Embrace the timeless elegance of the Kentia Palm, a symbol of tropical grace and sophistication.

With their graceful fronds and tropical allure, indoor palms are cherished for their ability to transform any indoor space into a lush oasis. Whether adorning living rooms, offices, or lobbies, these botanical beauties exude elegance and tranquility. While indoor palms like the Kentia Palm and Lady Palm are renowned for their adaptability and low-maintenance nature, providing them with the right nutrients can significantly enhance their growth and vitality. Read on to discover the best fertilizer for indoor palms and how to effectively fertilize these iconic plants for optimal health and beauty.

Understanding the NPK Ratio

The Best Plant Food for Indoor Palms

Can Fertilizing My Indoor Palm Help It Thrive?

When to Fertilize Your Indoor Palm

Understanding the NPK Ratio

Indoor palms are slow growers and, like other plants, have specific nutrient requirements essential for their growth and well-being. When choosing a fertilizer for indoor palms, it's crucial to consider the NPK ratio, which represents the proportion of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer formulation. For indoor palms, a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar is recommended. This balanced blend ensures that your indoor palms receive the essential nutrients necessary for robust growth and vibrant foliage.

The Best Plant Food for Indoor Palms

While various fertilizers can effectively nourish indoor palms, opting for a high-quality, all-natural liquid plant food is ideal for promoting optimal growth and vitality. Our Boost Vitaminé is specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of indoor palms, providing them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Enriched with natural ingredients, Boost Vitaminé promotes healthy root development, lush foliage, and overall plant vigor, ensuring your indoor palms remain vibrant and flourishing.

Can Fertilizing My Indoor Palm Help It Thrive?

While indoor palms may not bloom like their outdoor counterparts, proper fertilization can significantly enhance their overall health and appearance. By providing your indoor palms with the right nutrients at the appropriate times, you can stimulate robust growth, vibrant foliage, and a thriving, verdant presence in your indoor space.

Elevate your indoor palms with Boost Vitaminé Plant Food – the ultimate nourishment for vibrant growth and lush foliage!

When to Fertilize Your Indoor Palm

Timing is key when it comes to fertilizing palms to ensure optimal growth and vitality. During the active growing season, typically from spring to summer, incorporate a balanced liquid fertilizer into your watering routine every two to four weeks. This regular feeding schedule provides your indoor palms with the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. As fall and winter approach and your palms begin to receive less light throughout the day, reduce fertilization to once every two months to prevent overfeeding and maintain overall plant health.

At Léon and George, we're on a mission to bring the beauty of nature into your daily life. Our hand-selected, California-grown plants such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Ficus Audrey, and Bird of Paradise are carefully chosen for their quality, health, and beauty. We believe in simplicity, fairness, and sustainability, sourcing our plants from trusted local growers who share our values. When you bring a Léon and George plant into your home, you're not just getting greenery – you're getting a piece of nature treated with our all-natural products and staged for optimal growth. We're here to make plant ownership accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering a connection between people and the natural world.

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Photo by @jessoliverbaggett for Léon & George

With its distinctive fronds reminiscent of a fish's tail, your Fishtail Palm is undoubtedly a captivating indoor plant addition to your space. However, if you've noticed those elegant leaves starting to turn yellow and brown, it can be a cause for concern. Don't fret just yet—yellow and brown leaves on the Fishtail Palm can be incredibly common, and we’ve got practical solutions to restore your Fishtail Palm to its former glory!

WHAT’S CAUSING Yellow and Brown Leaves ON YOUR FISHTAIL PALM

Yellowing and browning leaves on your Fishtail Palm are usually a sign that something isn't quite right. Several factors can contribute to this issue, and understanding the root cause is the first step towards nursing your palm back to health.

1. New environment: If your Fishtail Palm is new or has recently been moved, it is very likely that the brown and yellow leaves are simply the result of your plant adapting to its new environment. Unfortunately there is not much you can do in this scenario other than be patient and wait for it to adjust. In the meantime, you may remove some of the damaged fronds, taking care to never remove more than 30% of the plant in one go. Read our full guide on helping your Fishtail Palm adapt to its new home.

2. Overwatering: One of the most common culprits behind yellow and brown leaves is overwatering. Fishtail Palms prefer moisture-rich conditions, but will not tolerate soggy soil or as they say “wet feet”.

