Question
Hello, I bought a tropical plant (a kentia palm, I believe) at Walmart at the end of the summer.  I remember the label stating something about low sunlight and water a larger amount one a week rather that small amounts every day.  Anyway, I noticed the leaves turning yellow about a month ago, so I repotted it in a bigger pot.  (While doing so I discovered the roots were very overgrown.)  I used a Miracle Gro Potting Soil, and fertilized the plant once repotted.  The yellowing continued to worsen, so I began to water more, maybe too much.  Upon close inspection, I also noticed lots of spider mites, so I wiped off all of the leaves with a soapy sponge.  Now almost all of the leaves are yellow with brown edges and tips.  Is there anything I can do to save the plant?  I read about how this could be root rot, is there a way to save the plant if it is that?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Debbie, Kentias do indeed like a dappled shade, but it seems from what you are telling me that you are watering it too much, yellow leaves/fronds are the indication; a lighter potting mix would be better also, miracle grow is fine for vegetables and annuals, but not as a permanent mix for a tree or palm. The spider mites can be kept at bay by misting the leaves frequently (it likes a humid environment also, so this will simulate it), put it in the same container with a light potting mixture and the bottom 2 inches of the container lined with a drainage medium like gravel or pea stone, water it moderately and then let it dry to touch before watering again. Nick