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kwok_gw

Phoenix Roebelenii (Date Palm) dying slowly

kwok
11 years ago

Hello,

I bought Phoenix Roebellenii palm 6 months ago and now its lower level leaves are dying slowly. First one died 5 days after I bought the palm and then it was ok until now.

6 weeks ago died second and now I have 4 leaves from lower level dead and it seems that another leaves will follow.

Leaves start to have their ends turning to yellow and black and then after few days it dries totally and turns to grey when its dead.

http://postimage.org/image/4qr5g8wzd/

http://postimage.org/image/9otrde1lx/

http://postimage.org/image/yjcm7x62v/

http://postimage.org/image/ksznmp3i7/

http://postimage.org/image/7l3y4juux/

Upper levels of leaves seems to be healthy.

I have my palm indoor and I am watering it once a week with 1.7 liter of water, adding NPK once in 14 days. (Is that too much?)

First, I have palm by the window (South) so it had direct sun in morning. I thought that leaves are burned from sun so I moved it to the corner where it does not have direct sun but still the room is very bright....

Internal temperature is around 24 degrees of celsius.

I am also misting leaves every two days or so....

I am attaching some pictures to show what exactly is going on.

I also noticed some white spots where the leaves are leaving root, not sure if its mold or not.

http://postimage.org/image/nnnm61njl/

Should I cut off the dead leaves? What should I do to save my palm? :(

Comments (10)

  • User
    11 years ago

    Container looks quite small for the size of the plant and may not be adequate to support the foliage--so it's shedding.

    How does the soil feel beeath surface, moist or dry? Some soils repel water, make sure when you do water, that the water is actually soaking in and not just running through the container--this can happen with peaty mixes that get dry. It is still salvageable though if situation is corrected. Also, stop feeding it until the plant stabilizes and starts growing. Feeding is not the problem now, nor will it help.

  • kwok
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Soil beneath surface is still moist (watered 7 days ago).

    By feeding you mean NPK manure?

    By the way....should I cut off dead leaves?

    Thank you for you reply.

  • orchiddude
    11 years ago

    Those dead leaves look normal. The palm is going to do that and replace it with new leaves. I find that mine take less water in the winter and the plants do not like to grow in water. It might have water logged feet, but it will be fine. Just watch the water and food. You do not have to feed that much either.

  • islandbreeze
    11 years ago

    I agree that older fronds dying off are part of the natural process of a palm, but it should be maintaining the same number of new leaves being pushed out as the number of dying leaves.

    But it definitely could use a bigger container, and shove your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry an inch down, water it once thoroughly. If it feels moist, leave it alone. Constant wet soil will cause the roots to rot. Otherwise, nice looking palm and definitely worth some $$$ with that much trunk.

  • kwok
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Thank you for responses. I will try to lower watering cycle because after 7 days the soil is still wet. Now in autumn and winter weather it seems to consume less water...obviously

    What about those lower dead leaves? Should I cut them off or let them on the palm?

  • orchiddude
    11 years ago

    You must not have had this palm to long, have you not been cutting them off? You always cut off the dead leaves, thats what makes the palm look better, unless you want to leave them on for the natural look.

  • kwok
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Yes I have it only for 4 months. OK I will cut those dead leaves off.

  • kwok
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Oh, one more question. As you said that container is small, I am not sure if it is ideal time right now to change it. I have read that it is best during spring. I am from Czech Republic and right now we are in the beginning of Autumn. Should I wait until spring?

    Also, what kind of soil do you recommend?

  • kwok
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    bumping up :(

  • Danielle Crumback
    7 years ago

    In the 4th picture i can see mealybugs that would cause problems for the plant

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