How often should I water my Kentia?

Every 7 to 14 days is typical, but always check the soil first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the rotted roots and repotting in dry, airy soil gives the plant a chance to recover.

Kentia palm: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown, and the soil stays soggy for weeks. The base of the plant may feel mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the damage is severe, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot, and the plant looks wilted despite having wet soil.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a pot that does or use a nursery liner inside your decorative container.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kentia 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.

When to worry

If the base of the stems is soft or mushy, the rot has likely reached the crown, which is often fatal. Yellowing leaves are an early warning sign to act fast.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer after watering and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

Kentia palm: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kentia palm and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Kentia?: Every 7 to 14 days is typical, but always check the soil first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the rotted roots and repotting in dry, airy soil gives the plant a chance to recover.

Why is my Kentia palm showing signs of root rot?