Question
Hi Tracy,
I am brand new to owning and caring for plants and I was hoping you can help me with the beginning stages and some general information I'll need.
I bought a palm tree (about 3' tall), the king that has solid pear-shaped leaves. I bought a pot that does not drain, however, I was told that if I put rocks at the base, I can then pot the palm above that. Is this true? I have the rocks, the soil, just want to know if this is something that would work. Also, when planting from the plastic piece it comes in, do I combine the existing soil with new or swap it out completely. Last two questions I swear...:)
How do I continually care for it? IE: how often should I water and once leaves are dead, what is the best way to cut them off? I don't have too much time to devote to this but anything I can do in the beginning I think would be great.
Thank you tons for any help you can provide.
~Lindsey

Answer
Hi Lindsey,
Just putting rocks at the bottom of a pot without drainage won't work. If you really want to use that pot then put the plant into a smaller plastic pot that has good drainage and set the plastic pot into the one without. Be sure to put rocks in the bottom of the outer pot to help with drainage of the smaller inside pot.
If you do re pot you should add soil to the existing soil but it is best to leave the plant in the plastic pot it is in now. Unnecessary re potting is a leading cause of plant failure and plants need to have time to adjust to their new environment without the stress of re-potting.
When leaves die simply cut them off at their base.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy