Cyrtostachys renda - Nutrient Deficiency

[AshW]

Hi - I am having ongoing challenges with my potted lipsticks. I have 14 in total, but some are more impacted than others. The foliage appears very light compared to the dark green that they used to be. Additionally, some are producing fronds that are stunted and some of the really bad ones appear "burnt". I have been fertilising every 6 months with Scotts Osmocote, which indicates that it is suitable for palms. I have also given them a handful of Blood n Bone a few months ago, but they have not improved.

Last year I have issues with Mealy, Mites and Sooty Mould, but that has now been resolved. I can't see any obvious signs of pests.

We live in Singapore so the climate is well suited.

Any help is appreciated.

 

 

Edited March 23, 2020 by AshW

[David York]

Yes, certainly a nutritional issue. What are they actually growing in under those pebbles? To me, those pictures indicate possible nitrogen deficiency.  Also, a bit of dryness at the roots perhaps (brown tips).

Potted palms need extra special attention when it comes to food and water.  In hotter climates this is even more important.

[AshW]

Thanks David. The soil is a loamy mix with some compost mixed in. The get watered every few days and the soil never dries out. 

I have ordered some Miracle-Gro Palm fertiliser to see if that helps. 

 

[HeroLite]

On 4/7/2020 at 10:40 PM, AshW said:

Thanks David. The soil is a loamy mix with some compost mixed in. The get watered every few days and the soil never dries out. 

I have ordered some Miracle-Gro Palm fertiliser to see if that helps. 

 

Any success with the fertiliser?

I had a plant that showed similar deficiencies after adding a new layer of lava rock to the top. One thought was that the water was losing some base ingredient when filtering through the rock. Random thought ^^

[Roberto Cipriano]

From what partner, your palm Cyrtostachys is suffering from the lack of oxygenation in the roots. Without sufficient oxygenation at the roots of its red plains, ferric chlorosis occurs. Ferric chlorosis can occur in poorly drained soils or when roots are rotting. You need to remove these stones that are only exacerbating the lack of oxygenation.