Hey everyone! I'm new to plant ownership and need some guidance with my Bella Palm. Lately, I've noticed that the tips of its leaves are turning brown. I usually water it only when the soil feels dry, but I'm not sure if I'm checking it properly. It gets light throughout the day, although it may be considered low light. I do place it on my balcony for some extra sunlight, but it's only direct for a few hours before it's shaded for the rest of the day. I also mist the leaves every couple of days to keep spider mites at bay. I live in South-Western Ontario, Canada, in case that's relevant. Am I possibly doing something wrong?
2 Answers
It sounds like you might not be checking the soil deeply enough. Try sticking your finger in a couple of inches down to see if the soil is dry that far in. Also, make sure you're not using any harsh chemicals when spraying the leaves. Since you’re giving it some direct sunlight, just be cautious not to overexpose it, as that could also contribute to the leaf tips browning.
You mentioned that you’re only giving it a few hours of direct sunlight, which is great! Just keep an eye on the watering; sometimes, even though the top layer feels dry, the roots might still be too wet. I'd recommend checking the soil moisture level deeper and adjusting your watering schedule if needed.