Question
QUESTION: I have two large (4 ft tall) potted palm trees.  Each plant has about five stalks growing in a 18 in diameter pot.  Stalks are dying one by one. The leaves fall off and the stem dehydrates so it's like a woody shell over the center.  I've broken the dead stalks (easily, with little force) and when the "shell" is pulled back small (grain of salt-sized) white worm things are crawling around.  Please help me figure out what they are and how to treat my plants. Thank you,
Sandy

ANSWER: Hi Sandy,

Palm includes hundreds of different species with widely varying cultural needs. Some Palms require direct sun and little water. Others require just the opposite. In addition, there are  a variety of altogether different species that people often call Palms that are not in the Palm family at all.

Without knowing which plant species you have, I cannot provide reliable advice as to why your plant is struggling. I would make a somewhat educated guess that the pot may be too big and the roots are rotting. But I cannot be sure of that.

In addition to knowing the species, I need information on the light it receives and what your watering routine is.

You can post a photo here or email me a photo at my address below.

Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EDT)
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC



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


potted palm   QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response.  One plant is in the basement and gets dim filtered light; the other is upstairs and gets bright indirect light.  I water once a week. Thanks again for your help

Answer
Thanks for the follow-up photo, Sandy. As I suspected, your plant is not a Palm. It is a Dracaena marginata. The pot is too large, especially too deep. That means all the extra soil absorbs and retains moisture for too long before it dries out appropriately, so the roots are rotting.

In addition, dim filtered light is not enough for your Dracaena. Inadequate light also leads to the decline of roots. Weekly watering might be appropriate if the plant was in a smaller pot and in better light, but is too much for yours.

Cut off the dead stems at their base. Move the plant to a sunny location. Remove all loose soil from the surface that is not in direct contact with the roots. Water it only when the top three inches of soil are dry.

It is possible that all of the roots are already rotted beyond repair. But if not, improved light and watering may yet save your Dracaena.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EDT)
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC