At the latest when the root system of a palm tree grows out of the pot, it is time to transplant the southern beauty into a larger container. In order for this care measure to be successful and for the plant to continue to grow well, there are a few basic things to consider.

Only if the pot is big enough will palm trees grow strong and tall

The palm tree quickly becomes too tight

Sometimes the plant lover only notices from the cracks in the clay pot that it is high time to repot. Palm trees develop a very strong root system that is quite capable of bursting the vessel. In a pot with a crack, the substrate dries out far too quickly. If the main root blocks the drainage hole, water can no longer drain off and there is a risk of waterlogging, to which the plant reacts very sensitively.

The right time

The best time to transplant is at the beginning of the growing season in spring. The months of March to May are ideal. If the pot proves to be too small over the course of the year, it can still be repotted in summer.

pot palm

Before transplanting, water the palm well so that the root ball does not fall apart. Then proceed as follows:

  • Remove the old pot very carefully so as not to damage the roots. Palm trees are very sensitive to this.
  • If it cannot be pulled off, it is better to smash or cut it up to protect the root system.
  • Carefully remove used substrate.
  • Cut off dead roots with a sharp knife. This also applies to the root spiral on the bottom of the pot, which is quite common in fast-growing specimens.

In order to prevent too rapid growth, the new planter should not be too large. A high clay pot or tub that is at most two sizes larger is ideal.

The substrate

Which soil palms prefer depends on the region in which they originally grow. Plant heat-loving palm plants in a mixture of heather and leaf soil with a small amount of peat, river sand and loam. Palm trees that thrive in cooler areas need a mix of topsoil, some heather soil, and lots of soft sand.

Ensure good water drainage

Palm trees are very sensitive to waterlogging. Therefore, the new pot must have sufficiently large water drainage holes. These are covered with potsherds so that the substrate does not clog them.

Then fill a drainage layer of expanded clay (19.73€) into the vessel. This not only stores a small amount of water, but also ensures that excess water is drained away quickly.

insert palm

Put a thin layer of substrate on top and put the root ball of the palm tree on top. Fill with soil, press down well and water.

tips

Large planters are difficult to transport. It's not just garden lovers who have this painful experience, retailers are also struggling with this fact. Many palm trees are therefore sold in pots that are too small. Please always check how much substrate the new acquisition has available. It is often necessary to move the plant immediately after purchase.

Category:

Trees