Hi all,

I've had no luck with Siver Saw Palmetto at all. I buy them at a decent size, but within 12-18 months of planting out, they go yellow on me...lowest frond first and within 4 months or so, eventually dies. They have been grown locally, and are a nice green when I buy them. I tried one about 2-3 years ago - with the same result. Bought this one and placed in the ground about 12 months ago. The nursery owner had about 6 or 7 of them, and mentioned he gave them no special care.

I've tried treating them with: Iron Sulphate, Mag Sulphate, Iron Chelates, Miracle-Gro ... but there has been no noticable improvement...in fact it is declining more rapidly. I water this palm moderately twice a day (usually), as I know they grow in swampy soil in their native Florida. The soil here is fairly sandy, with manure and other organic additions. It's in a full-sun location.

I just don't know.... I think I'm gunna rip it out and replace it with the potted triangle palm in the left of picture.

Frustrated .. maybe it's a soil issue...a pH issue... maybe it's just one of those species I cannot grow...and I can accept that.

Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received !

Best regards

Michael.

Have you tried it in a different spot? I find certain spots in my yard less condusive for growing things and other spots grow like gangbusters. Is it a S.repens "azul" (silver saw palmetto) or is it a A.wrightii (Everglades palm)? It looks to me like A. wrightii and they do like swampy conditions, but may also be grown in dryer climes. We have very sandy soil here in Florida where both of these palms are found. Soil in N. Florida tends to be acidic whereas soils in the south are more alkaline. It looks to me like it is a very sunny location and it might be that a new transplant does not do well without shade....just a thought.

I know a very important issue for A.wrightii is pH. It MUST have acid soil for a good collor.

Maybe your soil is alkaline or that place were you plant it has rests of building material like cement,what increase pH.....

Thanks David & Alberto,

To answer the questions: Yes - it is an A.Wrightii. It is in an "all day sun" location, but has had over a year to acclimate (if it needed to), including all winter (mostly cloudy days).

If pH is indeed the issue, what is the best and safest way to lower the pH ? What must be added ? I understand mushroom compost is quite acidic...would this be best ?

David - you are right about the specific location in one's yard having a major influence on some palms. I had two potted Pritchardia Affinis -both identical in looks and health, just over 1 foot high each. One was planted out in the front yard, one one in the back yard. The one in the backyard has thrived, a wonderful rich green color, nice full leaves, and always with a new leaf ready to open. Meanwhile the one planted out earlier in the front yard has only just put out one leaf, is decidedly more yellow and ragged looking.

Regards

Michael

Nice thread and very valuable information...

since even iam growing this palm here,where we have clayee soil as the top layer in our garden.

though the A.Wrightii is at the moment growing in pot with pure course grade sandy soil.

Here is a still our's growing in terrace top garden taking full sunlight,year round.

Lots of love,

kris

All organic materials ( compost,manure,coffee grounds,pine bark and needles)and also 'Miracid' or similar solution acidifies the soil.