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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
- Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.
- Check if the yellowing is only on the oldest, lowest fronds.
Likely causes
Improper Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant.
What to do: Adjust your schedule to water every 7 to 14 days only when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure you are not letting the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look pale or yellowed even when the soil moisture is correct.
What to do: Apply a balanced palm fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to avoid burning the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your windmill 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die as the palm grows. If the new growth at the top is yellowing, that is a sign of a serious health issue.
Stopping it coming back
Feed the palm with a palm specific fertilizer twice a year and maintain a consistent watering routine.
Windmill Palm: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your windmill 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off yellow leaves?
- You can trim them once they are completely brown and dry. If they are still partially green, the plant is still pulling nutrients from them.
- Is it Lethal Bronzing?
- Lethal Bronzing is a serious disease that causes fronds to turn bronze or brown rapidly. If you suspect this, consult a local arborist as it requires professional management.
More problems with Windmill Palm
Back to the Windmill Palm guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.