Help with Bangalow Palm

[BangalowChris]

Hey everyone!

New to the forum and hoping to get some help keeping my plants healthy

I purchased a Bangalow Palm recently from a large wholesaler and it seemed pretty healthy at the time. 

A month on and I believe it may have some sort of pest infection or similar, but I'm also concerned the soil quality is poor and it may need changing. 

Can you guys help me with what to do to ensure he lives a long and happy life indoors? 

 

Symptoms(pictures attached) 

- browning fronds

- fronds losing colour (becoming splotchy) and yellowing

- white flecks on some leaves

 

Nb: it is kept indoors in a well lit room 

 

Thanks everyone! 

 

[Steve Mac]

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum.

The Bangalow palm is a solitary palm not a clumping one, so it would appear that you have several planted together.  They are often sold like that, no problem, but if you were thinking of changing the soil anyway you could separate them a bit more if you liked. There are a ton of threads on here regarding potting mixes and separating palms.

A really well lit room to us is often a dull one for most palms. I would put it as close to the window as you can.  Although Bangalows can grow in full sun they still need to be acclimatised or as the Americans say acclimated. The browning on the leaves looks to me like sunburn, that could happen if the plant was shade grown and then put in the sun for even a few hours.  I could not see any specific pests but you could wipe the leaves and stems down, both sides, with 'pest oil' or another horticultural oil if you like.

I don't know the potted palms requirements I have only grown them in the ground.

[BangalowChris]

Hey gtsteve, 

Thanks for your response it was very insightful! 

 

Unfortunately it looks as though things have progressed and my palm is now really struggling in some sections. 

Any ideas on what could be causing this? 

[Steve Mac]

Crikey, can someone else help this bloke, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, more like a hammer. I only grow things that grow easily outdoors with no care in Sydney.

Not a Bangalow in Canberra. Strewth mate why didn't you start with an easier one, like a Trachy?

Mate, there are so many variables, starting with Canberra, it is cold down there in winter, so it is an artificially heated room right, maybe someone from Canada can help further.

But Chris, ultimately it will come down to the potting mix for the roots and the humidity for the leaves. I can't help further being in Sydney. Go to your nearest two or three nurseries and ask their advice. Local knowledge is always the most helpful.