I have about 15 different types of palms growing from seeds in small 16 oz. pots. Most of them start out well, but some dry out fast and others die from excess moisture I believe. How do you guys do it? Is it better to keep them in community pots untill they are ready for a 1 gallon or larger? Thanks, Chad.

Edited June 26, 200916 yr by cencalpalmguy

It sounds like you are growing different species that have different moisture requirements... When I sew seeds I research each species' native habitat and do my best to mimic it's haunts. For example, when sewing pinanga, areca, and licuala I use a mis of peat, mulch, and decaying leaves: a very organic based material and when sewing palms from the Caribbean i tend to used sand, crushed coral and mostly inorganic non-water retentive media. There really is a bit of an art to it, don't give up... You'll find something that works for you! As far as leaving seedlings in community pots, I am of the opinion that it is best to leave palms in compots as long as possible so the plants can be strong enough to handle the shock of transplant, but you don't want to wait until the roots get too tangled causing excessive shock. Hope that helps!

The ones I am having the most problems with is Phoenix Loureiri var humilis. I have all my palms growing in about 1/3 perlite to 2/3 bagged topsoil in mostly shade. The P. Loureiri seem to all be turning brown and wilting like they are recieving excess moisture, even when they are fairly dry. I water every 3 to 4 days and it is in the upper 90's here. Any thoughts?

Id add more perilite and water more often. Im about %50 perilite and water everyday when its hot even if they dont need it, it helps cool down the roots. I use fungicide to prevent rott. Growing palms if very tricky if u ask me lol. you can use comunity pots, tall flats or tree pots, Id start them in bags and let them get as big as u can before u plant them. Id like to think Im learning alot with the 100s of seedlings ive let die, lol

Hi Chad,

William and Ryan both have some good ideas. 1/3 perlite to 2/3 topsoil should be fine for a tough palm like Phoenix, but like Ryan suggested increasing your perlite ratio can't hurt. I use at least 50% perlite, 50% palm/cactus mix for sewing seeds or potting tiny seedlings. The more open the better, just make sure they don't dry out. Conversely, if your mix is a bit heavier, don't water-log them. It's hard to say exactly what's going on with your seedlings but keep experimenting and you'll get a feel for it very quickly. Maybe post a pic of your seedlings so we can see what's going on.

Chad - You have recieved good advice in this thread. Are your seeds sprouting and then "dampening off" (suddeningly dying)? This may be a fungus and Physan 20 may be benificial to you if this is the case. I do not germinate seeds. The failure rate is too great and hurts my ego. I have a great respect for those who do and are successful.

Best regards,

Ron.

Thanks for your help guys. In the future I will use 50/50 perlite and bagged topsoil in community pots. They are not suddenly dying. Most have been doing well in small single pots for months and are slowly turning brown. When I pull some of the dead ones out, the roots are soft and the soil is wet, even after days without water. I guess it's just getting the soil potting mix right. Thanks again, Chad.