Hello All, I have four majesty palms and had some questions on how to properly take care of them. 1) They are tall; When and how do I repot them? 2) Can I use Miracle Gro for fertilizer? If not, any other suggestions? 3) I live in an old Victorian and wonder if I am giving them enough humidity? Thanks for the help, CeCe
Re-potting would be based more on whether or not you can see roots growing out of the pot, or if it seems they take watering very often. Not so much how tall they are, as Majesties are slow growers especially in the North. If you think you need to re-pot, spring would be a good time. Measure the diameter of the pot and get new ones no more than 4 inches diameter bigger. Use a good potting soil and add a layer of gravel 2-3 inches deep in the bottom of the pot to help drainage. After you get the palm out of its old pot, carefully separate the roots a bit to help them start growing in their new home. Make sure to plant them at the same depth they were in the old pots. DO NOT fertilize for the first month or so, it can burn the roots. I have worked for several large nurseries and have been told that Miracle Gro is a foolproof fertilizer as there isn't really a lot of nutrients in it. They make it that way for beginning gardeners so that plants aren't burned. I would recommend a good-quality, all-purpose time release fertilizer (for house plants not flowers), or if you can find one made for palm trees even better. As far as humidity goes, it's hard to supply that in the average home. Best way is to set the pots on a large tray of gravel and add water to the tray. Don't let the water touch the pot or it can cause root rot. Hope this helps.
