Pygmy date palm

[Nic]

Hi.  I’ve planted a Pygmy date palm a few weeks ago in the hot Spanish sun.   It’s trunk is about 6 feet tall.  

Ive been testing the moisture content of the soil so only needing to water every 5 days or so when it dries out.  

Ive sprayed with copper and a systemic fungicide but there’s black circles appearing on the leaves. 

I suppose the palm is stressed after planting so susceptible to fungal attack? Should I be watering more regularly even though the moisture meter reading is moist to wet, particularly as the plant is only recently planted? Or any other tips before the plant starts to get more sick? 

Thanks in advance.  

[kinzyjr]

@Nic Welcome to PalmTalk!

Not sure about the black spots, possibly a infection.  In Spain, it probably needs a little more water than here.  It's the one date palm that likes humidity and moisture.

[Phoenikakias]

Better post here some pictures. All I want to say is that roebelenii, when it has a healthy root system, is more resistant to drought than assumed.  However when it crosses limits damage usually leads to death.  Better post here some pictures of the affected plant.

[Nic]

Thanks for your replies.  The black spots are on the lower older leaves that wilt and die first.  The higher leaves look fine but I’ve had the same problem before and it’s killed off the tree eventually as the black spots spread. 

Its Only ever a problem when I’m trying to establish the trees though.  Once established the other Pygmy dates are fine.  

It rained on Tuesday but the water meter is saying moist soil.  Would you advise watering anyway? Still about 90F in the afternoon for another couple of weeks here.  

[Nic]

On the middle photo in the foreground there’s a smaller Pygmy date palm that I planted last summer and that’s been fine so I guess the location and soil is ok.  

[Nic]

Just had a closer look at the upper branches and I think maybe they’re not too healthy either.  The underside of the leaves look like they’re in the earlier stages of developing the black spots? 

[subsonicdrone]

the white dots....

are they scale/mealybug ?

[Pal Meir]

Because of the transplantation the root system could not yet develop, so your palm needs regular daily watering, not only »humid« but »wet« soil.

[Nic]

Thanks I’ll water more regularly.  Do you know how long I need to keep the soil wet? It’s been in the ground for about a month.  

[Rickybobby]

Pygyms love moisture don’t be scared   I have a bunch in pots which is way worse and can’t water them enough with good draining soil 

[Nic]

Thanks v much for your replies.  I’m convinced! Mucho agua 

[NOT A TA]

Roebelenii are a rheophyte (very few palms are) so if you have good draining soil you won't over water them.

[Nic]

Just googled theophyte. That’s interesting information thanks.  The garden soil doesn’t drain well so I dug a really large hole and filled it with a mix of compost and river sand to help.   

As the soil moisture reading at around 6 inches is moist I suppose it’s still wet at the bottom of the roots (the trees pot was 12 inches deep before I planted it).  That’s why I’d been holding back from watering so much.  

But it looks like the general consensus on here is that I need to be watering more until it’s established at least.  

[Nic]

Sorry typo... rheophyte  

[GottmitAlex]

4 hours ago, Nic said:

Sorry typo... rheophyte  

Here's a list:

http://www.victoria-adventure.org/aquatic_plants/jorge/list.htm

Edited August 24, 2019 by GottmitAlex