Cat Palm Overpotting and Mystery Plant Identification

Jonathan's cat palm in 20-inch pot dries every 2-3 days despite cactus/orchid mix. Near sliding doors with morning indirect light. Also bought unidentified plant—possibly bird of paradise or heliconia.

Cat Palm Issues

Pot too large: 20" is huge unless plant >6 ft. Likely jumped multiple sizes—never recommended.

Wrong mix: Orchid mix drains too fast. Cat palms need standard potting mix.

Watering assessment: In described light/pot, should dry weekly. Check: moisture meter? surface-only test? Top 1-2 inches should dry.

Fix

Repot to original or one-size-larger pot with standard mix. Water when top inch or two dry. Daily drying is fine if you water daily.

Mystery Plant Identified

White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai). Pot slightly large—remove loose surface soil. Water when top ½ inch dry (weekly cycle). Maximum direct indoor sun. No fertilizer for a year.