Care needs of large Kentia transplant

[Sheila]

Hello knowledgeable palm community! 

I transplanted this Kentia on October 5th and wondering if it's looking how it should... 

We have clay soil and placed a mix of compost, sand and garden mix into the cavity prior to moving the plant in place. 

I got it off a neighbour who was developing his land so was excavated with their digger and came with a decent root al. It did sit out on the berm for 3 days until I could get some more hands to move it. I covered the root all with pond liner and wet it down every day. 

Removed 10 fronds prior to moving it in place to help reduce shock. Also, watered well once in and gave it some seaweed treatment a week after, then again 2 weeks later. I have watered maybe 2-3 times a week for the first month then dropped down to once a week. But it is summer here so I have watered if it hasn't rained for 3-4 days.  To date, I've given a total of 5 seaweed tonic treatment. 

Should I cut off the frond that hangs down? Half of the frond is still green. 

The frond at the top that was newly opened when it was planted turned brown and died fairly early on. Should that one also be removed? 

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. 

[Harry’s Palms]

Welcome , that’s a large one to revive and it will take time. Just don’t let the soil dry out and it should recover. Anything that is completely brown should be cut or trimmed. I have moved these but nothing that large . I just used water to bring them around after moving. Harry

these were moved when they were small , just starting to trunk. They got set back for a few months but then started growing . I think your large one will take a bit longer. Harry

[Sheila]

Thank you Harry, very encouraging to see your ones looking amazing so will exercise a little patience on my end and will trim the brownies as suggested. 

[Harry’s Palms]

It will be well worth the wait . I found the Howea grow a bit better in the cooler months , at least here in Southern California. Harry

[awkonradi]

Hi Sheila, Welcome to PalmTalk.  To my not-so-wise eye, your palm looks not bad, having been transplanted on Oct. 5, and at that large size.  I agree with Harry, it will be well worth the wait, if it survives.  Would you please post updates about this palm in the future?  Best, Andrei

[Tyrone]

Hi Sheila. Welcome to Palmtalk. Your Howea is looking great for 4 months from transplant. I think you did quite a professional job. Being summer it will need to be kept moist. You could probably still be watering it 2-3 times a week because it will be still getting its roots established and a lot would have been cut. A light fish and seaweed mix once a week will keep it happy while it gets its roots down. It could take a couple of years to fully settle in but Howea transplant well. I wouldn’t chop anything green off it, as you already removed a lot before the transplant. This palm will be madly reestablishing roots before it goes into full scale leaf production. 

[Sheila]

Very much appreciate your advice. I'll bump up the watering and seaweed tonic.  Thank you.