Cat Palm Leaves Turning Yellow

i bought a cat palm about a month ago. slowly parts of her fronds have been dying. they start browning on the tips, then turn yellow. one has already died completely now another one is yellowing. i am very worried because she is my favorite plant. i give her a big cup of water (pictured) a little more than half full. i keep her close to the window (also pictures) where she can get some sun. what is going on? i am so upset

Hi,

It looks like you are under watering your Cat Palm. Cat Palms like to have moist but not soggy soil at all times. Fronds turn yellow if the soil gets too dry. Salty water or water containing chemicals such as fluoride causes leaf tip burn; over watering causes entire fronds to turn brown.

When you water, water well enough so that the water comes out the drip holes in the bottom of the plant. Never use water that has passed through a softener. If your water contains a great deal of chemicals, use distilled or rain water. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering well.

Less rather than more plant food is always better with palms. Feed a Cat Palm monthly is the spring and summer with a basic houseplant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Cat Palms only need fertilizer once or twice during winter and fall. Too much plant food causes leaf tips to turn brown.