Indoor Palm Death: No Drainage + Overwatering = Root Rot

Your palm died from the combination of no drainage holes and excessive watering. Trimming roots (if ≤1/3) wasn't the killer.

What Went Wrong

• No drainage: Water pooled at bottom, roots suffocated.
• Watering schedule: "Glass every other day" + "let soil get pretty dry" = surface dry, bottom soggy.
• Soil mix: Needed sandy/cactus mix for palms.

Correct Palm Watering

1. Pot must have drainage holes + saucer.
2. Use sandy, fast-draining soil (cactus mix).
3. Water thoroughly until excess drains.
4. Wait until pot feels light (top to bottom dry) before watering again.
5. ~Weekly in summer, less in winter. Weight test > schedule.

Root Pruning Rule

Never remove >1/3 of root mass. Your 8" remnants were likely fine.

Next palm: drainage holes, cactus mix, water by weight. Ask nursery for species-specific advice.