[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[david.studtmann at honeywell.com]

David Studtmann
85207
david.studtmann at honeywell.com

Hello,
I have 3 pygmy date palms in my back yard and have noticed that they do not appear to be florishing.  Approximately 2 months ago I looked at the budding new fronds (have not opened up) and they appeared to have a white colored "skin" on them.  A month ago I put in palm nutrient spikes thinking that they were lacking nutrients due to some of the fronds were turning yellow and dk brown.  Review of the buds now show that the "skin" has turned a brownish color and do not appear to be extending ne growth.  The leaves still have quite a bit of green to them.  If I physically open one of the budding fronds (by separating the leaves from the skin), the material turns green.  Is this a normal condition?
thank you.