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Guest Dave L
Posted

I am new to growing palms and hopeful that someone can provide some advice.  I recently built an all glass, temperature controlled greenhouse in western Pennsylvania where I have 10 palms (8 varieties)..growing in a soil mix of 50% topsoil, 20% peat, 20% compost and 10% perlite (it drains very well and holds moisture as well)  A few of my palms (Bismarck and Old Man) have drooping fronds that are also splitting.  These were planted 8 weeks ago and I have not used any chemical fertilizer yet....only worm compost and compost tea.  I am searching for the right fertilizer and I want to proceed cautiously.  I am considering Palmgain by BGI which appears to have the right blend of NPK and micro nutrients....based on what I've read from several sources (I am by no means an expert so I am relying on input from others).  If I were to begin using this fertilizer as per the instructions, is there any benefit to my continued use of worm compost tea?  I only ask since I have a steady supply of worm castings.  Lastly, any input for the specific problem of drooping and splitting fronds?  Many thanks in advance.  dave

Posted

Hello @Dave L and welcome to the forums.  For the drooping fronds, it might be overwatering.  Could you post a photo or two please?  There are other folks here who can provide guidance on fertilizer.  If you're interested in seeing another indoor grower in action, @Rasta Rob has some good videos on his YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EhTeamRacing/videos

Lakeland, FL

USDA Zone 1990: 9a  2012: 9b  2023: 10a | Sunset Zone: 26 | Record Low: 20F/-6.67C (Jan. 1985, Dec.1962) | Record Low USDA Zone: 9a

30-Year Avg. Low: 30F | 30-year Min: 24F

Guest Dave L
Posted

Kinzyjr....Many thanks for the reply.  I am attaching 2 pics....my Bismarck and Old Man Palms....both are experiencing the same problem....at least I think its a problem.  Or perhaps I am being overly cautious....not enough time in this game to make that determination.  All my research indicated that the drooping is either over or under watering???  Since I am using drip irrigation in well draining soil I am baffled.  Any comments would be gratefully appreciated.  And thanks for the referral....I'll check out his site.

best regards,

dave

 

 

 

 IMG_4145.thumb.jpg.5013aebb8a96cf9950add9ac6a64806c.jpgIMG_4144.thumb.jpg.d7abefbc4ab35271551309f23fec93c5.jpg

Posted

@Dave L Others may disagree, but they don't look unhealthy to me.  Out of curiosity, what is the temperature in your garden?

  • Like 2
  • Upvote 1

Lakeland, FL

USDA Zone 1990: 9a  2012: 9b  2023: 10a | Sunset Zone: 26 | Record Low: 20F/-6.67C (Jan. 1985, Dec.1962) | Record Low USDA Zone: 9a

30-Year Avg. Low: 30F | 30-year Min: 24F

Guest Dave L
Posted

Thanks it is comforting to hear this from another source....I am trying to maintain 75˚ all year round in my greenhouse.  I also have a fogger that also tries to maintain 70% humidity (it only runs in the morning since my temperature controlled vents extract the humidity when they open).  I try to get all the humidity i need during an 4 hour period in the morning.  

Posted (edited)

looks fine to me. The oldman likes direct sunlight, like hot blazing sun.

Edited by redant
  • Like 1

Jupiter FL

in the Zone formally known as 10A

Posted

@Dave L nice to meet you!

I was born in Pittsburgh still have family in McKees Rocks.

I concur with @kinzyjr; your palms look marvelous!

See my PM (private message)

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 1

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Posted
12 hours ago, redant said:

looks fine to me. The oldman likes direct sunlight, like hot blazing sun.

NOW he tells me.

Sob, URK.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Posted (edited)

The oldest frond on C crinita looks like you have some damage from sucking insects like mealybugs or spider mites.  I'd check the underside of fronds to see and treat if you do.  They love warm, moist environments.

Edited by joe_OC
  • Like 1

Huntington Beach, CA

USDA Zone 10a/10b

Sunset Zone 24

Guest Dave L
Posted

Thank you....I did see some slight indication of spider mites so I have been treating with Neem Oil once/week and my 3rd application will be this week....hopefully I will notice some change soon.  

Posted

Love your setup 

Posted
1 hour ago, Rasta Rob said:

Love your setup 

My crystal ball says there's one in your future.  Have I mentioned that previously????   ahahaha

Guest Dave L
Posted

Thanks to all who replied.  I began using Palmgain from BGI (8-2-12) and after a week I have seen noticeable improvement.  When I planted the palms I avoided any fertilizer, except for worm compost and compost tea, but apparently that did not have all the nutrients needed for palms.  From what I've read, its the micronutrients that are very important and the Palmgain manages to do this.  Again thanks to all who replied.

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