I have no experience with palms. I have purchased a 3-4 foot Kentia palm that I transplanted in some CHC and potting mix about 2-3 months ago. It sits by an East-facing window and gets a little direct morning light. The leafs are starting to turn brown and have 'holes' split down the individual leaflets (is that what they are called?) There are 3 fronds(?) and one is completely brown now. The soil surface stays damp for 2-3 weeks which is longer than I would imagine is good for them, but while researching their needs I never found a clear and definitive answer on what the soil medium should be. Some sites say fast draining, some say moist and rich. I suspect that this browning is from the soil being too wet for too long. I have not fertilized it since it arrived.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good soil mix for this plant? Is it getting enough light where it is or should I take it outside for the summer? Do you recommend a fertilizer?

Howea forsteriana is endemic to low, coastal elevations on Lord Howe Island, which is off the eastern coast of Australia. The palm's common name is Kentia Palm, and also sometimes called a Sentry Palm. The name honors William Forster, who was an Australian politician. The palm needs average but regular moisture. It is slow growing at all states but thrives in partial shade, especially when growing in hot climates. Kentia's are one of the most durable indoor plants, especially when young, adapting to low light as well as some neglect. I feed with Osmocote slow release fertilizer 18-6-12 six month to nine month release. What ratio of potting soil did you put with the CHC. Mine is in 4 parts CHC and 1 part peat moss. Look for scale on the leaves, as scale is a problem on Kentia. - Millet

As Millet said. Also make sure the soil is not holding the water or it will rot. I bring mine out in full sun in the spring / summer / fall & keep it inside for the month of winter

Thank you Laaz and Millet for your replies. I do not remember the ratio of soil to CHC that I used in the soil medium but I am certain that I went heavier on the soil side than your 4 to 1. It is definitely holding more moisture than it should and I will try to repot this weekend. I will add in some Osmocote when I do.

There are no insects that I can see other than fungus gnats, and there are plenty of them. I will use yellow sticky traps to battle them, but is there another method that anyone recommends? Perhaps changing out the soil medium will help this.

Since one palm frond is completely brown I wonder if I should trim it off. Would I clip the stem all the way at the base of the plant where it originates from or just clip the end where the frond is?

Hi Chops, I would clip the brown off and turn pot over & check soil. Seems it is holding too much water? Just add a bunch of perlite & mix & repot. Alot of gnats hanging around means too much wet soil.