Indoor Licuala grandis in cold climate (Zone 5a) using Pal Meir soil mixture

[SM202]

Any IPS/Forum members successful at keeping Licuala Grandis indoors in cold climates such as Zone 5a in Chicago? 

Would greatly appreciate advice. Mine is now sick - see photos and details below.

 

BACKGROUND:

Licuala Grandis replanted 2 days ago with Pal Meir soil mixture (Leca, Repti Bark, coars pumice since Seramis not sold here) When replanted, most of the soil around the root ball/roots was removed and it was planted in a smaller diameter pot. Roots were exposed for several minutes before being planted into your mixture. The new leaf growth has shrunk in size/decreased in width quite a bit and leaves have suddenly become drier.

 

I live in Chicago, Licuala Grandis came from Florida in July - it was doing well, showed new growth when on back patio. Brought Licuala in when 50 F temp and below began. Kept humidifier by plant and/or mist every day.  Checked soil, very careful about minimal watering. Over weekend, Licuala was put on patio because temp was warm - it did drop to 46 degrees over weekend and plant was not brought inside.

 

New leaf and overall leaf now drying up very quickly/overnight.

 

Trying to pinpoint issue:

1) roots being exposed too long while repotting or

2)  too much soil removed from roots before repotted in Pal Meir soil mixture, or

3) outdoor patio temp this weekend?

4) Is it not a good idea to move Licuala outside on occasion when weather is nicer?

 

Years ago, we lived in San Francisco and had beautiful indoor 5 foot Licuala Grandis for several years. Since moving to Virginia and then Chicago, attempts at keeping Licuala grandis alive indoors/potted have been unsuccessful. I have been trying to figure out solution since then with no success - including asking the Tropics director at National Botanical Garden in DC.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2022 by SM202

[PalmsandLiszt]

Leaves are probably drying because the palm was growing roots adapted to a much wetter soil, so they won't work so well when suddenly placed in a completely different and much drier mix. New roots will adjust for this and work more efficiently. You might also have disturbed the roots too much and caused transport shock. I don't know how root sensitive this species is, but some Licualas and closely-related species certainly are.

The medium you are using is also a lot more free draining than the soil-based one the palm was previously in, so you will need to water it considerably more frequently, particularly as pumice is less good at retaining water than seramis. Don't worry so much about over-watering in these media.

There is a seramis substitute available in the US called I think Turface mvp; this is clay-based, and will bind to essential nutrients, making them available to the plant, whereas pumice will not to any significant degree. The LECA balls will, but not so well as seramis.

It looks like it has a healthy spear, so I hope it pulls through.

[SM202]

Thank you so much for all your advice, I really appreciate this.  I will hold off on repotting with the Turface (replacing pumice) so as not to further stress the plant if it even makes it. This is super helpful and I can't thank you enough. Have a good day, Shannon.