What type of soil would work best?

[TropicalUtah]

Hello!

I live in Utah and have a 3-5 Gallon Windmill Palm and Pygmy Date Palm that I would like to put in containers. I plan on moving them inside when it gets cold, and leaving them outside when the temperatures are right. 

The containers I will put them in are 20 Inches tall and wide. What soil mix would work? We don’t have palm or tropical soil mixes in the area, but I have read that big brand garden soil with perlite would work? Any tips or advice would be great as I want to avoid root rot. Thanks!

[kinzyjr]

I use a mix of 50/50 soil/perlite.  Others on the site use more nuanced mixes.  This mix tends to work well for most palms in my little nursery.  DISCLAIMER: I only keep them in pots long enough for them to grow to a size where they will survive in the ground when planted out.

[Nj Palms]

Mix a well draining soil with perlite and you should be good!

[TropicalUtah]

Thanks for the info! I picked up some well draining garden soil, perlite and natural shredded bark mulch. The mulch is pretty fine, but has large enough pieces of bark to promote drainage. I did 25% soil, 25% mulch and 50% perlite. After a few days of watering, it seems to drain well. I’ll keep updating on the two palms. 

[Nj Palms]

Miracle gro has the cactus palm and citrus soil.I have tried it and it works prett good not even that much bark!

[TropicalUtah]

Just now, Nj Palms said:

Miracle gro has the cactus palm and citrus soil.I have tried it and it works prett good not even that much bark!

Thanks. Maybe I’ll add a little soil to compensate for the extra bark. Live and learn. :)

[Nj Palms]

Where did you get your windmill?

[TropicalUtah]

21 minutes ago, Nj Palms said:

Where did you get your windmill?

I bought both of them in Las Vegas.