With their large, dark green colored fronds, the palm trees exude Mediterranean flair. Unfortunately, the leaves are the first to show signs of damage and the plants then lose a lot of their charm.

Various diseases can be seen on the leaves

Reasons for leaf damage:

Withering, curling leaves almost always indicate that the plant is evaporating more water than it can absorb through the roots. The following causes can be responsible for this:

  • root rot
  • lack of water
  • plant diseases or pests
  • Heart of Palm Rot

Cause: root rot

Palm trees have an extremely sensitive root system, which quickly begins to rot when waterlogged and watered too much. The roots can then no longer absorb sufficient moisture and the plant withers.

Repot the palm tree. Since putrefactive bacteria are involved in this process, you are often greeted by an unpleasant musty smell. Carefully remove the over-soaked substrate and cut back the damaged roots. You can tell that the root system is healthy because it is light in color and crisp, while the damaged areas are soft and brownish.

Place the plant in fresh palm soil and water significantly less in the future.

Cause: drought

On the other hand, if you water too little, the plant cannot absorb enough moisture. In order to minimize the evaporation surface, the palm tree rolls up its foliage.

Here it is sufficient to water regularly and sufficiently. Water the palm tree whenever the top inches of the substrate feel dry. It should be given enough water that it runs out of the drainage hole of the planter. Discard excess liquid after a few minutes.

Cause: Plant diseases or pests

Examine the palm tree thoroughly, a magnifying glass can be very helpful here. Are there deposits or are there harmful insects such as lice? If this is the case, the palm should be isolated and treated with a suitable pesticide.

Heart of Palm Rot

Unfortunately, this can also occur with proper care. It is triggered by various fungi. Waterlogging, temperatures that are too low or compacted substrates can accelerate the outbreak of the disease.

However, it is worth not giving up on the palm tree, because the palm tree can be pampered again. Obtain quinosol tablets to be dissolved in water at the pharmacy. Pour the remedy directly into the palm heart. The specialist trade also has special means to combat this plant disease.

tips

To keep the foliage nice and green, the palm tree should be sprayed with soft water every day. This also prevents the dreaded spider mite infestation.

Category:

Trees