Phoenix Canariensis help

[Samuel]

I’m currently growing a Phoenix Canariansis and over the last month I’ve noticed it parts of it are turning orange and I’m struggling to find out what’s caused it anyone have any idea??

[UK_Palms]

Looking at that photo, I would say it is suffering from a bit of drought stress due to the hard drainage there. London has only had 6 inches of rainfall this year, so smaller specimens that haven’t tapped into the groundwater yet may struggle in a hard draining, gravel substrate. Especially during a dry year and summer like this one. You’re best off planting straight into soil in London given the Mediterranean-like climate nowadays. Drainage won’t really be an issue, in fact they may even benefit from slow draining moist soil due to the low water table. Nonetheless, give it a load of water and I’m sure it will recover. The damage looks fairly superficial at this stage. It’s very hard to overwater a CIDP in London. I have seen them thriving in waterlogged soil even, although that can present its own problems come winter.

[Samuel]

10 minutes ago, UK_Palms said:

Looking at that photo, I would say it is suffering from a bit of drought stress due to the hard drainage there. London has only had 6 inches of rainfall this year, so smaller specimens that haven’t tapped into the groundwater yet may struggle in a hard draining, gravel substrate. Especially during a dry year and summer like this one. You’re best off planting straight into soil in London given the Mediterranean-like climate nowadays. Drainage won’t really be an issue, in fact they may even benefit from slow draining moist soil due to the low water table. Nonetheless, give it a load of water and I’m sure it will recover. The damage looks fairly superficial at this stage. It’s very hard to overwater a CIDP in London. I have seen them thriving in waterlogged soil even, although that can present its own problems come winter.

Thanks for your help I was wondering whether it was drought stress it’s been in the ground for over 3 years so I haven’t watered it to much as I’d always assumed they were drought tolerant.

[Jim in Los Altos]

1 hour ago, Samuel said:

Thanks for your help I was wondering whether it was drought stress it’s been in the ground for over 3 years so I haven’t watered it to much as I’d always assumed they were drought tolerant.

Don’t forget, “drought tolerant” means a plant will “tolerate” drought but doesn’t mean the plant will thrive. Most drought tolerant plants and trees respond exceptionally well to moister conditions.