root rot on Kentia Palm
Quick answer
If your Kentia Palm has root rot, the most likely cause is: Howea forsteriana (kentia palm) is susceptible to root rot because the plant's root system is intolerant of waterlogged compost; allowing the soil to stay saturated suffocates the roots, and the fungus that follows turns roots black or brown and causes the entire frond to wilt and collapse.
Start here:
- 1. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, and never let the pot stand in drained excess water, as palms should never be allowed to become waterlogged.
- 2. If root rot is suspected, unpot the plant, shake off the compost and cut away blackened, mushy roots before repotting into fresh, free-draining compost; let the plant dry out partially before resuming a moderate watering routine.
Why Kentia Palm gets root rot
Howea forsteriana
Howea forsteriana (kentia palm) is susceptible to root rot because the plant's root system is intolerant of waterlogged compost; allowing the soil to stay saturated suffocates the roots, and the fungus that follows turns roots black or brown and causes the entire frond to wilt and collapse.
How to reverse root rot on Kentia Palm
- 1
Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, and never let the pot stand in drained excess water, as palms should never be allowed to become waterlogged.
- 2
If root rot is suspected, unpot the plant, shake off the compost and cut away blackened, mushy roots before repotting into fresh, free-draining compost; let the plant dry out partially before resuming a moderate watering routine.
- 3
Use a soil-based potting compost with plenty of drainage material at the bottom of the pot so surplus water can escape freely each time you water.
Keep root rot off this Kentia Palm
Water moderately in summer and sparingly in winter, allow the top of the compost to dry between waterings, and never let Howea forsteriana sit in standing water so the roots stay aerated.