T. Fortunei purchase root ball size

[Palmlex]

Hey everyone,

My budget allows me to get a $200-ish Trachycarpus Fortunei at the moment. Since I'm ordering online, I don't know exactly how the plant will look, but I have 2 options available and I was wondering what you might think.

Both palms are around 4-6'.

What would you get? A smaller palm with a larger root ball? (Assuming it fills up the container it comes in) or a taller palm with around 10 inches more trunk but a smaller root ball?

Thanks,

Alex

[SeanK]

Larger Palm. Move it up a bigger pot and move it indoors over the winter. Don't pay for dirt.

 

[Palmlex]

 

3 minutes ago, SeanK said:

Larger Palm. Move it up a bigger pot and move it indoors over the winter. Don't pay for dirt.

 

Wouldn't it be fine to plant it in the ground since it's only September?

Edited September 20, 2023 by Palmlex

[PalmatierMeg]

Agree with @SeanK. You are better off planting in spring in your climate so the palm has a whole growing season to establish in the ground.

[Palmfarmer]

7 hours ago, Palmlex said:

Hey everyone,

My budget allows me to get a $200-ish Trachycarpus Fortunei at the moment. Since I'm ordering online, I don't know exactly how the plant will look, but I have 2 options available and I was wondering what you might think.

Both palms are around 4-6'.

What would you get? A smaller palm with a larger root ball? (Assuming it fills up the container it comes in) or a taller palm with around 10 inches more trunk but a smaller root ball?

Thanks,

Alex

If the roots have started to fill up the container I would choose the shorter one. 

[Arecaceus]

I would add that a healthy root ball is crucial with trunking Trachies. It's hard to say but cheap Trachies with tall trunks and small root balls often tend to not make it after planting out.

[Las Palmas Norte]

Personally, I won't order on-line. I like to make a decision after physically seeing and evaluating the health of a palm.