3. Inadequate Light: Fishtail Palms thrive in bright, indirect light and will also tolerate some direct sunlight. If your palm isn't getting enough light or is exposed to too much harsh direct sunlight, it can stress the plant and lead to leaf damage.

4. Humidity Levels: The Fishtail Palm loves spaces with high humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, it can cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown.

5. Temperature Fluctuations: Fishtail Palms are sensitive to temperature changes. Sudden drops in temperature or exposure to drafts can result in leaf discoloration.

6. Nutrient Deficiency: If you’ve had your Fishtail Palm for some time, consider if your plant may be lacking in essential nutrients, especially nitrogen and magnesium, which can manifest as yellowing leaves. This may be the case if it’s been over two years since you’ve repotted, or if you don’t fertilize regularly. Consider adding fertilizing to your care routine.

Remedies to Revive Your Fishtail Palm

Now that you've identified some potential causes, here are effective remedies to address the issue and bring your Fishtail Palm back to life:

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine:

• Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, and consider using a moisture meter.

• Ensure your pot has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

2. Optimize Lighting:

• Place your Fishtail Palm in a location with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

• Shield it from harsh direct sun exposure, which can scorch the leaves.

• Never place your Fishtail Palm in low light areas.

3. Boost Humidity:

• Group your Fishtail Palm with other plants to increase humidity levels.

• Use a humidity tray or a room humidifier to maintain moisture around the plant.

4. Temperature Control:

• Keep your Fishtail Palm away from drafts and maintain a consistent room temperature.

• Avoid placing it near heaters, air conditioning vents, or cold windows.

5. Fertilize Appropriately:

• Feed your Fishtail Palm with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

• Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer packaging.

6. Pruning and Maintenance:

• Remove damaged and yellowed leaves with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Watch this video on how to prune the Fishtail Palm. Make sure to never remove more than 30% of your plant at time.

• Regularly inspect your palm for signs of pests, as they can also contribute to leaf discoloration.

By addressing these factors and providing your Fishtail Palm with the care it needs, you can bring your plant back to its lush former state! While you cannot reverse the yellow and brown leaves, you can slowly remove them and wait for the plant to put out new growth. With patience and proper attention, your Fishtail Palm will once again flourish, gracing your living space with its unique and vibrant foliage.

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Photo by @jessoliverbaggett for Léon & George

With its striking appearance, deep green leaves and unique fronds resembling the fins of a fish, the Fishtail Palm is a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. However, welcoming a Fishtail Palm into your home is like inviting a beautiful yet sensitive guest—some knowledge and patience is required as it settles into its new environment! Understanding that this elegant plant can be a bit temperamental during its initial months is key to becoming a successful Fishtail Palm plant parent. If you're considering this option as a houseplant, or have already welcomed it into your space and are experiencing some issues, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we guide you through the journey of nurturing your Fishtail Palm as it adapts to its new environment.

The Early Days: Yellowing, Browning, and Drooping

When you first bring home a Fishtail Palm, don't be alarmed if you notice some of its leaves turning yellow, brown, and/or drooping. This is a common reaction to the change in environment and may be caused by factors like changes in light, humidity, or temperature. Fishtail Palms are hypersensitive to these variations, and they often show their displeasure by exhibiting any or all of these symptoms.

Removing Damaged Foliage: Patience Is Key

The key to successfully acclimating your Fishtail Palm to its new home is patience. It's important not to panic and rush into removing every discolored leaf as this may cause the plant more distress. While it might be tempting to trim away the unsightly foliage, remember that the plant is going through a sensitive period. By allowing it some time, you're giving it a chance to adapt and recover. Week by week, you can remove some of the discolored foliage by trimming them off at the base of the leaf near the stem. Be careful not to remove more than 30% of the plant in one pruning session, as this may lead to even more shock.

Brown leaves on a new Fishtail Palm: not an uncommon sight.

Providing the Right Conditions

To support your Fishtail Palm during its sensitive adjustment phase, make sure you're providing the ideal conditions:

1. Light: Fishtail Palms prefer bright, indirect light and will also tolerate some direct light. However, avoid exposing them to too much harsh direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves, and never place this plant in a low light area. We recommend finding a well-lit spot where the plant receives plenty of filtered light.

2. Humidity: These palms thrive in spaces with high humidity. If your home has dry air, consider using a humidity tray or a room humidifier in the space where your Fishtail Palm for its ideal moisture levels.

