Houseplant help!

[OutOutDamnSpot]

We were given a houseplant by friends for Christmas a couple of years ago. We overwatered it, it basically went totally brown. I cut everything that was brown out, drained it etc. it's done back but only a fraction of what it was. It's been like this for a couple of years now. Is there any way of encouraging growth? It looks so pathetic. Photos will appear once MN oks it

Plants like. To be tightly planted. I would take it out, put fresh houseplant compost and plant it in a smaller pot. Possibly the compost I’d stale.,don’t feed it.

Have you given it any plant food? That will help it grow. Otherwise it just stays alive without growing.

I was going to say remove it from the pot, shake off what soil you can get rid of and replace with fresh, indoor plant soil. B&Q sell it, garden centres, online etc. You can also buy indoor plant food. Mine is a liquid one and a few drops get mixed with the water.

I think that’s an Areca palm. I’ve got one and it is always in a dreadful state, I am considering giving up. I have several house plants that are all thriving but this one hates me. You could try replacing the soil, soil ninja do specific blends if you want something fancy.

Areca palms thrive indoors with bright, indirect light, regular watering when the top soil is slightly dry, and high humidity. They also benefit from a warm environment and occasional fertilizing.

Light:
• Areca palms prefer bright, indirect light.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• East or west-facing windows are good options, especially during the summer months.
• In winter, consider moving the plant to a room with a south-facing window.
Watering:
• Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
• Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away.
• Reduce watering in the winter months.
• Areca palms dislike soggy soil, so ensure good drainage.
Humidity:
• Areca palms thrive in high humidity.
• Mist the leaves regularly with tepid water or use a pebble tray with water to increase humidity.
• Consider placing the plant in a bathroom or shower for a day every fortnight.
Temperature:
• Areca palms prefer a warm room, ideally between 18-24°C (64-75°F).
• They can tolerate temperatures down to 10°C (50°F) in winter.
• Avoid placing the plant near radiators or other heat sources.
Fertilizing:
• Apply a liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks.
Other Care Tips:
• Repot every 2-3 years, using a slightly larger pot.
• Prune only dead or damaged canes and avoid pruning brown leaf tips.
• Regularly remove dust from the leaves with a damp cloth.
• Areca palms are non-toxic and safe around children and pets.
• They can help purify the air by filtering out toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.

Right. So I'll get a smaller pot and replace the soil and hope.

It's not near a radiator. It is by a window.

Should I leave it outside for a bit?

I've been giving it indoors plant food but feck all difference it's made
I've been watering once a week.