Palm trees enchant green areas, conservatories or the house with their southern flair. The plants, popularly referred to as "princes of the plant kingdom", need good living conditions and a little attention to thrive as desired. This is not complicated, there are only a few basic things to consider.

Palm trees need a lot of water, especially in summer

How much water do palm trees need?

Large plants in particular surprise with their thirst in the warm summer months. During this time it has to be watered relatively frequently. At the same time, all palm trees are very sensitive to waterlogging. Therefore, adhere to the following points when watering:

  • Water whenever the top inches of soil feel dry.
  • Daily watering may be necessary at high temperatures.
  • In the transitional period, watering once a week is sufficient.
  • Pour away excess liquid in the coaster immediately.

Spray palm trees regularly

The plants thrive much better in moderate humidity. If the air is too dry, the tips of the leaves turn brown and become unsightly. Therefore, spray the attractive fronds daily with room-warm, lime-free water. Calcareous water should not be used because it leaves very unsightly stains on the leaves after drying.

How is fertilized?

During the growth period, the plants need a lot of energy and must be fertilized regularly. How much special fertilizer you apply depends on the variety. For slow-growing palms, give no more than half the concentration indicated on the packaging, fast-growing palms get exactly the recommended amount of fertilizer.

How is it cut?

In most cases, palm trees do not need to be pruned. However, in almost all specimens, the bottom leaves turn brown and unsightly over time. Wait until they have dried up to the trunk and then carefully pluck off the fronds.

repot

Palm trees only need to be repotted every three to four years. Only when the substrate is completely covered with roots does it need a new pot. Proceed as follows when converting:

  • The new planter should be no more than two sizes larger than the previous one.
  • Since palm trees are usually top-heavy, heavy, tall clay pots are recommended.
  • Take the plant out of the old tub very carefully. The thick, fleshy roots are quite sensitive and must not be damaged.
  • First place a shard over the water drainage hole and then place a drainage layer of expanded clay (€19.73) in the vessel.
  • Add a thin layer of special soil for palm trees or a mixture of compost soil enriched with leaf compost, peat, sharp sand or lava granules (€13.99).
  • insert palm.
  • Fill up with substrate to a few centimeters below the edge of the pot.
  • Water well.

Which fungi or pests threaten?

Palm trees are quite robust. If you care for them properly, the plants are rarely attacked by insect pests or diseases.

mushrooms

A black coating on the fronds indicates sooty mold, which often forms on lice excrement. First wash the foliage thoroughly and then treat the palm with an aphid remedy.

Phoenix smut fungi are indicated by nodules on the palm fronds. If the infestation is low, it is sufficient to cut off the affected leaves and destroy them in the household waste. With severe infection, the plant must be treated with a special fungicide.

pests

If spider mites have settled on the palm tree, the fronds turn yellowish or white. Fine webs appear on the underside of the leaves, which often only become visible when sprayed with water. Increase the humidity as a preventive measure. In the case of infestation, only treatment with suitable sprays helps.

White woolly coverings on the fronds indicate mealybugs or mealybugs. Here, too, only spraying with a chemical agent helps.

You can recognize thrips or aphids by their light-colored leaf spots. Shower the plant with a strong jet to remove the critters and then spray with an insecticide.

Brightly colored fronds can indicate scale insects, which are usually located on the underside of the leaf. The relatively large pests are easy to collect. Alternatively treat here with a pesticide.

The palm tree in winter

Hardy palm trees planted in the garden are given winter protection from fleece and a thick layer of mulch made from leaves and brushwood, which protects the root system from severe frost.

Tub palms that have been outdoors during the summer must overwinter in suitable quarters. The conservatory or a slightly heated greenhouse is ideal. A cellar room with an even temperature that is not too dark or a frost-free garage are also suitable. The palm is only poured a little and not fertilized. The substrate may only be slightly damp and never wet, otherwise there is a risk of root rot.

tips

If you take care of palm trees properly, they can grow very large. Therefore, when choosing the location, make sure that the plant has enough space available. Avoid windy places and those with draughts, as the beautiful fronds can be badly affected here.

Category:

Trees