The cat palm, also known as the majesty palm or king palm, is a popular houseplant known for its elegant, feathery fronds and tropical vibe. With the right care and conditions, growing cat palm indoors can be easy and rewarding. Here is a complete guide on how to grow and care for cat palm in your home.
Light Requirements
Cat palm thrives in bright, filtered light. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it will get 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Direct southern exposure may scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause the fronds to droop or turn pale.
Watering and Humidity
Water cat palm when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the drainage holes at the bottom, then empty the drainage tray. This palm prefers moist, evenly moist soil at all times. Low humidity causes leaf tips to brown, so mist the plant daily or use a pebble tray to increase humidity.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix, not regular garden soil which stays too wet. Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage. Re-pot every 2 years in spring, moving up just 1 size larger pot each time to avoid root rot.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Reduce feeding in fall and winter. Never use full-strength fertilizer as it can burn the roots.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are 60-80°F. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops which can shock the plant. In winter, keep away from heating vents which create dry air.
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds by cutting them off at the trunk. Prune only green healthy fronds if the plant becomes too large for the space. Never prune off green fronds lower than the yellowing ones.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves – Due to too little light or irregular watering. Move to a brighter location and water thoroughly when the top inch is dry.
Leaf tips browning – Increase humidity through misting, pebble tray, or humidifier nearby.
Leaf spots/rot – May be fungal disease from overly moist soil. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Remove affected leaves.
Slow growth – Needs more sunlight or fertilizer. Move to a brighter spot and fertilize monthly in growing season.
Root rot – Caused by overly wet soil. Repot in fresh, well-draining mix. Water only when partially dry.
Tips for Successful Growth
- Provide bright, indirect light 6 hours a day
- Maintain warm temperatures between 60-80°F
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
- Mist frequently to increase humidity
- Avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations
- Water with room temperature water
- Wipe dust off leaves periodically
- Rotate the plant every few weeks to promote even growth
With the proper care, cat palm can grow up to 6-10 feet tall indoors. It’s an elegant accent plant that can liven up any indoor space with its graceful, tropical appeal. Follow these tips and watch your majesty palm flourish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does a cat palm need?
Cat palm thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It needs 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Direct southern sun is too intense and can scorch the leaves.
What is the ideal temperature for cat palm?
Ideal temperatures are between 60-80°F. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or air conditioning vents. Never expose it to temperatures below 50°F.
How often should you water a cat palm?
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Always check by sticking your finger in the soil to gauge moisture. Allow all excess water to drain out after watering.
Why are the tips of my cat palm leaves turning brown?
Brown leaf tips are commonly caused by low humidity. Mist the plant daily, use a pebble tray, or place a humidifier nearby to increase humidity levels. Overly dry soil can also cause browning tips.
When should I re-pot a cat palm?
Re-pot in spring every 2-3 years. Move to a slightly larger container, only 1-2 inches bigger each time. Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix.
Is cat palm toxic to pets?
Yes, cat palm is unfortunately toxic to both cats and dogs. It contains chemicals called saponins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of pets.
How do I prune a cat palm houseplant?
Remove dead or damaged fronds by cutting them off at the trunk. Only prune green healthy fronds to control size. Never cut off green fronds below yellow ones, always remove lowest yellow fronds first.
Why are the fronds of my cat palm drooping down?
Drooping fronds can be caused by too little light, underwatering, or dry air. Move to a brighter spot, water thoroughly when partially dry, and mist frequently to increase humidity.
Should I mist my cat palm?
Yes, misting is highly beneficial for cat palm. The foliage prefers high humidity levels. A daily misting also helps remove dust from the leaves. Just be sure the soil is not kept too soggy.
Conclusion
With its elegant, tropical look and graceful arching fronds, the cat palm makes a striking yet easy-care houseplant. Give it bright filtered light, evenly moist soil, humid conditions, and protection from cold drafts. Mist frequently, fertilize monthly during spring and summer, and re-pot every few years. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves. If provided with proper care, the majesty palm will grow beautifully in a home interior for years to come.