Hyophorbe verschafeltii
Palm trees are generally characterized by having a visible growth rate, that is, the height they gain from one year to the next is easily noticed. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are fast; in fact, with few exceptions, the centimeters that will add up will not be more than thirty.
Even so, sometimes our beloved plants seem to have become stagnant. Why is my palm tree not growing? What happens to him? And, most importantly, how do you help it resume its growth? These and other questions I will solve below.
Potted palm tree
Chamaedorea elegans
The pot has become too small
This happens when the roots have occupied the entire container and can no longer grow.. It is likely that the roots have come out through the drainage holes, but if this is not the case, we will know that it needs a transplant if it has been more than two years from the last or if, when taking it from the trunk and pulling up the bread of land remains intact. If so, it will be time to move it to a larger pot or to the garden, which we can do in spring.
The substrate is not good enough
If a poor quality substrate is used, which compacts quickly, the roots of our Palm tree they will not be able to have an optimal development. To avoid it, I recommend mix black peat with perlite in equal parts, and add 10% organic compost as can be the guano. In addition, inside the container you can put a first layer of arlite expanded to further improve the speed with which the water comes out.
Lacks nutrients
So you can have good growth must be paid from spring to late summereven until autumn if you live in a mild climate, otherwise we will only see that it grows at a good rate the first year. Thus, to have a healthy and strong plant, it must be fertilized with specific fertilizers for palm trees, following the indications specified on the product’s packaging. We can also use organic fertilizers, such as guano (in liquid form), bone meal for plants, tea bags.
The weather does not accompany
When you grow a species that is very on edge, it will not grow at all fast. In fact, I can tell you that I have one Allagoptera caudescenswhich is a palm tree that is supposed to hold up to -2ºC, very protected next to a wall and under a shading mesh, and the poor thing removes a leaf every 2 years. No matter how much you pay it and no matter how much you protect it, there is no way to make it faster.
Palm tree in the garden
Dypsis decaryi
The land is not well drained
Although there are species that grow even in the few little holes in the ground that are on the road (washingtonia, Phoenix), the vast majority want land that drains well. Therefore, when you want to plant one in the garden It is highly recommended to dig a large hole, 1m x 1m, to be able to fill it with good soil: 40% black peat + 40% perlite or similar + 20% organic fertilizer (guano, earthworm humus).
Are sick or have pests
Mushrooms, insects … Palm trees can be affected by various microorganisms and insects. Mealybugs, Red weevil, he is the archonPhytopthora, pink fungus, are the most common, and each has its treatment. For example:
- Mealybugs: diatomaceous earth. The dose is 35g for every liter of water.
- Red weevil: Chlorpyrifos, or the remedies listed in this article.
- paysandia archon: ditto.
- Phytopthora and pink mushroom: the best treatment is prevention: during the rainiest season, treat with spray fungicide and water less.
The weather is not the most suitable
This motif is, as we see, common also with the palm trees that are in the garden. And it is that, if the climate is too cold or warm we will not be able to have it healthy. To avoid looking ugly, it is very important to know, before buying, its rusticity. In case of doubt, you can contact us.
Has it been useful to you?
