Common palm prices... WOW!

[aztropic]

Stopped by a local big box today and was shocked over the recent price increases over last year. Pretty much 30% across the board on live plant material. 

15 gallon mules $399; 15 gallon common $109/$149; 3 gallon common $39.98...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[Allen]

I noticed some crazy prices last year here too on everything.  I was going to cut a Japanese maple here last year until I was at a nursery and saw a large 24" box size one at $2500 or so.  Small potted ones 3-5' were $300-$500

Edited February 18, 2022 by Allen

[Chris Chance]

It's crazy what they charge at the box stores now days. I remember when a five gallon queen was only $20 about 10 years ago.  Now they go for $45 the last I saw.

[oasis371]

And once those palms have to be SHIPPED out of Florida, California or Texas, prices really get insane! Glad my acquisitions stage is over here.  (He says that with a straight face while awaiting a 4th Kentia palm and a Bottle palm from afar.)

What I really don't like is how my local big box stores have NO variety anymore..., it's a sea of Majesty Palms.  And speaking of which, this last one I have is doing better than any I previously had, thriving.  In fact, I was looking to actually get another, then I noticed how even they are much more expensive than a few years ago.

[Xerarch]

19 minutes ago, Chris Chance said:

It's crazy what they charge at the box stores now days. I remember when a five gallon queen was only $20 about 10 years ago.  Now they go for $45 the last I saw.

I just bought a couple big box store queens last year for $20, 5 gallon, actually probably 3 gallon

[Xerarch]

6 minutes ago, oasis371 said:

And once those palms have to be SHIPPED out of Florida, California or Texas, prices really get insane! Glad my acquisitions stage is over here.  (He says that with a straight face while awaiting a 4th Kentia palm and a Bottle palm from afar.)

What I really don't like is how my local big box stores have NO variety anymore..., it's a sea of Majesty Palms.  And speaking of which, this last one I have is doing better than any I previously had, thriving.  In fact, I was looking to actually get another, then I noticed how even they are much more expensive than a few years ago.

No variety has been my biggest pet peeve, if you just happen to catch it at the right moment you might get a few more than the usual selection, but still not great.  I have yet to see a mule for sale at all.

[oasis371]

Xeerarch, I find it interesting that you notice a lack of variety in your big box stores in lower Texas, I thought it was a northern phenomenon.  Believe it or not,  our big box stores actually used to come up from Florida with all manner of diverse palms for cheap; Foxtails, Spindles, Fishtails, Chinese fans, Meds, Adonidia, Phoenix, Saribus, true Areca palms..., now, just more costly Majesties. Someone on here once attributed it to their return policy on dead plants, which I have and would never take advantage of (if something dies, it's MY fault, not some store's). 

Edited February 18, 2022 by oasis371

[Silas_Sancona]

Noticing this pretty much at every nursery here in town, and down in Tucson.. Even the specialty places. For example, 1gal. at a favorite place for natives / hard to find things has gone up from $8.50 to $10.00 in many cases. Even smaller sized cacti that were $10. now range from $12- 15+ ( depending on rarity ) Will have to look over $'s again on larger stuff like 15gal trees when i'm back down there in a couple weeks. Not crazy expensive compared to some other places of course, but a sign everyone's raising $'s.

That said, if you know where to go, prices are still reasonable for much of the same things.

Aside from those who have to have big specimens, right away, always scratch my head wondering why anyone would pay  ..even $40.. for something as common as Washingtonias..  It is mid - Feb. and the birds are still churnin' out tons of seed plucked from neighborhood specimens in the yard.. Some of which are popping up in pots atm.

[Xerarch]

3 hours ago, oasis371 said:

Xeerarch, I find it interesting that you notice a lack of variety in your big box stores in lower Texas, I thought it was a northern phenomenon.  Believe it or not,  our big box stores actually used to come up from Florida with all manner of diverse palms for cheap; Foxtails, Spindles, Fishtails, Chinese fans, Meds, Adonidia, Phoenix, Saribus, true Areca palms..., now, just more costly Majesties. Someone on here once attributed it to their return policy on dead plants, which I have and would never take advantage of (if something dies, it's MY fault, not some store's). 

