[Arid_gardener] Queen Palms dying

[Cathy.Rymer at chandleraz.gov]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for your question.  Queen Palms are a tropical palm that often 
struggles here in the desert.   They do surprise us though as some 
continue to flourish despite our salty soils, low humidity, freezing 
temperatures and brutal summer heat.  The hard freeze that we had last 
winter was just too much for some Queen Palms and many have died this 
year.

In the southwest deserts, weak or collapsed fronds, or fronds that are 
"accordion pleated" are an indication of a manganese deficiency.  Some 
landscapers may try to convince you that this is 'bud rot'.  The 
University of Arizona plant pathology lab has never confirmed a case of 
bud rot in Queen Palms in the last 50 years.  Using a complete palm food 
that contains manganese monthly during the warm months will help.  (Old 
fronds will not be improved however).  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.

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 (for zone 9).

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.

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

>>>>>>
85248
kenstrachman at yahoo.com

What is the life expectancy of Queen Palms? We live in the Chandler area, 
our house is about 18 years old (we are not the original owners), and two 
of six queen palms have died, and two others look very bad. Other plants, 
including a smaller palm (next to one of the ones that look like its 
dying)   seem to be flourishing.
Any thoughts as to what's happening?

Thanks
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