Question
Hello Vito!

I'm thrilled to have found you again! You answered some questions about palm trees for me once before.

I would like to ask for your advice now, on fertilizing the palms we planted (in the ground) this spring in Dallas/(Plano) TX.
Palms are: TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI - (approx 4 ft from ground/bottom to the top of tallest frond),
WASHINGTONIA ROBUSTA - (small seedlings),
BUTIA CAPITATA - (approx 5 ft from bottom to the top of tallest frond),
CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS - (two that are approx 17 inches from bottom to top of tallest frond, and two seedlings).
I also have planted in pots, a PHOENIX ROEBELENII and a MAJESTY PALM.

I have read varying ideas on when and how to fertilize palms - a bit confusing. I haven't found palm fertilizer at local nurseries, but I am interested in fertilizer spikes I have seen online. They look easy to use.

Would be very grateful for any advice on the optimum time to fertilize and what product you would recommend. Wasn't even sure if I should fertilize my palms this year, or wait until next.

Thank you very much!
Jane

Answer
Hi Jane,

It is important that all so called "palm fertilizers" contain minor(trace) elements such as iron,zinc, manganese, magnesium, boron, etc in addition to nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. The Univerisity of Florida recommends an 8-4-12, basically something with a 2-1-3 ratio. It should also contain a minimum of 3-4% magnesium and manganese(trace elements). You will need to read the back of the package to find these percentages.

Extra  sensitive palms like pygmy dates, sagos, queen palms, and royal palm will probably die without these critical trace nutrients.

Read the directions on your package to see how often they recommend fertilization with that particular product. Indoors and in tropical climates palms have no true dormant period so they would need fertilzer year round. If you live in a climate with cooler winters it is likely that the growth will tend to slow so go easy on the fertilzer during coldest months of the year.

Regards,

Vito