Yeah I was unpleasantly surprised by lack of variety, for sure I could buy unlimited majesties, never seen a spindle or a fishtail.  Heck I'd love to see Phoenix in the nurseries but they don't have them at all in small sizes, have to buy a 10 foot trunk one to get one at all. Funny enough I notice Chinese fans all over town in older neighborhoods, and they are all give or take a similar height.  So it's like they stocked them for a few years decades ago and never carried them again, save I've seen a few more recent plantings that installed them at a mature size.  Granted I've only been here less than a year so maybe recent stock has been affected by last year's freeze etc.  But that isn't a satisfactory answer either because I know all the hardy stuff that ISN'T so be seen around town.  Brahea? nope, I can count all the ones I know on my fingers.  Acoelorraphe? nope, exceedingly few. Arenga? nope. Attalea? nope. Livistona? only chinensis as described above. Even sabal only represents from mexicana and palmetto, I see minor in wild areas but never in any planting, especially not at a nursery.  Anyway you get the idea.  I hear there is more of a selection in the RGV, will have to take a field trip.  No problem if I want extra tender tropicals like Bottle, Royal or Foxtail, local nurseries have them even if the box stores are unreliable to carry them.   

[Little Tex]

32 minutes ago, Xerarch said:

No problem if I want extra tender tropicals like Bottle, Royal or Foxtail, local nurseries have them even if the box stores are unreliable to carry them.  

They do this so you keep coming back

[96720]

I was in Lowes and surprised to see a 20” Bismarckia for $169 

[JohnAndSancho]

Could be a local thing? Looking at my apps Costa Farms plants are typically cheaper. But, as was mentioned previously, everything has to be shipped and gas prices are currently stupid. I was hoping to see $9.99 various palms again in the spring but now I'm not so sure. 

[JLM]

Looks like the price for 6.5 gallon Mules went up to $99.99. Ridiculous. Here i was planning to get one this spring, then they bumped the price. 

[Las Palmas Norte]

Those prices are laughable compared to palm prices in my area. Poor selection and astronomical prices, and we have yet to see the "new normal" prices for the upcoming season.

[Tracy]

Shipping prices have increased dramatically over the last year, both due to fuel costs and driver shortages.  I would expect this drives prices at the big box stores that are not near local large scale growers.  I don't expect it to change in the short run either.   Maybe consider smaller specimens from specialty nurseries as an alternative and branch out, figuratively speaking,  to species the boxes don't carry.

[KDubU]

Had a visit to my local palm nursery and a mule is at $300 and I picked the same size up last year for $150. I also asked about a nice L. decora with about 2.5’ of trunk and beautiful tall fronds. It was diamond cut and the price I was initially quoted was $700!!! This was from the manager after I had gotten the price the day before of $250 and $350. I told the manager that was crazy pricing and walked away only for him to get on the phone and come running back with a $400 price. I still walked away.

Edited February 20, 2022 by KDubU

[BayAndroid]

The Federal Reserve debased the dollar by 40% during Covid's early days. Expect prices for everything to go up around that much. =(

[Little Tex]

On 2/20/2022 at 5:48 AM, KDubU said:

Had a visit to my local palm nursery and a mule is at $300 and I picked the same size up last year for $150. I also asked about a nice L. decora with about 2.5’ of trunk and beautiful tall fronds. It was diamond cut and the price I was initially quoted was $700!!! This was from the manager after I had gotten the price the day before of $250 and $350. I told the manager that was crazy pricing and walked away only for him to get on the phone and come running back with a $400 price. I still walked away.

Cant blame him for inflation.

[Brian M]

I'm pretty sure I just saw a 15 gal mule at Lowe's for $189 this weekend. Could be misremembering but that price sticks in my head for whatever reason.

[Gottagrowemall]

On 2/18/2022 at 9:57 PM, 96720 said:

I was in Lowes and surprised to see a 20” Bismarckia for $169 

I saw the same thing. I got my mom a nice Bismarck in a 13 gallon for 70$ last year. Hoping I can snag another one fit myself like that in the future but who knows

[Chester B]

It's not just palm prices, but plant prices in general.  Went to a local nursery and some things were relatively the same but many items of new stock jumped from $25 to $40.

