Fertilizer novice

[Randy]

I have a question about what I'm beginning to thing is a manganese and magnesium defficiency. My woodyetia's typically start to show leaf burn and browning that I've seen depicted in other posts as manganese and magnesium deficiency that should be addressed seperately from regular palm feeding.

My question is what to feed them and when. I live in the Phoenix area with acidy, clay soil which I amended before planting. I see the Lutz spikes for this but they recommend limiting the application to sprong or at least during the "growing season." I'd hate to wait if the palms could benefit now, but I also don't want to kill them or burn them worse (or whatever happens when you feed when you shouldn't).

I also see powder form magnesium sulfate at the big box stores, but before winging it I thought I would take it to the experts at the IPS!

I have a few queen palms that look healthy but might benefit from this as well, and next year plan to plant at least one roystonea regia in the ground.

Your advice is very welcome.

[Kris]

Dear Randy  

the 2 main ferts that you are talking is only

used when their is signs of leathal yellowing.

to start your feed,do it with slow release all palm

fertilizers which has N-P-K contents,now we have

lots of ferts in peletised or capsule form.

use one pellet for 15 days or 30 days depending on

the size of your container & palm size.

and every 3 to 6 months with micronutrients

containing mild trace elements of potassium,

magneisium,manganese etc...

i think that is enough for your requirements for the

time being.

Love,

Kris(India).

[Matt in SD]

Randy,

For palms, Magnesium borders on being a "macro" nutrient.  From what I've read, it is required in relatively high amounts (relative to other types of plants) and fairly constantly.  Most palm fertilizers have magnesium in them.  I fertilize with organic stuff, typicaly once a month and usually mix in epsom salt (Mag sulfate) at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon.  

Manganese is not required in as high amounts.  I add a multi-micro nutrient mix every other time I fertilize (every two months).  

I've never seen any harm from using micronutrients at recommended doses, so rather than wait for deficiencies, I just put them in occaisonally.  Also, if there seems to be a deficiency, I just give the palm everything I can think of rather than trying to figure out what is actually deficient.

Matt