Palm dying

[Alexisgom]

Hello! I’ve had this palm for about 2 months and it seems like it’s dying from the bottom up, one leaf at a time. I’ve cut 2 leaves from the bottom so far. It’s in a bright room, out of direct light. I water when it’s dry (when i stick my finger in dirt and top few inches are dry). We have bunnies and i put some of their poops in the dirt as fertilizer. Any help would be appreciated!! 

[PalmsInBaltimore]

It looks like a majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis). In order to fix the leaf browning, you have to rule out what's causing it. There are typically five factors to consider with palm care: sunlight, soil, watering, humidity, temperature. 

Browning leaf tips usually indicate sunburn or underwatering or low humidity. Since it doesn't receive direct sunlight, it's probably underwatered or the humidity is too low, and this is making the leaves a bit crispy, as the plant doesn't have enough water inside or out to keep the extreme fringes green and lush. 

It's normal for lower leaves to yellow and brown as newer growth emerges. If the new growth is yellow or brown, that's not good. 

This is not really a great houseplant. Most palms aren't, but this one especially likes to be in hot, humid air like in Madagascar, where it's from. Your house will never be able to recreate those conditions. 

You should have it outside for as much of the year as possible, depending on when it gets cold in Calgary. Also, I would give it more sunlight, in addition to more water. The easiest way to perk it back up is to put it outside where it can get sun, humidity, and rain. A similar pinnate palm that does better indoors is the kentia, but they are less common and more expensive than majesties, although majesties are as adapted to live inside. They need lots of light, lots of humidity, lots of water, and if they don't get that during the summer, they will be extra sad looking come November. 

Best of luck and happy palming!

[SeanK]

Was this over near a window for a short time?