[sonoranfans]

Hopefully people will figure out that inflation is the biggest enemy of the working class and of a democratic system.  15% inflation over 2 years is like an automatic 15% pay cut, and its already happened.  Many don't really understand because of the US's low math literacy as a country.  Printing/spending new money always causes inflation, but I guess the plugged in generation cant learn about things like that on twitter.  Prices on palms should be up, the money that buys them purchases less food and gas.  I wont get into how the ukraine situation will fuel inflation further across the globe.   $7/gallon gas anyone?

[Little Tex]

18 minutes ago, sonoranfans said:

Hopefully people will figure out that inflation is the biggest enemy of the working class and of a democratic system.  15% inflation over 2 years is like an automatic 15% pay cut, and its already happened.  Many don't really understand because of the US's low math literacy as a country.  Printing/spending new money always causes inflation, but I guess the plugged in generation cant learn about things like that on twitter.  Prices on palms should be up, the money that buys them purchases less food and gas.  I wont get into how the ukraine situation will fuel inflation further across the globe.   $7/gallon gas anyone?

I know, I see videos all the time with young people talking about how there is no reason not to print more money, this stuff NEEDS to be taught in schools, not just as an elective. 

[Silas_Sancona]

16 minutes ago, sonoranfans said:

Hopefully people will figure out that inflation is the biggest enemy of the working class and of a democratic system.  15% inflation over 2 years is like an automatic 15% pay cut, and its already happened.  Many don't really understand because of the US's low math literacy as a country.  Printing/spending new money always causes inflation, but I guess the plugged in generation cant learn about things like that on twitter.  Prices on palms should be up, the money that buys them purchases less food and gas.  I wont get into how the ukraine situation will fuel inflation further across the globe.   $7/gallon gas anyone?

Being able to discern between a reasonable price increase ..and a flat out money grab/ scam has nothing to do with some idea of " perfected " math skills, and more to do with doing one's homework and critical thinking skills..  Also has nothing to do with a certain group(s) of " connected " people. " ..'Them Twitter Folk / " Young - 'rr " folk ", as alluded to,.. are of every age these days. 

If i -or anyone else- can  inspect the $'s and stock quality at 10 different nurseries and find the same exact stuff at 90% of them, and find the nursery which has great stock ..and, gasp! ..decent/ reasonable prices, why the <  > would i purchase from the more the more / most expensive place ( es ) ..because some bro- bot talks up a good sales pitch? because i'm too impatient?  Not a chance..  ..And i'll do what i can to keep those i communicate with from falling for the same non sense.. 

Nurseries i trust aren't in it to make fast $$$$$$ ..let alone jump on knee jerk reaction bandwagons ..then make up clearly hollow excuses for sudden and steep price increases.. ( and still pay their employees in - the - garbage wages.. ) There are reasonable, -and necessary- price increases, then there are grossly calculated schemes / colorfully exaggerated reasoning..

Yes, inflation is up, no way that wasn't going to happen after the last couple years / as time moves forward.  That said,  wayyyyy too many taking full advantage of a temporary situation for clear as day,  self - absorbed motives..  See it everywhere.

Only thing i agree with is yes, should always pace your " i wants.. "  ~ that includes the " i'm too impatient " wants too ~   cuz it isn't just money hungry plant people trying to fleece other people by trying to oversell fear atm,..  Don't buy into it.  Purchase from those with far less of it, who are out to make some honest $$$  .. Even better, trade / pass around seed / extra plants  ..not to make a quick $, but because you're actually a plant person..

[BayAndroid]

1 hour ago, sonoranfans said:

Hopefully people will figure out that inflation is the biggest enemy of the working class and of a democratic system.  15% inflation over 2 years is like an automatic 15% pay cut, and its already happened.  Many don't really understand because of the US's low math literacy as a country.  Printing/spending new money always causes inflation, but I guess the plugged in generation cant learn about things like that on twitter.  Prices on palms should be up, the money that buys them purchases less food and gas.  I wont get into how the ukraine situation will fuel inflation further across the globe.   $7/gallon gas anyone?

Actually Twitter is where I get a lot of my economics information from. If you know who to follow, there is some great commentary to read up on. (But a word of warning... tons of toxicity there too, so don't get wrapped up in it.)

