What is happening with my Palm Tree?
Question:I just bought a Majesty Palm about three weeks ago. I have replanted it into a large container with good soil in it and watered it and fertilized it as most "care" websites call for. The instructions all of the info websites call for are: bright light, water and fertilizer. I live in New Hampshire, and I intend on keeping the palm indoors during the winter (I have a big house)
but right now, the conditions in my yard are perfect for this palm (full sun, 80-90 degrees) and lots of water.
Yet, for some reason, the tips of the leaves are beginning to yellow and the leaves look like they are "tired" they are hanging down and aren't as "perky" as when I bought it.
I am not sure what's going on, it seems to be fine, but then it is not as "fresh" as it used to be.
Answers:
I have seen 3 web sites on growing majesty palms that say these need filtered sunlight, not direct sunlight. Maybe you should move the palm into the shade of another tree or under a semi-shade patio cover for a coupla-few weeks to let it come back to life.
Many plants - and palm trees included - kind of go into shock if you change their environment too quickly. This includes transplanting or moving a normally sun-loving plant from a semi-shade environment to an area that gets the full blazing sun.
Proper drainage in the container is also vital for plants. If it has no drain holes or they get plugged up with planting mix, the roots can quickly begin to rot, resulting in the symptoms you describe. If that's the case, you can try clearing the holes (or drilling holes) and running a lot of water through the soil (water it for a long time to rinse the bad stuff out of the soil). If that doesn't work, you might just have to go out and get another palm.
Hi,
Sounds to me like your palm tree is in shock.
When you transplant you should never fertilize right away. Don't fertilize anymore until it has complete recovered from the change.
Keep it damp and be patient. But not soaked. Palms are survivors. It will be ok. Best of luck!
More Related Questions & Answers...