My Cat Palm Tree Has Curling Leaves

Pests

• Aphids and scale mites are common palm tree pests, but one of the most damaging pests to leaves are spider mites. Spider mites look similar to tiny spiders, with eight legs on their bodies. These mites spin webs between leaves and branches of plants they infest. Spider mites use piercing, sucking mouth parts to extract fluids from cat palm leaves. This results in leaves looking scorched, burned, withered and curled. Treat mites or other insect infestations with an insecticide labeled safe for palm trees.

Nutrition

• Nutrients often become depleted in soil as plant roots take them in and use them. These nutrients must be replaced within the soil to keep cat palm trees healthy. A lack of nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, manganese or boron cause leaf-curling problems along with leaf discoloration, leaf drop and leaf spots. Working organic fertilizers such as peat moss or well-rotted compost into soil prior to planting is one way to provide a slow-release fertilizer for cat palms. Liquid fertilizers may be sprayed onto leaves or poured into soil to add nutrients to the palm's environment. Providing proper nutrition should halt any nutrition-related leaf problems with your cat palm.

Water

• Cat palm trees prefer a moist environment with consistently moist soil. Older trees need less water than younger or recently transplanted trees. Too little water, however, could cause the tree to dehydrate and develop dry, brittle, discolored and curled leaves. Too much water may cause the leaves to curl before browning and falling off. Supplying your cat palm with proper amounts of water is simple; just water the soil until it feels moist, but never soggy or muddy. Insert your finger 1 inch into the soil and if it feels moist, your tree has adequate water.

Disease

• Bacterial, viral and fungal diseases affect all varieties of palm trees, including cat palms. Fungal disease is most common among palms; viral and bacterial disease infrequently occur in palms. Fungal diseases include mold, mildew and rot. Each of these diseases may cause wilting and curling of leaves as a symptom. Promptly treat disease to prevent spread to healthy plants as well as the death of the tree. Use an anti-fungal treatment labeled as safe for palm trees.