Need Help Archontophoenix cunninghamiana

[Lou-StAugFL]

Looks like the worst of winter is over so I am going to plant my Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. I dug the hole and then pulled it out of the pot. My question is... How much should I mess with the root ball before planting. You can see from the photos the bottom of the rootball is really wrapped around with roots. Thanks for any suggestions y'all can provide.

[Xerarch]

I would say don't mess with it at all, palms have a fibrous root system, not a woody one like trees. So the winding roots won't be a problem for the palm's future.

[Jonathan]

Particularly dont mess with it because it's a Bangalow - they resent root disturbance more than some other palms.

Cheers,

Jonathan

[cobra2326]

I agree with what others have said. Also, The palm will send out lots of new, adventitious roots after planting, so make sure to plant it at the same depth. Keep an eye on the base of the trunk for new roots, which I've found indicates it realizes it has room to grow

[Lou-StAugFL]

Thanks everyone, it went in the ground as is with no root manipulation. I'll post a photo in the fall. I'm really curious to see how tall it will grow this year.

[Tropicgardener]

That actually looks more like an Alexandra Palm to me.........

[Walt]

I never disturb the root system of a root bound palm. If I can pull some of the wound roots away without breaking them, I will do it, otherwise I leave them alone. Just over a week ago I pulled a triple A. cunninghamina from its clay pot I had growing under my screened lanai, as the new palm spears were growing into the ceiling screen. I planted the triple has shown.

I repotted three small A. alexandrae palms back into the clay pot and put them back on my lanai. Next year (or maybe two years from now, depending on the growth rate) I will remove them from the pot and plant them in the ground.