3. Watering: Keep soil just moist to the touch, usually allowing the top inch or so of the soil to dry out. Water once a week or every 4-10 days depending on how fast your plant is drinking. Note that despite this plant’s preference for moisture, it is relatively drought tolerant so it’s usually best to err on the side of underwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a much harder problem to fix!

4. Temperature: Keep your Fishtail Palm away from drafts and maintain a consistent room temperature. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the Fishtail Palm.

5. Fertilizing: Avoid feeding your plant during the initial adjustment period. However, the minute you begin to see new growth emerge, feed your plant a gentle fertilizer. In the meantime and while you’re waiting for your plant to show signs of new growth, you may consider using a foliar feed which is like a microdose of nutrients for your plant and much more gentle than even the gentlest of soil fertilizers.

The Six-Month Milestone

Anywhere between three and six months after you’ve brought your Fishtail Palm home, you'll likely notice a remarkable transformation in your plant. New fronds will emerge, showcasing the plant's resilience and adaptability. As you progressively remove the damaged and withered fronds and leaves, your Palm will start to have more energy to push out the new growth, looking fuller and healthier than ever before.

You’ve Got This!

In the world of indoor plants, the Fishtail Palm may require a bit more attention during its initial phase, but the rewards are well worth it. With patience and the right care, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of this striking plant for many years to come. As you witness its journey of recovery and growth over the first six months, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for the wonder of nature and the resilience of your Fishtail Palm—we’re sure of it! Embrace the journey and soon you'll have a flourishing, magnificent Palm that will bring you joy day in and out for years to come.

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designed to thrive

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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The Fishtail Palm

AKA Caryota mitis

With its stunning profusion of airy foliage and tall silhouette, the Fishtail Palm is a gorgeous, low-maintenance floor plant that casts delightful, dappled shadows in light-filled spaces. Native to Southeast Asia, the Fishtail Palm thrives in bright to medium-light environments. 

Light

• Needs bright indirect or direct light, next to a window is best

• Will not tolerate low light environments

Water

• Keep the just slightly moist — water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry

• Note that despite this plant’s preference for moisture, it is relatively drought tolerant

Growth

• With the right conditions, the Fishtail Palm can be a fast grower

• Can be fertilized monthly during spring and summer

Never overwater your plants with these sleek and simple moisture meters.

MOISTURE METERS

Finally, a moisture meter that actually works. Tested by our very own Plant Doctors, all orders of Large or Extra Large Léon & George plant sets include a moisture meter

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Common problems with the Fishtail Palm

Brown Leaf Tips with Yellow “Halo” - Low Humidity

• Symptom - Leaf tips exhibiting browning and yellowing

• Cause - Low humidity, dry environment with heat/AC

• Remedy - Mist Fishtail Palm x2 weekly

Leaves Yellowing in Quick Succession - Overwatering

• Symptom - Many leaves becoming yellow over short period of time

• Cause - Overwatering

• Remedy - Only water Fishtail Palm when top two inches of topsoil are dry. If overwatered, remove palm (still within its plastic nursery pot) from ceramic planter. If excess water has pooled in planter, dump it out and allow plant to dry before watering again.

Leaves Yellow and Dry: Too Much Direct Sun or Underwatering

• Symptom - Dry, yellowing leaves

• Cause - Excess of direct sunlightm underwatering

• Remedy - Water Fishtail Palm consistently when topsoil is dry. Keep palm a few feet from windows to avoid scorching.
  

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Fishtail Palm

• Maintenance - A little love will go a long way with your Fishtail Palm!

  Trimming & reshaping - You can keep your Fishtail Palm looking fresh by trimming of leaves that exhibit a large degree of yellowing/browning. Cut the leaves’ stems as close to the base of plant as possible with clean, sharp scissors or shears. 

  
  Cleaning - Clean your Fishtail Palm’s foliage by gently wiping its fronds with a soft cloth. Removing dust from the Palm’s foliage allows it to photosynthesize with ease, which supports its overall health and appearance.

• Repotting - Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, Fishtail Palms can be repotted every three years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.

  When to repot - when the roots circle the pot tightly and begin to stick out, it’s time to move them to a new home. 

  Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil. 

  Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home. 

How to Propagate the Fishtail Palm

As with most palms, the only way to propagate a Fishtail Palm is by germinating the seeds. However, this can be very time-consuming (germination takes around eight months) and difficult to achieve indoors. Propagating Fishtail Palms is best left to professional growers. 

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The Fishtail Palm

A stunning plant with airy foliage that resembles delicate fishtails.

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