Question: I just bought and repotted a Chinese Fan palm and I have it indoors in moderate light. When repotting, I did put some soil on the top as well to steady the plant and have put a support for the stalks as well. Otherwise the fronds were just falling down.
I am watering it once in 5 days and the soil looks pretty moist.However all the new leaves that are coming out are drying up. Even the older leaves are drying off and falling. Not sure if I am underwatering or overwatering? Maybe the soil is not suitable but I got a good indoor potting soil and I also repotted some golden bamboo with it that did just fine.

Many thanks for all your help ~ Nazneen

Judy's Answer: Dear Nazeen,

My first concern is that you did not plant your fan palm deep enough in the soil. You should not have to use supports for the stalks and extra soil on top to steady the plant. Droopy fronds usually means the plant needs more water. Fan palms like full sun and should be within three feet of a window if possible. The soil should be moist at all times but never soggy. The quality of the soil is not important since fan palms do fine in even poor quality soil. Fan palms are sensitive to chemicals; so never use water that has gone through a softener. If your tap water has a lot of chemicals in it, try using distilled water. All fan palms get brown tips due to the lack of humidity indoors. If the entire frond is turning gray and crispy, you are overwatering; if the fronds are droopy with brown tips you are under watering. Try moving the plant into more light and letting it dry out a little; plants will survive under watering a lot longer than if they are over watered.

Judy