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Inherited plant: how do I help this plant live? #608657

Asked December 17, 2019, 8:12 AM EST

Hello, I have inherited this plant from a neighbor who was moving. It doesn’t look like it’s thriving. Can you tell me what I should do to help it live?

County California

Expert Response

Thank you for your question. Well, you have your work cut out for you! It appears to be (what's left of) an areca palm, but it's hard to tell. First, you should cut off all of the dead fronds. They won't come back, and are just taking up space. Second, I'd repot it into a larger, well-draining container, at least 2 'sizes' larger than the one it's in. It's going to need regular watering, fertilizer, and light to live. You can follow the directions on indoor plants, and specifically this variety of palm, in the following article:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/indoor-palms/

Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 17, 2019, 6:30 PM EST
Another person who looked at the photos suggested it might be a Cyperus sp. - umbrella sedge, a grass, rather than a palm. Perhaps you'd be able to take the photos, plus one of the dead leaves to your county Extension office for help with a positive ID. Here is the website for you to locate your local office: https://ucanr.edu/About/Locations/

Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 17, 2019, 7:26 PM EST
I see from your prior questions (one of which I answered) that you have also indicated you live outside the US. It is difficult to impossible for us to provide accurate information and accessible resources without knowing your real location.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 17, 2019, 8:58 PM EST
Hi thank you for all your help. 
I live in Riyadh, as I indicated before, and there are no resources here for help, which is why I again contacted this very helpful service.
i am an American, from California, and do greatly appreciate your time and assistance.
thank you. 
The Question Asker Replied December 17, 2019, 10:35 PM EST
Well, the California Extension offices won’t be helpful. And they don’t participate in Ask an Expert. Send all future questions to us here in Oregon and we will help the best we can, in light of technology limitations and little or no knowledge of the plants, pests and resources in Saudi Arabia!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 17, 2019, 10:41 PM EST

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