown Tips
- Improper watering habits
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Low humidity (dry air)
- Not enough sunlight
- Transplant shock after repotting
- Frost damage
- Pests or diseases
Thirsty Palms: Watering Woes
The most frequent cause of brown tips is simply a lack of moisture. When the plant doesn’t get enough water, it starts drying out from the inside out. Low humidity can also cause those fan-shaped fronds to crisp up. To keep your palm happy, water it regularly—ideally as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Just be sure to dump out any excess water from the saucer; you want moist soil, not “wet feet,” which can lead to root rot.
Post-Repotting Stress
Did you recently move your palm to a new home? If brown tips show up right after repotting, your plant is likely just dealing with a bit of stress. In this case, you can trim the affected leaves to keep it looking tidy. Just a pro tip: always leave about two inches (four centimeters) of the leaf stem attached to the trunk rather than cutting it flush.
Location, Location, Location
Your Windmill Palm needs its “daily dose” of Vitamin D. If it’s stuck in a dark corner, the leaves will start to turn brown, dry out, and eventually die off. You’ll also notice the plant stops growing altogether. If you suspect lack of light is the issue, move it to a brighter spot. These palms really need at least two to three hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive year-round.
Winter Chills and Frost Damage
While Windmill Palms are surprisingly hardy (they can handle temperatures down to 0°F/-18°C!), they aren’t invincible. Frost damage usually happens during winter if the conditions are both cold and damp. To protect your palm, make sure it’s bundled up properly. Use burlap, garden fleece, or coconut mats to wrap the trunk and pot, and cover the base with pine branches. If your palm is in a container, move it to a sheltered spot away from harsh winds.
How to Handle Brown Tips
Here’s the tough truth: once a leaf tip turns brown, it’s not going to turn green again. To improve the look of your plant, simply snip off the brown parts with a pair of sharp, clean gardening shears. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue, as this can cause further browning.
