Jubaea Chilensis - spear pull

[The Converted]

Evening all

I was hoping someone might be able to provide some reassurance...

I have a small, 5 year old JC.  It was left out for much of the winter,  albeit,  undercover.  On a couple of really cold (-9) nights it was moved into the conservatory.  A couple of months ago I noticed that last years spears (which were still emerging) were starting to brown.  I thought I would give them a gentle pull, and unfortunately they both pull straight out.  I suspect the cold got to it given we had several weeks where even day time temps barely got above freezing.  After my initial panic / disappointment I order some Hydrogen Peroxide and treated the growing point every couple of weeks over the first month. 

2 Months on....

Other than the odd sunny / warm day I have kept it in the conservatory to make sure it doesn't get wet. 

It still looks healthy and the remaining fronds are all firm.  I've reported it and the roots look healthy, and it's also had it's first feed of the year.  But, there is no sign whatsoever of any new growth / spears (I've been using a blunt ended cocktail stick to measure the depth of the growing point).  

Given how hard it is to source a sensibly sized JC in the UK I'm hoping it pulls through! 

Thanks everyone. 

 

[Banana Belt]

-9 Centegrade is pretty cold for a young Jubaea.  Spear pull is not a good sign because unfornately Jubaea do not seem to sucker or branch out and have only one bud at the top.  But who knows strange things can happen and just in case you might as well keep it around for the rest of the season.  Don't be too sad as you are not alone.

[SeanK]

Given the slow rate of normal growth, a new spear may be forthcoming in October. Next winter it will have to stay indoors.

[The Converted]

Evening 

Thank you for your replies.  

It's frustrating that out of all my palms, it had to be the one that is hardest to source, that spear pulled.  I never thought I would be so affected by a plant! 

Hopefully it'll show some signs of recovery soon! It will definitely be a winter house plant from October.....

[Jeff zone 8 N.C.]

On 4/21/2023 at 2:53 PM, The Converted said:

Evening 

Thank you for your replies.  

It's frustrating that out of all my palms, it had to be the one that is hardest to source, that spear pulled.  I never thought I would be so affected by a plant! 

Hopefully it'll show some signs of recovery soon! It will definitely be a winter house plant from October.....

I know your disappointment. I have always thought that when treating with Hydrogen peroxide you need to dry the spear cavity out after a couple of hours. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water. Water is what caused the spear rot in the 1st place. you may be able to tilt the palm over to pour any left over water out or you can try to push a paper towel down the hole to absorb it.