Will any palm trees grow in metal containers?

[Palm crazy]

This is what I have to work with…12” wide by 22” tall, was thinking a dypsis. Can Dypsis palms or any palm tree grow in a metal container? It painted copper on the outside.

Thanks.

[rprimbs]

I'm no expert, but I would think that it would be fine -- provided that the container has adequate drainage.

[Palm crazy]

I'm no expert, but I would think that it would be fine -- provided that the container has adequate drainage.

Thanks, I could also see a Trithrinax campestris being happy cooking a little in sun.

[MattyB]

I had luck with Dypsis plumosa in a metal pot. Keep in mind that most plants don't like hot ass sun baking the pots. I've actually found palms to be relatively tolerant but aloes and cycads I've noticed don't like it at all

[NorCalWill]

Can you set a palm in a plastic nursery container inside this metal pot so there is some insulation between the metal and the palm roots? (assuming the metal will be heated from the sun)

[HorsesnPalms]

Can you set a palm in a plastic nursery container inside this metal pot so there is some insulation between the metal and the palm roots? (assuming the metal will be heated from the sun)

I agree. If its going to be in direct sun it will heat up quite a bit, so putting a nursery pot inside to insulate would be an excellent idea. If its going to be in the shade, no pot needed. Nice pot by the way.

[Palm crazy]

Rprims - it does have a good drainage hole.

Matt- thanks for the suggesting D. plumosa, that a fast grower too. And I did think of a cycad so will cross that one out.

The container can be kept out of hot sun since I have lots of areas like this picture shows where the container would be in mostly shade but plenty of sun on top.

Will- This is what I’ve been using it for…Black elephant ear, there’s a stopper in the drainage hole, but I’m ready to move the E.E. in the pond. I’ve also thought about planting a cordyline but it would out grow it in a few years.

HorsenPalms - I like to use something more tender since it will be inside all winter. Lots of great containers out there and most are going on sale this time of year. This is one I got on clearance for $10…. Smith & Hawkens brand.

Ok then I think I know what I like to do with it and will update a photo later. LOL!

Thanks for all the great suggestion!

[BS Man about Palms]

I had luck with Dypsis plumosa in a metal pot. Keep in mind that most plants don't like hot ass sun baking the pots. I've actually found palms to be relatively tolerant but aloes and cycads I've noticed don't like it at all

Interesting, would have thought completely the opposite.

[Palm crazy]

Here it is all done… anyone wants to guess what dypsis this is? It a little fuzzy so I will post another photo after someone guesses.

[Palm crazy]

Two more pics there are two palms in the container both Dypsis palms. One is rare the other is more common.

Last one.

[BS Man about Palms]

lantzeana and samberenensis?

[Palm crazy]

Yes you got the Samberenensis correct, hurray! Can’t wait for this one to get bigger red leaves.

The little one I’ll have to tell you is…Coriacea, smaller dypsis with a little shade of red-orange on the new leaves, grows fastest with warm days & nights.

Thats its, thanks for looking.

[Jeff Searle]

When I first started in the nursery business, metal pots were still be used quite often, but mainly 10 gallon and larger.I never heard or personally had any bad results with my palms.

[DoomsDave]

Hmm.

Metal makes great armor, and, I guess, heavy metal brassieres. Or jewelry.

But, it also corrodes, and, in the case of copper, it's toxic. Copper nails (so I've heard) have been used to kill trees, by pounding them into the trunk. Watering for plants, and especially fertilizer will make the problem much worse. Most ferts are salts and they corrode like crazy.

That is a pretty pot. And, using the plastic pot to insulate will help.

But, I'd keep an eye on it. If it's corroding too badly, I'd use something else.

[Palm crazy]

Thanks Jeff, thats what I wanted to hear. I still remember using coffee cans as a kid for planters.

Dave calm down, it not real copper, LOL! The rust is real though, yikes!

There is a warning label on the bottom said not to use as a food storage. Thats mostly why I ask the question.

But rust shouldn’t be problem for a long time, I’ll be keeping the container mostly outside in the warm dry season and back inside before the rainy season.

I will do as you say, and keep an eye on it, just incase palms are effected by any rust from watering, Thanks.

Edited July 28, 2013 by Palm crazy