I don't know, but overnight the temperature has noticeably dipped here the last week. Could it be that it either got a sudden chill or have you heated the conservatory a little to much ?

Hi - thanks for your response. It's true the temperature has dropped, but I live on the south coast and I'm sure it can't be that cold, yet. The conservatory is unheated, but the palm has survived there since February and I was hoping it would be as hardy as the parrot, who also lives out there through the winter! (He has an electric radiator on low if it gets too bad). No, I'm guessing I must have somehow made a mistake with the watering after all.

Usually, bronzing overnight that isn't frost related is due to lack of water. Overwatering is much slower in action. I've usually found that it is difficult to overwater these, anyway, so when in doubt, water.

Thanks Tugbrethil, I think you are right! I cut off the affected stems and watered well and it seems fine again. I've seen many warnings about overwatering, so I've probably been too cautious. It's a relief to know it's not as crucial as I thought.

As long as the drainage is good, it is hard to overwater Pygmy Date Palms. Kentia Palms, on the other hand....
: )