Scippia Blues

[Frond-friend42]

Schippia looks sad. Lots of dried leaves. I had him in about 3 hours of direct sun (east-facing) and now he's in about 6 hours, closer to the window. Seems to be a bit wet maybe. Area is hot and humid, trying to make it like Belize, where he's from.

Even the lead leaf opening up seems to have brown, dried areas. Any ideas how I can help perk this guy up?

[Hillizard]

I've tried to grow this species indoors more than once with no luck. As a last-ditch attempt, you might try enclosing it in a plastic bag (vented or non-vented) to increase the humidity level. At this stage I doubt if it needs much direct sun too.  Seedling palms in habitat often spend months/years in the shade of taller palms.

[Frond-friend42]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like a good idea.

[Hillizard]

On 9/7/2020 at 2:39 PM, Frond-friend42 said:

Thanks for the input. Sounds like a good idea.

Keep us posted on your efforts. This is a wonderful palm and one I regret having no success in growing... yet!

[Frond-friend42]

its fronds are a bit twisted in that bag I made by taping two jumbo ziplocks together. But it looks green in there. Cant say for sure,, but I'll be darned if it hasn't perked up a tad. I also have it in a cooler, much-less-sunny spot. Thanks for your interest. 

[Frond-friend42]

[Frond-friend42]

Mr. Ships is not doing so hot. Got quite a bit worse inside that bag as you can see. There was even a little surface fungus on the lead growth tip that I wiped away easily (though it has advance up s bit) as well as the dead spots shown. In retrospect he is waterlogged and out of desperation I think i must have overwatered him.

My next plan of attack is to let him dry out on this heat mat, treat him to a little surface organic neem/antifungal who-knows-what-is-in-there spray, and water generously with a 50-50 water and hydrogen peroxide mix.

Probably a hail-Mary but it just may work. Any comments, observations or suggestions are welcome.

[Frond-friend42]

One year ago he suffered a spear-pull so I thought he was a goner. I repotted with seramis +pine bark (and a little peat). Did some more h2o2 rinsing (half water).

One year and he continued headless but with minimal leaf death (nice thick roots too I noticed). Just when I was considering pulling the plug:

 

[Frond-friend42]

On 9/9/2020 at 12:22 PM, Hillizard said:

Keep us posted on your efforts. This is a wonderful palm and one I regret having no success in growing... yet!

See above miracle.