[Arid_gardener] queen palms

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: <sylvia.doerschel at cox.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 9:38 AM
 Sylvia Doerschel 85383
> We have a pineapple palm (phoenix canariensis) which is developing
> yellowing on the tips of some of the bottom fonds.  The new growth on the
> top looks very healthy and it is a deep green.   The plant is about 16
> months old. It has grown about a foot and half in one year. It is probably
> seven feet tall. It is in the front of the house so it gets sun all day
> long.  We water it twice a week for 2 hours.  I am wondering if it has a
> disease or if it is being overwatered.
> ...
=================================================================

----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen Greer" <sfgreer at cox.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 10:04 PM
>I have many different palms growing in my yard here in the southern portion
>is of Las Vegas.  The main question that I have is what makes the queen
>palm leaflets droop?  I noticed in L.A. or San Diego the queen's leaflets
>are erect and fluffy.  How can I get that effect for mine?  Please give me
>a call 702 528-3313, my name is Cordell or you can e-mail me back at
>cordellf at riserealty.com
==========================================

Queen palms are tropicals that are not well adapted to the low desert
humidity and tend to need more TLC than adapted palms.  Pay careful
attention to irrigation and fertilizing requirements.  The following is
taken from "AZ1021 Palms - Arizona Landscape Palms " at
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1021.pdf

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
============================================

" ...
Irrigation
Deep watering on a periodical basis is crucial for landscape palms in the
desert. Native palms grow at oases; they are not "drought tolerant." To some
extent growth rate can be regulated by watering practices. In general trees
growing in sandy soils need irrigation more frequently than those planted in
clay soil. Roots of established palms should be encouraged to extend 4 feet
beyond the trunk by spacing drip emitters in a circle at the 4 ft distance.
Established palms of most species do well with slow irrigation to a 2 ft
depth every couple weeks in summer and the same amount every four to six
weeks in winter.

Fertilization
Palms look considerably better if they have adequate nutrients. Fertilizing
established palms is one of the important ways to keeping them vigorous and
attractive. In Arizona landscapes, nitrogen is the most commonly deficient
nutrient; when it is lacking, older fronds turn pale green or yellow. Many
palms in certain soils also suffer from potassium deficiency (yellowing of
older leaves, including midrib). Some trees show Magnesium deficiencies
(yellow band on older leaves, with central vein remaining green). In all
cases preventative fertilization is best, since the discolored leaves don't
recover. Lush green growth will result from using a "palm special"
fertilizer that contains about 3 times as much nitrogen and potassium as
phosphorous (the first and third numbers on the bag are approximately 3
times the middle number), plus Mg and micronutrients. Look for a product
that supplies 10-20% N, 5%P, and 10-20% K (roughly equal to N), and also
includes 1-3% Mg, .5% Mn , .5% Fe, and S, Zn, Cu, and B (micronutrients that
are often lacking). Apply this product to palms after their first
establishment summer, following directions on the label for the tree's size.
Spread the product under the canopy (avoiding the area next to the trunk) in
mid spring and again in early summer. Water thoroughly to the 2 ft depth.
... "