Background Information
Palms are among the most popular plants in the world, often found in homes and offices due to their prestige and beauty. Despite their fame, taking care of a palm is not always easy. Indoor palms have specific conditions and requirements when it comes to water, light, fertilizer and more. Knowing how to keep your palm healthy, as well as revive it if it has suffered from poor care, can help you keep this magnificent plant happy and healthy.
Soil
It is important to use a soil mix specifically designed for palms. These soil mixes contain the right combination of pH levels, drainage, and texture to ensure your palm receives proper nutrients. A soil mix that contains organic matter such as peat moss or composted leaves can keep your palm healthy and fed. When planting your palm or changing its growing environment, such as potting, make sure to add soil that meets the requirements of your particular plant.
Watering
Under or over-watering can both have serious consequences on your indoor palm. It is important to get into the habit of checking the soil of your plant before watering it. If the soil feels dry, add just enough water to moisten it a couple of inches below the surface, the water should not pool up when the soil is fully saturated. Avoid wetting the foliage during the watering process as this can damage the leaves and attract diseases. When possible, try to use room temperature or rain water to ensure your palm gets the most nourishment.
Light
Palm trees need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive and stay healthy. That being said, it is important to protect against both direct sunlight and overly low light. If your palm is placed in a spot with direct sunlight, it is likely to suffer from leaf yellowing and burning due to overexposure to UV rays and heat. On the other hand, low light levels can cause poor plant vigor, slow growth and leaf yellowing. In both cases, adjusting the lighting conditions of your palm tree will likely help it revive.
Fertiliser
Adding fertilizer to your palm’s soil is a great way to give the plant the necessary nutrients that it needs to be healthy. However, too much fertilizer can cause an accumulation of salts, minerals, and nitrogen which can damage the root system. To prevent this, fertilize your palm every two to three months and, if possible, do so with an organic fertilizer. Also, make sure to check the label when buying fertilizer, to ensure it has the right NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratios.
Pruning
To keep your palm tree looking beautiful and healthy, it is important to prune dead or dying leaves. To do this, use a pair of gardening shears and cut the leaf as close to the base as possible. It is also recommended to prune any dried up, brown or diseased roots, as this can help revive your palm tree.
Pest & Disease Control
Unfortunately, pests and diseases can affect the well-being of your palm tree. To minimize the risk of infestation, always inspect the soil and leaves for larvae, eggs and other insects before bringing a plant indoors. The most common pests that affect palms are mealy bugs and spider mites, an insecticide or pesticide can be used to help in their removal. Fungus and other diseases can also be treated through the use of antifungal sprays as long as they are used in the right amounts to ensure the palm tree is protected.
Humidity & Temperature Control
Lastly, it is important to consider the humidity and temperature of your home. Palms like warmer temperatures of between 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 Celcius) and a relative humidity between 40 to 50%. The use of a humidifier can help maintain a more stable level of humidity and help old leaves from wilting and prevent pest infestations.
Re-Potting
Re-potting may be the answer to bringing a struggling palm tree back to life. This process involves taking the palm out of its current pot and transferring it to a larger one in order to improve its overall health. Make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes, as standing water can damage the root system. Additionally, use a soil mix specifically designed for your type of palm and incorporate some organic matter such as peat moss or composted leaves.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can also be responsible for a palm’s decline. To address this issue make sure to check the soil’s pH and add some soil mix specifically suited for palms. It is also recommended to add a fertilizer that contains other micro-nutrients such as manganese, iron, zinc, and boron. Adding this kind of fertilizer will help your palm pick up essential nutrients and can help to revive it.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is another great tool for helping revive a palm tree. It is made by steeping a combination of compost and water for about 24 hours. This tea can then be used to water your palm and will help to improve the soil’s nutrient levels and improve the overall health of your plant.
Air Circulation
Lastly, it is important to ensure the air circulation around your palm is good. This usually means avoiding overcrowding plants in containers, as they require fresh air to thrive. Additionally, positioning a fan pointed towards your palm can help to provide an adequate level of air circulation and prevent pests and diseases.
