My sunburnt Howea forsteriana

[Tassie_Troy1971]

Can someone please tell me what the max temp is for these guys before they fry? F if possible. I had one that was pretty big but in a dryer area and when it 100 it just baked. But I was out of the country and had someone hand watering, so I really dont know if he overwatered or underwatered or what. I since have sprinklers, but I dont want to spend a bunch of money just to piss it away with the palm dying. (nor do i ever like watching a palm die )

I had 39c 101f down here last new yrs eve http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200912/html/IDCJDW7021.200912.shtml

(it was still 36c at 8pm )and the big kentia was fine and suffered no sunburn ,it had very wet roots though .

[Chester Wilcox]

I'm amazed Kentias grow that far south! You think I might have a shot here in Christchurch?

What part of Christchurch do you live in Chester? Anywhere up on the port hills around to Sumner would be worth a try. Don't know why there aren't more palm growers down your way. If it's possible in Tassie......

I'm in Sumner, about 400 m from the sea. The weather records here are taken from the airport or city centre, so it's probably a bit milder here in winter than climate stats suggest (although still probably a little colder than Hobart). I couldn't rule out -3 C or lower, however.

Edited August 20, 2010 by Chester Wilcox

[JEFF IN MODESTO]

Can someone please tell me what the max temp is for these guys before they fry? F if possible. I had one that was pretty big but in a dryer area and when it 100 it just baked. But I was out of the country and had someone hand watering, so I really dont know if he overwatered or underwatered or what. I since have sprinklers, but I dont want to spend a bunch of money just to piss it away with the palm dying. (nor do i ever like watching a palm die )

Not sure if its the just the heat, the heat and dry air or the sun... or perhaps all three I guess.

Mine starts to suffer at 90f-95f with any direct sunshine hitting leaves.

I plant mine on the north side of the house, they do fine until the leaves poke over the roof. The suns rays scorch em.

On the winter side, below 24f seems to be a killer.

If I had a big magnolia tree, I'd plant a couple there under the canopy. Protection from cold... and frost.

Jeff

[Mike in Nelson]

I'm amazed Kentias grow that far south! You think I might have a shot here in Christchurch?

What part of Christchurch do you live in Chester? Anywhere up on the port hills around to Sumner would be worth a try. Don't know why there aren't more palm growers down your way. If it's possible in Tassie......

I'm in Sumner, about 400 m from the sea. The weather records here are taken from the airport or city centre, so it's probably a bit milder here in winter than climate stats suggest (although still probably a little colder than Hobart). I couldn't rule out -3 C or lower, however.

You could suprise yourself with what you could grow in your location, Chester. I'd definitely give a Kentia a go and possibly a Bangalow. Both in full sun. What about a Nikau?

[Jonathan]

I'm amazed Kentias grow that far south! You think I might have a shot here in Christchurch?

What part of Christchurch do you live in Chester? Anywhere up on the port hills around to Sumner would be worth a try. Don't know why there aren't more palm growers down your way. If it's possible in Tassie......

I'm in Sumner, about 400 m from the sea. The weather records here are taken from the airport or city centre, so it's probably a bit milder here in winter than climate stats suggest (although still probably a little colder than Hobart). I couldn't rule out -3 C or lower, however.

You could suprise yourself with what you could grow in your location, Chester. I'd definitely give a Kentia a go and possibly a Bangalow. Both in full sun. What about a Nikau?

Surely a Nikau....they grow wild out on the peninsula dont they?

I reckon a bangalow would romp it in as well.

I'd try Hedyscepe and Lepidorrhachis too - they can both stay under shelter for several years due to slowish growth, though I've found both of them to be very tough here.

Cheers,

Jonathan

[peachy]

Around my area there's a few howeas as garden plants and one unit block has several tall ones with about 3 to4 metres of trunk. They survive all my district can throw at them, from minus5 up to 45 on occasions. I have found full sun doesnt do them much good nor does being able to get frozen by direct frosts. Water like mad when its hot, give them a bit shelter from a direct frost and they do fine. OUTDOORS. These are the worlds favourite indoor palm....well be that as it may, I get about 4 weeks indoors then they curl up and croak everytime.

Peachy

[Moose]

Troy is going to be in California in a few days.....better be careful what you say ! Tasmanians have a mean streak. My howeas put out new leaves rapidly now and then, still doesnt mean they grow any faster, just get a bit fatter thats all.

Peachy

Actually hollywood's tasmanian devils look nothing like the real thing. Imagine a staffordshire bull terrier with big white spots on its back ...okay done that ? You have now seen a Tasmanian Devil.

Peachy

Peachy This is what the same Hollywood illustrator thinks that ...

a rabbit looks like...

a pig looks like...

a duck looks like...

a canary looks like...

a cat looks like...

and what a skunk (pole cat) looks like.

[Mike in Nelson]

Around my area there's a few howeas as garden plants and one unit block has several tall ones with about 3 to4 metres of trunk. They survive all my district can throw at them, from minus5 up to 45 on occasions. I have found full sun doesnt do them much good nor does being able to get frozen by direct frosts. Water like mad when its hot, give them a bit shelter from a direct frost and they do fine. OUTDOORS. These are the worlds favourite indoor palm....well be that as it may, I get about 4 weeks indoors then they curl up and croak everytime.

Peachy

We're talking Christchurch perma frost here Peachy. Too cold in winter to leave a Howea in the shade in my opinion. Probably better in full sun.