howea belmoreana Howea belmoreana repotting project

[piping plovers]

I have two H. belmoreana that needed to be repotted before they got permanently stuck in their ceramic pots.  Issues: the ceramic pots (see cobalt blue below) had openings with a lip that tapered slightly at top (I know, I know---horrible idea but I loved the pots).  Also, pots were very heavy and with the palms increasing in size were getting to be too much weight.  I decided on plastic pots for lighter weight.  When I finally got the root ball out of each of the ceramic pots, I was surprised at how much of the root ball was concentrated at the bottom.  See pic below - they really needed repotting.  Does that root ball seem unusual to anyone? The new black plastic pots were larger than I wanted but the space around the root ball to the inside wall of pot was less than 2", and the soil below was approx 2".  I used a well-drained media so I assume that it will be okay.  Anyone think that is too much room for next-size up? Pics below show the rootball next to the old blue ceramic and the new black plastic pot.  The other pic is the end result: twin beloreana's in their new black pots!  I keep these outdoors for our maritime summers near Newport, RI (new england) and bring them indoors when outdoor nighttime temps drop into 40's F.  I've had these about 5 years now.  Thanks for reading!

[Trava]

Kentiabelle

[piping plovers]

Thank you Trava!

[Fusca]

Roots look healthy and palms look great - you're doing something right!  Container size looks fine to me.  In our brutal Texas sun I hesitate using the black containers, but fortunately it shouldn't be a problem in RI.  Welcome to Palmtalk.

Jon

[piping plovers]

Thank you Jon!  As for their condition, I make sure to water generously only when the top inch+ soil is dry, use a diluted fertilizer every other watering, and keep them under shade trees during the summer.  In winter, when light is low, I try to keep them as cool as possible (away from radiators).  I'm curious, in San Antonio are you able to grow these outdoors or do you need to bring indoors as potted?

Joe 

[piping plovers]

Thank you Jon!  As for their condition, I make sure to water generously only when the top inch+ soil is dry, use a diluted fertilizer every other watering, and keep them under shade trees during the summer.  In winter, when light is low, I try to keep them as cool as possible (away from radiators).  I'm curious, in San Antonio are you able to grow these outdoors or do you need to bring indoors as potted?

Joe 

[Steve Mac]

You can't grow them any better than that Joe. You have it covered perfectly.

People will be asking you for advice.  

Steve

[piping plovers]

Thank you Steve for the replying and for the kind words!  As these palms originate from your part of the world, I'm sure you've seen many healthy specimens out and about.  It amazes me that from the remote islands off of Australia these palms were noticed / chosen and are now grown world-wide; a natural selection or "human" selection due to their beauty (even when immature) and adaptability indoors.

Joe