Reviving a Large Indoor Palm with Browning Fronds

Root‑Bound and Root‑Rot in a 7‑Foot Palm

Kevin's 7‑foot palm (likely a Majesty/Parlor palm) in a 17‑inch pot has many brown, dry fronds. It's in the original nursery pot, never misted, watered when dry.

Expert Diagnosis & Fix

The palm is root‑bound and suffering root rot from sitting in residual moisture at the bottom of the undersized pot.

1. Repot into a larger container (22 inches).
2. Add 2 inches of pea stone at the bottom for drainage.
3. Mist fronds daily to prevent spider mites.
4. Water thoroughly but allow excess to drain; never let the pot sit in standing water.

The palm may recover, but if too far gone, consider replacing it. Never keep a plant in its original nursery pot more than a month.