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King Palm Help!!! (dying)

enigma99

By enigma99
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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enigma99 Mentor

enigma99

Posted
Posted (edited)

I have a ton of King Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) and most are doing quite well. Except there are two that are having problems.

Over the course of the last month, two have got top rot. As a new leaf emerges, it dries up when it is still a spike and then if you pull on it, it comes out easily since it has started to rot. One plant did it once, but started putting out another leaf but now it is worse this time. I am worried they are both going to die

Could it be disease? or too much water? Temps have been in the 70s-90s. Right now this evening, it is about 80F. Also I'm in California.

Edited by enigma99
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MattyB Grand Master

MattyB

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Posted

Welcome enigma! I've had several kings do this too. They love water but only as long as the drainage is still good. If you've got clay soil it can lead to rot. The best thing I've found you can do for kings in clay soil is to mulch heavily and water less often. That way the soil stays constantly moist but gets a chance to drain deep down before next watering. Hydrogen peroxide down the hole where the pulled spear was seems to be the best thing to save the growing point of your palm. Good luck.

Matt Bradford

"Manambe Lavaka"

Spring Valley, CA (8.5 miles inland from San Diego Bay)

10B on the hill (635 ft. elevation)

9B in the canyon (520 ft. elevation)

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enigma99 Mentor

enigma99

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Welcome enigma! I've had several kings do this too. They love water but only as long as the drainage is still good. If you've got clay soil it can lead to rot. The best thing I've found you can do for kings in clay soil is to mulch heavily and water less often. That way the soil stays constantly moist but gets a chance to drain deep down before next watering. Hydrogen peroxide down the hole where the pulled spear was seems to be the best thing to save the growing point of your palm. Good luck.

Thanks so much! I am glad I am not alone. I will buy some hydrogen peroxide tomorrow...

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peachy Grand Master

peachy

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Posted

I am on heavy clay soil too with appalling drainage as well but King palms thrive for me here. I have always poured water onto them by the truckload and they grow like weeds for me. I do feed them lots however as they seem to be a greedy palm. They are well mulched however. Arenga pinnata and Butia capitata are the ones for top rot here. No matter how careful I am with them, after a couple of years of good growth, down they go everytime.

Peachy

I came. I saw. I purchased

 

 

27.35 south.

Warm subtropical, with occasional frosts.

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Enigma!

WELCOME!

I have clay soil here in the Land o'Cali, and, generally, kings rock, no problems.

If you have really nasty brick type clay, I strongly urge amending and heavy mulching and overthetop apps of gypsum, gypsite, or "soil bustr" type stuff.

Treat your palms with a battery of fungicides if they're large; if they're small, I'd yank 'em, amend the soil and plant new ones. They're as fast and cheap, as well, a hopped up Chevy Nova with a 454 in 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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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Where in California are you?

That could also be a clue . . .

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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Moose Grand Master

Moose

Posted
Posted

If he is treating them all the same and only some are being affected, he may have a borer infestation in the crown. Drenching with a systemic would not hurt as a precaution. The unseasonable hot weather may have stressed these palms and insects always seem to attack the weak for some reason. Just an opinion, have not seen the problem in person. Just something to contemplate. :unsure:

Ron. :)

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

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