Fertilizer spikes

[Randyp]

I have several mature queens and 4 Roebelenii that have been planted in my front yard for many years. Usually I follow the " if it ain't broke don't fix it " rule and to date I have never applied any fertilizer to any of these palms. They look fine and the only maintenence I do on them is an occasional trimming of old fronds.

I did buy some large palm fertilizer stakes this past weekend though figuring it can't hurt, particularly since they have some very light frost damage from the recent cold weather.

Do most of you use these on your large palms or do some prefer the granular or liquid forms on their in ground palms ?

Randy

[The Germinator]

I picked up some Palm Tree spikes last year.  Now I can't find them.

[Phil]

Over the years, I've had many calls from people who have killed reasonably sized palms with them.  If, for whatever reason, they dissolve too quickly and spread their salt all at once, then salt burn can occur.  They're easy to use and most get away with it, but I think there's risk.

Phil

[Randyp]

Thanks for the info Phil. They are good looking palms so maybe I'll just hold off with the spikes and try a weaker liquid mix. I'm using a granular slow release for my containers but was not sure that this would be appropriate for the larger in ground palms.

Randy

[Kris]

Hey guys iam using this Grow tabs for all plants the effect is

very since.and i recently cought hold of its carton since

i usually store them in plastic paint buckets as it is very

corresive,when placed in metallic tins or boxes.

the effect is life slow release fertilizer but its contents are

not explained.but looks & smells like calcium or Limestone ?

Here is a still for you guys to follow_

[doubravsky]

I use the spikes for the palms that are in the pool-area garden. I had to switch because the granules I was using were getting in the water and messing up the chemical balance- causing major algae growth.

They seem to work well here... I bought a bunch to put in next weekend.

[Fred Zone 10A]

I used spikes once six years ago.  If you only have a few palms, I'd go to Home Depot and buy a 20 pound bag of Palm and Ixora fertilizer.  It's going to be a lot cheaper than using spikes.

You should be fertilizing your palms in the spring, summer and early fall.

[Randyp]

Fred

That is exactly what I did this past weekend. Had to buy some fert for containers so bought a large bag of the palm and Ixora fertilizer you had mentioned.  I'll try and utilize the spikes later in the season when rain is less likely. That should prolong the life of the spikes and the likelyhood that they will be broken down too quickly with winter and spring rains ( assuming we get any this season )

Randy

[MattyB]

(Randyp @ Feb. 17 2007,10:43)

QUOTE

Thanks for the info Phil. They are good looking palms so maybe I'll just hold off with the spikes and try a weaker liquid mix. I'm using a granular slow release for my containers but was not sure that this would be appropriate for the larger in ground palms.

Randy

Randy, the granular soil release that you're using for your potted palms would actually be ideal for your in ground palms too.  But this can get expensive so unless it's a super rare palm that you wanna baby (and roebs ain't) the stuff that Fred mentioned is perfect.  I use it for my in ground stuff and I just throw a hand full or two around the base of my palms every month during warmer weather.