Save me!!! Are these Palms Dead?!

10 years ago

I need some advice; I have a couple Palms, 2 Windmills and an Unknown species here. Vancouver, BC. One Windmill looks fine and I'm happy with, it but the other, not so much.

The middle spear looks dead and is still firmly secured to the plant, its brown but the other leaf on there looks relatively healthy and remains green. It feels dry and both leaves are still stiff. Is it dead? Can I do anything?

The Unknown tree has several buds. Inside some of them is soggy and the spears can be just pulled. It looks like it might be bud rot but I dont know. I dont want to just rip those buds off because there are a couple buds that have secure spears sticking out.

Its about 3.5 feet high and I really dont want to carve this thing up :(

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I should also add, its been a mild winter, temperatures have been -6 or so at lowest. Ive been up at nights listening to this whisper in the wind "Please save me...".

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Comments (5)

User
10 years ago
I don't see any Windmill palms; I see a Washingtonia (maybe W. robusta or filifera). Not really much you can do. Some people advocate pouring Hydrogen peroxide into the center..., keeping it otherwise dry is a plus. The damage may get worse as usually the real damage does not show until it actually get warm. I have had palms regrow a new bud after a loss, but it clearly is a challenge for the palm.

Your other plant is a Yucca (maybe the 'spineless' Y. elephantipes. It looks pretty good actually, and Yuccas survive spear pull MUCH better than any palm. In fact, as long as the trunks are still firm..., not even an issue.
Rebar
Original Author
10 years ago
so you don't think the "Washingtonian" is necessarily dead? clearly my lack of knowledge is evident. I really appreciate your counsel. cross my fingers is what I need to, and don't get hasty chopping away ...is what I gather
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User
10 years ago
I would suggest that you actually try growing true Windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortune). In your area..., they will have no Winter dieback and have a MUCH LOWER need for HOT temperatures in the growing season. Washingtonias NEED HEAT (which you never really get in your zone). Regarding the Washingonia, I never like to concede defeat regarding issues of life and death, so..., while palms CAN regrow a new bud, it is clearly a challenge to the life of the palm, and this species is SO common and easy (even from seed!), I would not lose sleep over it. My zone can present cold challenges to Trachys (although I really do love 'em). I probably should convert over to Sabals (which have a HIGH Summer heat requirement but are cold hardier).
Rebar
Original Author
10 years ago
I think you're right. I have another that is likely a windmill that is unharmed. I think many stores may label their plants inaccurately when sold. thanks again boss!
mesembs
10 years ago
Yes, I would go with Trachycarpus Fortunei, I have heard they can survive the climate much better, and they are very cold hardy.

Good luck!

~palmsandsnow