Question
QUESTION: I have multiple kentias growing around my yard in coastal San Diego and the majority of them are very healthy.  However, on 2 of the kentias (been planted in the ground for 12 years) the new spikes/spears are leaning sideways.  I first noticed a partial lean early last fall.  The lean is now parallel to the ground.  Besides the lean the the spikes/spears are very green.  The only thing I had changed over the last 12 years was a drip line I put on the kentias last summer.  After I noticed the lean I turned off the drip system.

ANSWER: Hi Chris, (McCann eh?..probably related somehow..lol)..If the color is spot on, then I wouldn't be overly concerned, it sounds like the development of the spear when inside the heart of the Palm was compromised a little, hence the weakness of the base of the spear, but if it develops properly and turns into a healthy frond, albeit askew, it shouldn't effect the overall health of the palm itself. I would just be patient, there really isn't anything you can do about it anyway, except maintain the care of the palm with proper irrigation and fertilization. It wouldn't hurt to give the heart and new spear area are good spraying with a Copper fungicide, this is proper even for a palm with no problems, to keep fungal problems at bay, but even more important with one that has a potential weakness, leaving it open to attack by fungal spores. Wait and see is the ticket at this point and watch the development of the next spear. If this one starts to pale out and turn light green and yellowish, then let me know and I will make some inquiries here in Florida with the Extension Officer here and we will contact the guru at the University of Florida if necessary. Nick

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

QUESTION: Thanks...I'm interested to see what your friend at Univ of Florida says.

FYI...I grew up in Scituate, but my dad grew up in Cambridge/Arlington.

Answer
Well, never let it be said that I will not own up to a wrong observation when it applies, and I was wrong with the Boron judgment, it turns out (after getting response from the expert at the University of Florida) that your Kentias in California are notorious for "chronic Boron deficiencies" and you need to do the following, and I quote.."dissolve 2-4oz of Solubor or Borax in 5 gals of water and drench the root zone, then reapply in 5 months, because it will take that long for evidence of success to manifest itself in the newer emerging fronds, don't apply these products in a dry state, or you will burn the roots and vegetation in the area".......again, I always will take correction, and give credit elsewhere if it will help my questioners. Good luck and keep me apprised of the result, plus if I can help out again, let me know...oh! I grew up in Randolph, but was born in Boston proper. Nick