Question

photo3  

photo 2   Hi Nick,
I live in London (I am American) and I recently moved into a flat with a patio that has 4 windmill palms (at least I think they are).  They have been here for 6 years and they are about 8 feet tall at the top of the "trunk" and much taller at the tops of the fronds.  They do not receive a ton of direct sunlight, the patio faces east and we have received a ton of rain recently.  One of them is leaning at the top although the majority of the trunk is straight.  Also, some of the tips of the fronds are tuning brown.  None of the fronds has died and I have trimmed a few that were hanging too low.  I am reluctant to do anything until the weather improves but we are running out of time for summer here.  Any ideas?

Thanks, Tim

Answer
Hi Tim....The one leaning is trying to get to the available light source,,just turn it opposite and it should straighten out for you; the brown tips could be lack of humidity but more then likely a nutrient deficiency. Palms need fertilizing 3 times a year with a well balanced "Palm fertilizer".The final issue that may be happening is they could be root bound, when were they last repotted? check the drainage holes, if it looks compacted,,that could be an issue. Check it out and if necessary....lift it and replant in a larger container. Come Winter,,,it might be worth your while to set up a plant light on them....(plant lights mimic the same spectrum light that the Sun provides). just a thought..Nick