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Will I harm the palm if I chop off its spear?


Sandy Loam

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This probably sounds like a silly question, but I am a novice. I recently had to cram a queen palm into my car. In order to make it fit, I had to chop the fronds off, including the spear. I chopped off about 90% of the spear, so I hoping that I did not actually harm the growth point. The point where growth begins appears to deep inside the bud and I do not believe that I chopped that part off.

Is my palm in trouble?

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It sounds as though it will recover fine. Get it planted and watered in and, after some settling in, I bet the chopped off spear will push out what it can and open and a new one will follow soon after. Queens are tough. I understand having to cut the spear but couldn't you tie up the fronds and bend them a bit instead of cutting them off?

Jim in Los Altos, CA  SF Bay Area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190' above sea level

zone 10a/9b

sunset zone 16

300+ palms, 90+ species in the ground

Las Palmas Design

Facebook Page

Las Palmas Design & Associates

Elegant Homes and Gardens

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Thanks Jim. Yes, I probably could have, but I was in a rush at the time. I hope it makes it.

I have never really understood exactly where the "bud" is, but hopefully I didn't cut it or otherwise harm it.

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Thanks Jim. Yes, I probably could have, but I was in a rush at the time. I hope it makes it.

I have never really understood exactly where the "bud" is, but hopefully I didn't cut it or otherwise harm it.

P. C., Don't worry about the bud. The growing point is way down into the trunk area several inches below where you actually see the base of the spear.

Jim in Los Altos, CA  SF Bay Area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190' above sea level

zone 10a/9b

sunset zone 16

300+ palms, 90+ species in the ground

Las Palmas Design

Facebook Page

Las Palmas Design & Associates

Elegant Homes and Gardens

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My solution to the leaf and spear cutting problem is to have a car that can do this. This tiny car has had many large and awkward shaped things packed in it. Often to the amazement of a doubtful retail worker.

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Lol...looks like a plant driving

David Simms zone 9a on Highway 30a

200 steps from the Gulf in NW Florida

30 ft. elevation and sandy soil

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Does it purr when you pet it?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Thanks Jim. Yes, I probably could have, but I was in a rush at the time. I hope it makes it.

I have never really understood exactly where the "bud" is, but hopefully I didn't cut it or otherwise harm it.

P. C., Don't worry about the bud. The growing point is way down into the trunk area several inches below where you actually see the base of the spear.

I concur with Jim.

Queens in good health are hard to kill if well-treated after a move. I've committed heinous horrahs against many volunteers that come up and they mostly do well.

Even if you cut the bud, the plant will often grow anyway. I've had palms get the growth buds half-chewed by !@$#%!^!@&#! rats, and they managed to survive fine.

Keep us apprized as to how your plant does!

We want to gloat over success . . . .

Maybe send us a picture?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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One of my favorite sayings when purchasing palms is "if you can fit it in my car, I'll take it"!

-Randy

"If you need me, I'll be outside" -Randy Wiesner Palm Beach County, Florida Zone 10Bish

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This probably sounds like a silly question, but I am a novice. I recently had to cram a queen palm into my car. In order to make it fit, I had to chop the fronds off, including the spear. I chopped off about 90% of the spear, so I hoping that I did not actually harm the growth point. The point where growth begins appears to deep inside the bud and I do not believe that I chopped that part off.

Is my palm in trouble?

Better for novice to ask prior then after. What is done is done. In the future you can wrap and tie up the fronds tightly and hang the out the window. At least wind burned leaves are still leaves. Look how Ken Johnson tied up Keith's palms when they traveled to Louisiana, that's what you need to do.

post-1729-0-77959900-1421963942.jpgpost-1729-0-66746900-1421963990_thumb.jp

Coral Gables, FL 8 miles North of Fairchild USDA Zone 10B

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One of my favorite sayings when purchasing palms is "if you can fit it in my car, I'll take it"!

-Randy

Tomorrow I'll be saying if fits in the overhead bin of a plane , I'll take it.

In my post I sometimes express "my" opinion. Warning, it may differ from "your" opinion. If so, please do not feel insulted, just state your own if you wish. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or any other damages

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One of my favorite sayings when purchasing palms is "if you can fit it in my car, I'll take it"!

-Randy

Tomorrow I'll be saying if fits in the overhead bin of a plane , I'll take it.

I wish I can do that Keith... I have to deal with customs.

Pineapple Dan

Burlington, On. USDA Z6B

Canada

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