Comments on: Plant of the Month – Chamaedorea falcifera

By: mmorita

mmorita — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:31:58 +0000

Hi Nicole,
These palms do like to dry out between waterings. I would check the palm every week for water, but realistically (depending on the weather, environment and light/heat) it probably only needs water every other week or every third week. When you do water it though, water it thoroughly. Also, it’s not a bad idea to spray the leaves from time to time.
Hope that helps!
Miko

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:37:44 +0000

I’m trying to figure out the best way to water this plant. It is new to the office and I feel like I may be either over watering it, or not watering it enough. Please let me know! thanks1

~Nicole

By: mmorita

mmorita — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:47:19 +0000

Hi Tony,
With the Chamaedorea falcifera palm, sometimes the lower fronds will get brown from stress, over/under water, change in environment, humidity or even age. From what you told me, and me not knowing the environment that the palm is in (light, heat) I am concerned about the palm being transplanted. Usually, for interior plants, we only transplant when we are sub-irrigating the plant. The transplant could be causing stress to the palm and/or over watering. When you did transplant the palm, the palm needs sandy soil with a pot that has drainage. Also, when a plant is transplanted it usually does not require as much water since there is more soil around the root ball to store water. You should stick your finger into the soil as far as it will go and if you feel moisture, you don’t need to water the palm.

I would recommend that you do cut off any of the brown fronds all the way to the cane. And any tips that have turned brown you can trim for aesthetic purposes. Also, if the permanent planter you transplanted the palm into does not have drainage holes, this will definitely kill the palm, so please drill some holes in the bottom.

I you have any other questions, feel free to comment and I am happy to help.

Sincerely,
Miko

By: Tony Tanner

Tony Tanner — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:28:56 +0000

Dear Debra,

I recently purchased my beloved Chamaedorea falcifera palm for my home. A few weeks ago transplanted the palm into a larger permanent planter. As of the past week entire frowns have begun brown. I’m concerned I have been under watering the plant. I’m very anxious the plant is going to die and want to be certain I’m caring for it properly.

The entire plant is not appearing sickly, but should I be alarmed about some of the frowns browning. Should I cut the leaves as they turn brown or remove the whole frown?

Any tips please or comments to ease my mind. I don’t know anything about plants and am new to the care of plants.

Thank you so much for your help!

sincerely,
Tony

By: Jeff Hatch

Jeff Hatch — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:23:07 +0000

Hi Deb,

I googled Chamaedorea falcifera and I came across your wonderful website.