Edited February 23, 2022 by BayAndroid

[sonoranfans]

those who refuse to learn the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat them.  Same old solutions to problems, same old failure, same old denial after failure.  I don't blame the twitter generation but they are the hope at this point, and it doesn't look good. 

[Silas_Sancona]

54 minutes ago, sonoranfans said:

those who refuse to learn the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat them.  Same old solutions to problems, same old failure, same old denial after failure.  I don't blame the twitter generation but they are the hope at this point, and it doesn't look good. 

Why does the last sentence sound like what was assumed by some, way back when,  ..when " X  is the reason for things going to < hockey sticks > "

Their kids listened to Elvis, The Beetles / Bob Marley, Metallica, 80's music, etc..

Women dared to show their legs / shoulders / wear a short dress.. Folks wore Bell Bottoms ..and flowers in their hair,  ..got Tattoos.. etc..

Anyhow..

 

[JohnAndSancho]

8 hours ago, sonoranfans said:

Hopefully people will figure out that inflation is the biggest enemy of the working class and of a democratic system.  

Everything goes up except our paychecks. 

[Jtee]

Went to Lowes today, no palms and a boring selection of plants. I did notice the fruit trees have gone up in price. Last year they were $24-$26 and this year they are $33 I think it was. 

[ruskinPalms]

I haven’t been to a box store lately to see the prices. But, I’m sure they are up as all of you are saying. I guess that means we should try growing palms from seed more. I have actually been able to collect fairy interesting seeds on various trips around Florida over the years, definitely not the same old boring stuff the box stores in my area sell anyway.

[aztropic]

Looks like we got a few Florida foxtails imported to the Phoenix area. Also Archontophoenix c.

Neither one of these does very well under our desert conditions. At least they are available for those that want to try though.

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

[96720]

Plant stand doesn’t know anything about plants but they know a lot about making money!!!

[Gottagrowemall]

1 hour ago, aztropic said:

Looks like we got a few Florida foxtails imported to the Phoenix area. Also Archontophoenix c.

Neither one of these does very well under our desert conditions. At least they are available for those that want to try though.

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

Bro that foxtail price is insane!!! They have them at Home Depot in palm coast Florida in like a 23 gallon for 190. Are palm prices normally that much higher in AZ? 
 

I have to pay more for the uncommon stuff here like Alexander palms, alfreddii. My local stores just carry the very generic stuff but the prices are pretty reasonable if you’re patient.

[96720]

This is Arizona those are not common here and generally they are guaranteed for a year!!

[aztropic]

Location, location, location! Yes, palm prices in AZ have recently skyrocketed,along with the price of everything else. I've noticed a 30% increase on ALL plant material here,across the board.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[jreich85]

I too have noticed that plant prices have gone up quite a bit, not surprisingly. What strikes me funny is that the palm prices and lack of availability that I encountered 10+ years ago is what started me down this rabbit hole of palm addiction, when I decided to begin grabbing seeds and seedlings from public places in lieu of buying palms for hundreds or thousands of dollars apiece. I’m sure I’m not the only one!

[aztropic]

Just a heads up for those looking for a deal on majesty palms... All the valley Walmarts just got Florida fresh 2 gallons in @$20. Same,exact, plant at other big boxes is $30...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[kinzyjr]

A few weeks ago, there was a brand new rack of Trachycarpus fortunei at the Blue Big Box.  A few had tags for $23 and a few others for $27.  The bulk of them will probably not make it as people like to put them in full sun.  At this point, there is a flowering specimen of just about everything they carry here (and then some), so might as well just grab seeds like @jreich85 mentioned.

[Silas_Sancona]

Was picking up a Wheelbarrow Saturday at a Orange Box location on the south side of Chandler and stumbled upon these Kings ..for $99.98. Price may be kind of steep, ..but obviously could be worse.  Blanked out on checking prices on the Bismarcks they had. Palms themselves looked decent though.

Unfortunately, we all know Kings aren't the best option for the desert, even on a patio..  Have to say that particular location's garden department isn't bad.. for that particular big box establishment.



 

[aztropic]

16 hours ago, aztropic said:

Just a heads up for those looking for a deal on majesty palms... All the valley Walmarts just got Florida fresh 2 gallons in @$20. Same,exact, plant at other big boxes is $30...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

Costa farms has VERY long arms!