Maintaining Braided Ficus and Caring for Kentia Palms

Braided Ficus benjamina trees require regular pruning to maintain their distinctive woven trunk appearance. As the plant grows, remove side branches and basal sprouts promptly, and continue braiding new flexible growth before it hardens. This ongoing maintenance keeps the plant compact and visually appealing.

Kentia Palm Care: Preventing Brown Leaf Tips

Kentia palms (Howea forsteriana) thrive in bright, indirect light but scorch in direct sun. If your palm shows brown, burnt-looking leaf tips despite being near a window, the culprit may be fluoride in tap water. These palms are highly sensitive to fluoride, which accumulates in leaf tissue causing tip burn. Let tap water sit uncovered for 48 hours before watering to allow fluoride and chlorine to dissipate, or use filtered or rainwater.

Watering and Light Requirements

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings. Place the palm in bright, filtered light—north or east-facing windows are ideal. Avoid heating vents and cold drafts. With proper care, Kentia palms make elegant, long-lived indoor specimens.