Question

Palm Issue   QUESTION: Hi.  I have a King Palm in my front yard that looks like it is dying.  There are new palm leaves that come out and within days they frizzle up.  It is at least 10 years old and about 10 feet tall (3 grouped together).  I don't know if it is a water issue, disease, bug issue, soil issue??  Here is a picture for you.
I live in San Diego, CA. Thanks for any help!!

ANSWER: Dear Lisa, Well, actually it could be a water issue or a bug issue, so let's try to rule one or the other out.  First, is the plant dryer than usual, has the watering changed, is the soil suddenly rock hard?  Ok I'm assuming that isn't the issue.  Since you live in California, I know it is very rare, but have you had colder weather than usual when these fronds were forming?  Typically, that would be temperatures below 40 degrees and it would have occurred in the last month or two, and it being June already, I doubt that this is your problem.  So let's try the bug theory.  From looking at the fronds, I am going to guess that you could have spider mites.  So, to determine if you have spider mites, get a sheet of white paper and sharply rap the fronds over the paper (without wind, or cut part of one off).  Then observe the paper to see if anything on it appears to be moving. If you see something moving then you have spider mites.  (Incidentally, if you draw a circle around the spider mite in pen, it is unable to cross the line for several minutes, and if you draw a circle with a hole in it around the critter, it will walk to the opening and go out that way.  I have way too much time on my hands.)  I would suggest using NEEM as it will kill insects, spider mites and fungus.  If perchance you don't see any spider mites, I would still guess that you may have a scale or something else sucking your plant dry and the NEEM will work on any pests.  NEEM is organic so should be very available in your area.  Spray several times a week apart and your palm should start to perk up.  Please write back if you need more advice, or if you definitely don't see any spider mites.  Good luck, Melissa

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QUESTION: Hi Melissa-

OK- I tested for the mites and nothing.  I bought a soil tester from the nursery and it looks like it is getting too much water and the PH level is 9.5.  So I am thinking less water and maybe an organic fertilizer to lower the ph level.  I read on the internet that it should be around 6.5.  Anything you suggest that could bring the PH down without shocking the poor palm!  Thanks!! Lisa

Answer
Dear Lisa, I'm still reeling thinking about your soil being 9.5 pH!  It is pretty unusual to have a soil reading like that and it is especially surprising since you have had the palm for 10 years.  You might want to have your soil analyzed as to content.  Anyway, the best ways to lower the pH is with mulch, organic matter, and peat, but go sparingly and work it into the soil well.  In addition, see if you can find a crystal water product available in gardening centers.  It looks like rock salt, and when mixed into the soil, it swells up with the water and removes it from the roots.  It is great for areas that periodically get too wet.  Good luck.  You have a very unusual situation, so work so organic matter into that soil, and the palm should improve.  Melissa