Pygmy Date Palm Care: Sun, Water & Soil Corrections

Pygmy Date Palm
Browning leaves on PDP Bought good-sized pygmy date palm from Home Depot nearly a month ago. New to plant care. On landing in Chula Vista, CA. Day 70s, night 50s. Partial shade (west-facing). Watering ~2 cups/week, added all-purpose plant food first watering. Outer leaves browning at edges (4 fronds), new leaves white around them. Soil moist at second knuckle. Palm leans. Suggestions?

Expert Advice

Images not visible. Need more info: original or new container? Soil type? Sounds like it needs more sun, less water. Initial thorough watering, then wait until drainage holes are just damp, then water thoroughly again. Most overwater frequently with insufficient quantity. Don't fertilize until roots establish. Original container is just a transit pot—repot with quality potting mix. If planting in ground, no soil amendment needed.

Follow-up

Transplant into larger pot with 2 inches pebbles at bottom, use Miracle-Gro potting mix. Water until it drains out holes. Fertilize later with palm granular 3x/year. Get "Palm nutritional spray" (Home Depot), apply weekly per directions (~1 tsp/gal). Good luck.