[Arid_gardener] Queen Palm question

[Cathy.Rymer at chandleraz.gov]

Hi Shellee,

Thanks for your question. 

Queen Palms are native to tropical regions of South America and often 
struggle here in our salty soils, low humidity, freezing temperatures and 
brutal summer heat.

In the southwest deserts, weak or collapsed fronds, or fronds that are 
"accordion pleated" are an indication of a manganese deficiency.  Using a 
complete palm food that contains manganese monthly during the warm months 
will help.  (Old fronds will not be improved however). 

Our salty soils in the southwest also interfere with the absorption of 
nitrogen and iron.  Adding a 3 inch layer of organic mulch on top of the 
soil will slow evaporation, cool the soil and add nutrients back into the 
soil as it decomposes.  The addition of soluble soil sulfur will help 
lower the pH just a bit which should help with the absorption of 
nutrients.

To keep them looking their best make sure you are watering deeply but 
infrequently, allowing the soil to dry just a bit in-between.  When soils 
are too moist the palms are unable to pull nutrients (especially iron) out 
of the soil which can result in the pale yellow fronds (chlorosis).  Apply 
water to these palms as you would to any tree, that is, make sure the 
water is soaking in to a depth of two or three feet and that you are not 
applying water right next to the trunk.  Instead, place emitters a two to 
three feet away from the palms' trunk.  If you have a drip system and are 
using one-gallon emitters, water for at least three to four hours each 
time.  The interval will depend on the season - once every week to 10 days 
in the summer; once every three to four weeks in the winter.

Because Queen palms grow so slowly, you may not see improvement for some 
time.  Queens only produce about 5 or 6 new fronds each year so be 
patient.

Cathy Rymer
Certified Arborist
Master Gardener, U of A Cooperative Extension

>>>>
shellee
85254
lowryr52 at wmconnect.com

Have well established Queen Palms. Moved into house last year and they did 
well. This year The new fonds come out and have been breaking. Not sure if 
it is more windy or a problem we should be addressing. They are healthy 
and green but after a certain length break. Should we just leave them on 
since they are still green?

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