Palm problems

Discussion in 'Outdoor Tropicals' started by GARYIRYNA, Oct 15, 2006.

  1. GARYIRYNA

    GARYIRYNA Member

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    Re: Palm killer? - How can I help these Palms do better?

    i have a majesty palm seedling grown from seed, was looking with one strong leaf, then my 18 month old son got his hands on it, and now has half a leaf, stem ok though, will this palm recover? i also have a hedyscepe canterburyana seedling which i brought, has about six leafs, but i think i made the soil too sandy, and now looks very dry and leafs althoug green, are crispy to the touch, i have since repotted with a more rich soil, will it recover?

    Gary
     
  2. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Re: Palm killer? - How can I help these Palms do better?

    Hi Gary,

    It's hard to say if your majesty palm will recover, but you can hope for the best. You don't say if you are growing this as a house plant or outdoors in the ground. They do not make good houseplants and rarely survive indoors.

    As for your Hedyscepe canteburyana, they like good drainage and a rich soil. Consider topdressing with an inch of compost. From this site:
    http://junglemusic.net/palmadvice/palms-lord-howe-island.htm

    I think I've seen you at Palm Talk. Have you asked there about this palm's needs?

    Newt
     
  3. GARYIRYNA

    GARYIRYNA Member

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    yes, i am in palm talk. i am new to palm, and just dont want to make any more mistakes, and give the palm the best chance to grow. As well as the dypsis, i love the carpoxylon macrospermum. the hedyscepe, next time i will buy a larger plant. i have p ekmanii in soil that is ph 7, hope this is ok?
     
  4. GARYIRYNA

    GARYIRYNA Member

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    if the roots look very black, does this mean they have rot? at what age should i get one next time? seedlings seem so week.
     
  5. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Gary, your link to your photo doesn't work. I'd also like to explain that when it comes to palms, I try and answer as many questions as I can since there aren't too many people that do. I don't even own or grow any palms! I research as much as I can to answer the questions.

    As to your P. ekmanii, I'm guessing you mean Pseudophoenix ekmanii.
    http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/photos/Species/pseudophoenix_ekmanii.htm

    I have a site where I can look up the names.
    http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/photos/vpe_photos.htm

    When you ask about the pH I will do a search to see if I can find out the range it prefers. I went to www.google.com and put in the search box:
    Pseudophoenix ekmanii + pH
    and found this site that says it prefers an alkaline pH, so yours sounds fine.
    http://www.fairchildgarden.org/palmguide/genus.php?family=arecaceae&genus=Pseudophoenix
    http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/97218/

    Generally black roots indicate rot, but I'm not familiar with the root system of this palm.

    From this site with the 'cached' link so you can see the highlights, after I searched with the term: Pseudophoenix ekmanii + black roots

    http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cach...manii+++black+roots&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=24

    "I have grown many Pseudophoenix from seed and germination is usually very poor (around 25% at best) in extra heat. I have heard that cracking open the endocarp definitely increases germination but also exposes the seed to various fungal identities which can easily kill off a seedling. They’re also prone to pythium root rot AKA damp-off fungus for the first several years. I use a lot of perlite in my potting mix to increase drainage and water sparingly if at all even during the driest times. Also a certain fungicide (brand name Subdue) works very well in controlling potential fungus problems. For me it usually takes about 4 or 5 years to get a nice looking palm with several feather leaves from seed. I am looking forward to the time mine will set fruit here as I hear it makes a delicious wine."

    It appears that these palms are very slow growing and only produce one or two fronds a year.

    Hope that helps,
    Newt
     

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