I have 3 pygmy date palms that have new growth with a problem. All have sprouted new growth which has reached its full height but instead of opening properly they appear to be sealed shut and have a whitish film on them. A couple of them started to open several inches but then the rest of the stalk is sealed shut. Any thoughts of what might have caused this and is there anything that can be done to help them open properly?
It's not all that unusual to see fully emergent fronds from Phoenix roebelinii take some time to open. The "whitish film" is a normal waxy substance found to varing degrees on this palm. Routine watering during warmer weather and fertilizer will help it's overall health as well. Cheers, LPN.