Palm trees are one of those plants that, with a little care, will thrive for many years, growing larger and more magnificent. Not only the occasional repotting is important, but also the right fertilization, because for healthy growth, the Mediterranean plants need the nutrients tailored to their specific needs.

Outdoor palm trees can be fertilized with horse manure or cattle manure

The right fertilizer

You can often use a commercially available leafy plant fertilizer. There are always three numbers printed on it, for example 8-6-8. These stand for the following trace elements:

  • nitrogen
  • phosphorus
  • Potassium.

Palm trees require fertilizers in which the phosphorus content is lower than that of the other nutrients. So the remedy given in our example would be just as ideal as a 4-3-4 or 7-6-8 fertilizer for foliage plants.

Of course you can just as well use a special liquid fertilizer for palm trees in the dosage indicated on the packaging. However, make sure that the nutrient ratio is right.

Natural fertilizers for outdoor palm trees

Palm trees respond particularly well to organic fertilizers, which are slowly converted by soil organisms. Very suitable are:

  • horse manure
  • cattle manure
  • Horn shavings.(32.93€)

Since palm trees need a little lime, but are very sensitive to calcareous water, you can also give blue grain. However, it is more difficult to dose than other fertilizers and should never be administered in too high a concentration.

When is fertilized?

Fertilize palms throughout the main growing season, which begins around April or May. To prepare for the winter, stop fertilizing in October at the latest, better already in late summer.

How much is fertilized?

How to dilute the product is indicated on the packaging. However, this dosage is only required for fast-growing palm trees that increase in height every year. Slow-growing varieties receive a maximum of 50 percent of this amount.

Observe natural nutrient requirements

Palm plants thrive in many regions of the world and in a wide variety of locations. Coconut palms that grow in hot areas have completely different requirements than those plants that have to survive at altitudes of over 1,500 meters. The plant label provides information about which type of palm tree it is and how you need to care for and fertilize it.

tips

Tend to be sparing with fertilizers and never give them in higher doses than indicated on the packaging. A lack of nutrients is noticeable through stunted growth or leaf discoloration, but can be easily remedied. Overdoses, on the other hand, often cause such massive plant damage that the palm tree subsequently dies.

Category:

Trees