Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil 2 inches deep to check for moisture.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Press gently on the trunk base to check for soft spots.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for days and the base of the trunk may feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy, mix in some perlite or sand to improve drainage for future waterings.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil long after you have finished watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. If planted in the ground, mound the soil slightly to encourage water to run away from the trunk.
When to worry
If the trunk feels soft or has a foul smell, the rot may have reached the core, which is often fatal. Minor yellowing of lower leaves is normal as the plant ages.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always use well draining soil mixes.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your windmill palm.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a palm with root rot?
- If the rot is caught early and the trunk is still firm, you can save it by drying out the soil and improving drainage. If the trunk is mushy, the plant likely cannot recover.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
More problems with Windmill Palm
Back to the Windmill 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.