Question
QUESTION: My Bismark palm's newest frowns seem to be withering.  They have turned brown and ripped away from the center vein and are hanging down.  The rest of the tree is fine it just seems to be the last 4 new frowns.

What can I do and what is going?  I can submit photo via e-mail if necessary.
Thank you in advance

ANSWER: Mary:
A photo would be good.  Include a photo of the entire palm as it sits in the landscape.  Be sure it is in focus by reviewing it on your computer before sending.

Do you have other palms in the area? If yes, are they affected?  When did you first see this occurring? And, did it occur gradually over time or suddenly?  How long has it been planted?

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Bismark Palm  
Bismark Palm   QUESTION: Thank you for your attention in this matter.  Yes, as you can see in my pictures, I have a couple of pygmy palms,
I believe they call them.  The one on the right is having an issue as well.  There are 3 trunks and one of them
has stopped growing and is dead.  My lawn person said that it needed magnesium and did apply some a couple of
weeks ago.  He told me to cut it down....just the one trunk that is dead.
My Bismark is about 3 years old.  I noticed this issue with the fronds about 6 weeks ago.  We thought it was
just too crowded so we cut off the 3 bottom fronds to give it space but it only got worse as time has gone on.

ANSWER: Mary:
thanks for the photo.  I do not recognize an infectious problem (ie. disease) from your images.  The yellowing may be due indeed to a nutrient imbalance.  Palms can suffer from a "disorder" called frizzle top.  This is due to a nutrient issue. "Google this term to read more.

I would recommend a soil test to help ID any imbalances and correct.  Contact your local county Agricultural Extension office (usually located in each county in the courthouse building).  These folks can do a lab assay of a soil sample at a very nominal price (sometimes even free).  It is well worth it!  Nutrient imbalances can often occur, especially if you have a lot of sand in the soils.  I use to live in Ft. Myers (Lee county)with a lot of sand.  Fertilizers can leach out of the root profile quite easily.

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


brown area  

closer look   QUESTION: I noticed when I received your answer that the images that I send to you looked like two of the same one.  I am sending you the most important one that actually shows the damage on my palm.

Answer
Mary:

Based on your two most recent images, I do not recognize an insect nor disease issue on the fronds, but rather the result of a root/soil stress.  It could be the nutritional angle as mentioned earlier.  As also mentioned, Magnesium can be deficient in many palms.  It is corrected by adding Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) to the soil.  I would still suggest a soil test first.

Although it is a remote possibility, examine the base of the plant for any evidence of physical damage.  This may interfere with nutrient uptake also.
Best Regards
Steve