Underwatering
Dry soil and yellowing, crisping lower fronds mean a thirsty palm that's gone too long between drinks.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Majesty palm is one of the thirstier houseplants and resents drying out fully. When the soil goes bone dry, the plant can't keep its oldest fronds hydrated, so they yellow and crisp from the tips inward while the soil shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. If the water races straight through bone-dry soil without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain fully. Going forward, check the soil twice a week — a majesty palm likes its soil to stay evenly moist and will sulk if left to dry out completely.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly into a dense palm crown without splashing.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Majesty Palm care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this