Question
hi, what potting soil and fertilizer would you recommend for a big (7ft) indoor majesty palm? This will be my third try and I'm hoping its the charm. Also how often should I feed it? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Answer
Hi David,

I hate to tell you this, but there is no way to keep a Majesty Palm happy for very long indoors. This is the only commonly available plant that I do not recommend under any circumstances. Unlike most other Palm species, the Majesty Palm requires too much sun, air circulation, water and fertilizing to do well indoors. Even the sunniest of windows is not usually enough for a Majesty Palm. They are also very susceptible to spider mite infestations.

I wish I had an answer for how to keep these plants happy over the long haul, but the reality is that they are grown outdoors in nurseries very quickly and can be sold inexpensively to an unsuspecting consumer who has no idea how problematic they are as house plants.

Kentia Palms and Rhapis Palms are much better choices for indoor use, although they are much more expensive. However, had you purchased one of those originally, you would have saved money in the long run.

I have written an article on Palm care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com