Caring for majesty palms is an integral part of their long-term health. People often overlook their palms, believing that their palms don’t need much care, but this isn’t true. Majesty palms do require care and attention if they are going to thrive and stay healthy.
Planting a majesty palm on the right spot is essential. As with most palm trees, majesty palms don’t like wet feet so planting near a pond or stream isn’t recommended. Ideally, the soil should be loamy and well-drained, and the spot should be in partial shade. Full sun is usually too much for majesty palms and will cause them to suffer from sunburn and other sun-related issues.
Majesty palms need regular fertilizing. It’s best to feed the palm in the early spring with a high-quality palm tree fertilizer. This will help the palm to maintain its beautiful foliage and grow at a healthy rate. Fertilizing two or three times a season is usually enough for the palm to stay healthy.
Watering is also important for majesty palms. Majesty palms require frequent watering or they can become stressed, especially during the hot summer months. However, it’s important not to overwater the palm, as this can cause root rot and other issues. The best way to determine whether it’s time to water the palm is to feel the soil with your hand. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Majesty palms should also be pruned to encourage healthy growth. Majesties are very sensitive to pruning, so make sure to use caution when pruning. It’s best to prune the palm in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Choose only dead or damaged fronds for pruning and don’t prune more than one-third of the palm’s fronds.
Finally, it’s important to monitor for pests and diseases. Majesty palms can be affected by pests such as spider mites and fungus. The best way to prevent pests and diseases from affecting the palm is to inspect it regularly. If you spot any signs of pests or disease, take action immediately. Using an insecticidal soap or copper fungicide can help to get rid of pests and diseases.
Humidity
Majesty palms prefer higher humidity levels than many other plants. This means that people in dry climates or areas with low humidity may need to take extra steps to ensure their palms get enough moisture. One way to increase the humidity around a majesty palm is to mist the foliage once or twice a day with a spray bottle. You can also set a humidifier near the palm, or group numerous plants together so they can benefit from the added moisture.
Repotting
Majesty palms should be repotted every two to three years, as their root systems can become crowded in the pot. When repotting a majesty palm, make sure to use a larger pot with plenty of drainage holes. Filling the bottom of the pot with gravel or stones can help to aid with drainage. It’s also important to use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix that is designed specifically for palms.
Frost Protection
Majesty palms aren’t cold hardy, meaning they won’t survive temperatures below 20°F. If you live in an area where temperatures dip below 20°F in the winter, you should take steps to protect your majesty palm. The best way to do this is to move it indoors or wrap it in a frost-protective material such as burlap.
Pruning Tips
It is best to prune a majesty palm outside of their active growing season to minimize any stress caused by the pruning. The best time to prune a majesty palm is during the late fall or winter, when the palm is dormant. It’s important to use caution when pruning, as palms are very sensitive to pruning and can be easily damaged. Always be sure to leave a few inches of frond when pruning and never prune more than one-third of the palm’s fronds.
