Palm Nutrient Management

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Nutrition and Fertilization of Palms in Containers

Timothy K. Broschat

Palms growing in containers are susceptible to the same deficiencies that landscape palms experience, but the relative importance of the various deficiencies as well as their causes are different. Container substrates are generally more acidic and have greater nutrient-holding capacity than Florida native soils. Thus leaching and insolubility of nutrients are much less of a problem. Also, container-grown palms are often fertilized with more complete controlled-release fertilizers or regular liquid fertilization, which prevents most deficiencies from occurring.

Magnesium Deficiency in Palms

Timothy K. Broschat

This document is ENH 1014, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension.

Potassium Deficiency in Palms

Timothy K. Broschat

This document is about symptoms of potassium (K) deficiency among palm species. This disease appears first on the oldest leaves. Older leaflets of some palms such as Dictyosperma album (hurricane palm) are mottled with yellowish spots that are translucent when viewed from below. In other palms such as Dypsis cabadae (cabada palm), Howea spp. (kentia palms) and Roystonea spp. (royal palms), symptoms appear on older leaves as marginal or tip necrosis with little or no yellowish spotting present (Figures 2 and 3). The leaflets in Roystonea, Dypsis, and other pinnate-leaved species showing marginal or tip necrosis often appear withered and frizzled.

Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida

Timothy K. Broschat

Palms growing in Florida landscapes or field nurseries are subject to a number of potentially serious nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies are described and illustrated in document ENH1018. Prevention and treatment of these deficiencies is the subject of this document. Chemical symbols used in this document are as follows: N=nitrogen, P=phosphorus, K=potassium, Mg=magnesium, Ca=calcium, Mn=manganese, Fe=iron, B=boron, Cu=copper, Zn=zinc.

Nitrogen Deficiency in Palms

Timothy K. Broschat

This document is ENH1016, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension.

Boron Deficiency in Palms

Timothy K. Broschat

Chronic boron deficiency is believed to be caused by soil drying and high soil pH, while temporary deficiency is caused by heavy leaching. It results in a wide array of symptoms, not only among species of palms, but also within a single species. This revised 5-page fact sheet contains many illustrations to aid in diagnosis and management recommendations.

Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal

Timothy K. Broschat

Palms are widely planted in Florida landscapes. Their bold leaf textures create a tropical or Mediterranean look that is highly desired by residents and tourists alike. But palms have very high nutritional requirements, and deficiencies of any element can result in conspicuous and unattractive symptoms on their large leaves. UF/IFAS research shows that the most effective fertilizer has 100% of the N, K, Mg, and B sources in slow-release or controlled-release form and that all of the Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu sources should be water soluble. This 4-page fact sheet explains the reasons for this recommendation and how to ensure that you have a formulation that will be effective.