Queen Palms in South Texas

[erialexlaro]

Hi 

I’ve planted 13ft queen palms , both at the same time (March 24)

Pearland Texas 

one is thriving and the other isn’t doing so well. It’s not dead, but no new growth in several months

The frond you see has been as such for the last for months - spear is still sturdy 

First photo Not quite healthy  , second photo you can see the healthy one 

[Harry’s Palms]

Looks like it could be climate induced. How hot was your summer? Did it cool down at night? What are the winters like there? Harry

[erialexlaro]

Harry,

it did get some cold but not significant 

Any ideas on how to bring her back to life like the other one.  ?

[Harry’s Palms]

In the right climate , these are very easy to grow. They love water and I can’t see any signs of nutrient deficiencies on the second pic. They love water so just keep them watered and they should do ok. If the climate is not to their liking , they will let you know. I planted a few of these here at my house over twenty years ago and they are fine without anything but water. There were a couple that never kicked in , so after several years , I cut one down , I’m still on the fence with another one but it is growing well , just not as robust as the others. I would say the only negative to these is the mess they create when they flower and seed. They do create a good amount of shade when they are happy and get large. On this forum , there are those that don’t care for them , probably due to the mess that I mentioned , and the prolific nature of this palm ( like weeds! ). Harry

If you keep them trimmed, the mess is reduced dramatically. This is right after trimming , just before our very strong windy season. I planted this about 20 years ago as a very young 10” potted palm. Harry

[erialexlaro]

Yes let’s see this spring - like o said the spear is still green and solid - just stubborn I guess 

 

where are you located ? 
 

my winter is lows of 8 Celsius , highs of 28/29

so quite mild 

 

[Harry’s Palms]

Southern California , about 15 - 20 miles from the coast . Our summer averages in the low 80’s f. And lows in the winter are low 40’s f. The lowest I’ve seen here , up on the hill , is 38f. for a brief period before the sun comes up. Our average annual rainfall is about 18” , but it varies a lot. Harry

[erialexlaro]

So Pearland TX has a humid subtropical climate with tropical influences, and averages ranges from 44°F to 95°F throughout the year. 49.77 inches of rainfall average yearly 

 

 

[Harry’s Palms]

We are very arid here , most of the year is very dry. Harry

[DoomsDave]

@erialexlaro nice to meet you!

I concur generally with @Harry’s Palms’ comments and note that you’re a bit far north for queen palms. That said, if they’re around you in numbers, good!

Be aware that it can get cold where your are when the Blue Northers sweep in, like to the teens F. That said, climate change is on your side. 

Like Harry, I’m in Southern California, also about 20 miles from the ocean.

Way back in 1979 I lived in Houston and Corpus Christi and slept in my car for a time. A few nights it got down to about 16 F; that down sleeping bag was very comfy!  Palms suffered damage but appeared able to recover. 
 

Queen Palms were getting popular in Hugetown back then and were all over in Corpus.
 

Like Harry I’ve had queen palms in my garden, and note a few things about them. If they’re happy, they’ll grow fast; like 30 feet or more in a few years, eventually getting to more than 100 feet. They like plenty of water but also need good drainage; those other plants in your garden appear to show you’re in a good spot. They have aggressive roots; wimpy plants often give up planted under them. They DON’T lift or damage concrete so no need to worry about that. They can produce lots of seeds (sprout them and sell the baby plants!) which can be messy. 
 

Rooting for your success over there in Texas!