Help with my dying Caryota Gigas (King Kong Palm)

[masonjar]

Hi all,

 

I planted this in the fall and it hasn't been happy. Look at how brown the leaves are. Before it turns brown, it gets gray and crispy. Is it getting fried by sunlight, or is it a disease, or deficiency? From what I've read, this plant loves full sun, but maybe my source was misinformed.

It has a new spear that has been growing and looks like it is about to unfurl, yet one of the current fronds is getting more and more brown. The frond that is greener still has leaves that are grey and crispy at the tips. I had to cut off another frond recently because it was also completely brown and dead. Also, yesterday when I was watering it, an entire and colony swarmed up onto its trunk. That can't be good, right? Any and all advice is welcome. 

Edited June 7, 2016 by masonjar

[DoomsDave]

Al!

Welcome to PT!

Alas, your Caryota looks none too great. But, I've had them live then grow after looking like yours.

First, if you do lose it, don't let it kick you in the head. There's LOTS of palms you can grow in Tampa, and we've got lots of Palmtalkers here who can help you. (Who knows? You might even be near neighbors with some!)

Give your plant a gentle nudge with your toe at the base. If it's solidly rooted in, that's a good sign. Keep watering it. They're thirsty devils and you have sand where you are, from what I can see in your picture. If it's not solidly rooted, keep watering and nudge again in a week or two. It should tighten up.

Maybe some of your colleagues in Tampa have thoughts, too.

[Palm Tree Jim]

Good advice Dave!

[masonjar]

Hi Dave and Jim,

Thank you for your kind words. I replanted it in good soil (no sandy stuff) and have been watering it every day. Thank you for the encouragement! Should I try any fertilizer or extra nutrients? If so, do you have a recommended type? (whether store bought or home made, I'm fine with either)

[RedRabbit]

Sorry to hear about your Caryota. I can't tell exactly what's going on with it, but I will say most of my palms have been burnt by the sun recently. Only about a month ago did we start getting into the 90s every afternoon and some of my palms were fully defoliated as a result. I think the transition from April into May was a difficult one for a lot of palms, especially if yours were previously shade grown like mine. Watering every day seems to have really helped a lot. If it is a case of too much sun it should come back, and being that the spear isn't damaged that's a big plus. 

On another note, welcome to PT! What part of the Tampa Bay area are you in?