Question
QUESTION: Nick,
We have an 18ft tall palm, not sure which type, maybe 6years old.  It was very root bound, so we transplanted it into a larger planter.  We live in Northern OH, and regardless of the season, it gets watered about 1 gallon a week, and when we transplanted it, there was alot of water in the bottom of the old pot.  Occasionally we cut of a dead piece.  Should we give it more water in the summer, less in the winter, or do anything different? We fear losing it now that we have transplanted it, but knew it had to happen, it was very root bound.  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Susan, if I read this right, you say an "18Ft" palm in a container? I would think it would be root bound, I can't even visualize that big a palm in a container. Rule of thumb when it comes to watering is as the weather cools, growing slows down so should fertilizing and watering in proportion, for the plant (palm in this case) takes in less and any excess will sit at the roots and eventually cause a rot to set in. I would keep an eye on the drainage holes, as they begin to show a dryness, then it would be appropriate to add some water. Please let me know how big a container it is in now, and how you managed to transplant it...Nick:)

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Palm plant   QUESTION: Nick,
we have already transplanted the plant.  I am attaching a picture of it.  After a quick messurement, it is more like 14ft tall.  It seems to be doing fine since we transplanted it, as it has a new sprout, however I am still concerned about the amount of water to give it, any idea?  Any idea what type of palm it might be?  Thanks Susan

Answer
Hi Susan, I wish the picture had a clearer shot of the trunk, the fronds could be that of several varieties; I am thinking its probably an Areca but it could be a Majesty too (again, the trunk would tell me)....either variety however is treated the same, only water when it is dry about a third of the way down into the soil and make certain that that container you have it in has ample drainage holes and drainage medium in the bottom couple of inches. Watch for spider mites and try to keep it misted, humidity is important when it comes to indoor palms. Fertilize it three times a year with a well balanced granular fertilizer. Nick