Question
I have a 20 year old 12 foot Kentia Palm (at least I think that is what it is).  It has lost soil at the base of the plant over the last few years because it spends the Summer on the deck outside.  I have to tip it on its side to get it in and out the door. There are now roots showing all around the bulbous base.  When I repot my palm, should these get covered up?

Answer
Hi Linda, No, this is a  common phenomenon with Palms and is nothing to be concerned about; trying to cover this up could (as the old adage says....)upset the apple cart. When you repot it, just take the entire root section out of the old container (intact) and place it in its new container (much larger I am hoping...) at the same level it was in the old one. I am assuming it is happy and healthy, if not, then there could be other issues. Nick