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Abal Palm · Acoelorraphe wrightii

Why is my Paurotis palm dropping leaves?

It is less common for this palm to drop healthy leaves, which usually points to a major environmental stress or a disease like Lethal Bronzing. Check the color of the fronds and the overall health of the trunk first.

Check these first

  1. Check if the fronds are turning a bronze color.
  2. Look for signs of cold or heat damage.
  3. Inspect the trunk for any unusual growths or decay.

Likely causes

  1. Lethal Bronzing

    Possible

    How to tell: The fronds turn a distinct bronze or reddish brown color before dying and dropping. This is a serious infection that affects the entire palm.

    What to do: Consult a local arborist immediately as this is a fatal condition. Remove and destroy the affected plant to prevent the spread of the phytoplasma to other palms.

  2. Extreme Temperature Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown rapidly after being exposed to freezing drafts or intense, direct heat. The plant may drop foliage to conserve energy.

    What to do: Move the palm to a stable location with bright, indirect light. Keep it away from heating vents or cold windows.

Find out what's wrong with your abal palm

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If your palm is turning bronze, it is a critical situation. It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to turn brown and drop as the palm grows taller.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the palm in a stable environment and monitor for any color changes in the foliage.

Keep your abal palm healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Is leaf drop always a sign of disease?
No, it is often just the natural aging process of the oldest fronds. Only worry if the new growth is affected.
How do I know if it is Lethal Bronzing?
The fronds will show a rapid, uniform bronze discoloration. If you suspect this, contact a professional plant pathologist.

More problems with Abal Palm

Back to the Abal Palm guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.