One of the key highlights of a tropical landscape is the woody herb known to us as the palm “tree.” Although not technically a tree, some are often referred to as trees with their single trunks and rounded shade-giving canopy. Botanically, they are monocotyledons, or monocots, a flowering plant bearing only one seed leaf. Both their external form and their internal anatomy result in classifying them as palms. As such, they are more closely related to grasses and herbs, than to trees.

There are over 2,600 species of palms in the world of which 12 are identified as native to Florida. Identifying which palms are growing in your yard and following specific horticultural practices for those palms will help keep them healthy and happy. In addition to specifics, there are a few general rules of thumb which you can follow for a thriving palm culture.

If you are familiar with Florida Friendly landscaping practices, then you have heard the phrase, “Right plant, right place!” Before planting a native palm in your landscape, take time to complete a soil test. This can be accomplished by bringing a soil sample to the Lee County Extension Office and taking advantage of its free soil test. This test will ascertain the pH of your soil which will then help you choose the best palm for your site. If your soil is too alkaline, some palms will be unable to take up the micronutrients needed to flourish, meaning you can fertilize them to death, literally, and they will not be able to benefit from the fertilizer.

The University of Florida has completed extensive studies to determine the best fertilizer for your Florida palms. Many assume a turf fertilizer will meet the palm’s needs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The university suggests the use of a good quality palm fertilizer with macro and micronutrients included in the mix and the numbers 8-0-12-4Mg written on the label. These numbers correspond to the correct balance of nutrients needed in the order of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. If the palm is suffering from a deficiency, they concluded the macronutrients, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium, work best in a slow-release form, while other micronutrients such as calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc work best in water soluble forms.

March is a good month to fertilize your palms. When fertilizing, spread the fertilizer about 15 feet from the base of the palm and not within 15 feet of a canal or other waterway. Become familiar with your local fertilizer ordinance, which bans fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus during the rainy season. Here in Cape Coral, the fertilizer ban runs from June 1 to Sept. 30.

Another critical rule of thumb involves pruning. Again, specific palms require particular pruning practices, but a good rule of thumb regarding the removal of palm fronds is, “If it’s not deceased, leave it in peace!” As palm fronds begin to wither and die, the rest of the palm extracts nutrients from them. Premature pruning may starve the palm from essential and easy to consume nutrients.

In addition, pruning living, green fronds limits the palms ability for photosynthesis, the process of capturing sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water, thus starving the palm.

Beware of landscapers who suggest severe over-pruning of palms known as “hurricane-cuts!” Not only does this practice contribute to starving your palm, but it can also over-stress your palm. This stress can make it susceptible to disease and insect infestation. It can also contribute to a narrowing of the trunk, smaller fronds and an overall weaker structure. A thriving palm has a robust, rounded green canopy and does not resemble a feather-duster. Following these general rules of thumb and the specific needs of your particular palm will result in a healthy, happy palm that accents your tropical landscape.

Happy gardening!

Deborah Haggett is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

References

Broschat, T. K. (2020, October 15). Pruning Palms. edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP443

Gardeningchannel. (2021). What are the 12 palm trees native to Florida? Gardening Channel. https://www.gardeningchannel.com/12-palm-trees-native-to-florida/

Wooten, H. (2021, March 8). Your Palms Might Be HANGRY- Here Is How To Feed Them! – UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2021/03/08/your-palms-might-be-hangry-here-is-how-to-feed-them/