Dypsis cabadae growth problem

[Davidl]

I have some Dypsis cabadae in one gallon pots for approximately three years. They seem very slow growing having only produced one frond in a year. Some of the new fronds are stunted similar to boron deficiency. I have them in some miracle grow potting soil with a little sand added to keep the pot from falling over. I water them everyday when they don’t get rain and they are in partial sun and color is dark green. I fertilized three times this year but nothing has gotten better with them.  Any suggestions? 

[mike in kurtistown]

Dypsis cabadae can be almost explosive in growth under the right conditions. Mine is in clayey, rocky volcanic soil typical of east Hawaii Island. Lots, lots of rain, temps never below upper 50's. Haven't used fertilizer on it yet, and it is nearly 20 feet (multiple stems). I suspect that your palms might start growing if you got them in the ground so that they could develop bigger root systems. Maybe try one to see.

[PalmatierMeg]

Photos? Watering every day seems excessive esp. if you are not checking for need first. If the soil is dry 1" deep, then water. If you feel any moisture, refrain. The soil should never be constantly wet or soggy because roots will suffocate. 

[Davidl]

PalmatierMeg, the palms are never soaked as the soil is very porous.  I meant to say was I water everyday in the extreme hot but not now. The soil is not mucky at all. 

[redant]

They are like weeds for me. Not sure what you got wrong.

[PalmatierMeg]

D. cabadae is wimpier than D. pembana but a whole lot hardier than lanceolata. I haven't had trouble with it but mine is planted, not in a pot.