Using lava rock and lime rock

[sashaeffer]

Other pics as forum wouldn't let me add more than that one.

with lava rock

without.

[Phoenikakias]

On the subject of rock, I have been in conversations with others about the use of decomposing granite as a top substrate for growing palms and cycads in alkaline soils in California. Apparently it is acidic by nature and it has some minerals available to plants. It also holds no moisture, unlike organic mulch, but it helps maintain a relatively stable moisture level in the soil beneath when used as a top dressing. With water restrictions becoming what they are, this sounds like an excellent option for my garden. Also, These are really good characteristics for palms and cycads that are sensitive to too much moisture against their trunks like Parajubaeas in hot climates. David Sylvia uses it in San Jose and his amazing garden seems to never have a spot on it.

Decomposing granite resembles in this aspect a lot the zeolite, only latter is extremely costly in bulk.

[sashaeffer]

Ok, end of the season update on this comparison between the two Purple King palms. Again both bought from same grower in California, same size at the time one in a mix of black lava rock with a dressing of lava rock on top. The other in regular palm mix soil. Both received same sunshine, water etc but they look much different. the one in the lava rock recently opened a new reddish color frond as well.

 

Could the black lava rock make the difference here??

 

 

 

[sashaeffer]

Another pic...

 

 

[sashaeffer]

Another couple of months with both palms being inside for the winter(Kings do great as indoor palms by the way) December 19th

 

 

[Phoenikakias]

If I may express some doubt. I see pots of different color. What if black pot allows root zone during summer overwarm?

[Bigfish]

On October 17, 2015 at 10:30:14 AM, sashaeffer said:

Ok, end of the season update on this comparison between the two Purple King palms. Again both bought from same grower in California, same size at the time one in a mix of black lava rock with a dressing of lava rock on top. The other in regular palm mix soil. Both received same sunshine, water etc but they look much different. the one in the lava rock recently opened a new reddish color frond as well.

 

Could the black lava rock make the difference here??

 

 

 

You need a much bigger sample size to make any definitive conclusions.  That being said, looks like one is happier than the other!

[sashaeffer]

 

Both pots are same size and both made out of plastic. Both sit on a second patio with part shade. Pots sit on one of those plastic rings to keep pot from sitting directly on the concrete so it can drain.

Of course this comparison doesn't mean anything since the palms themselves can simply be "different" in they way they are growing. They did come from same grower who sowed them from seed.

I had some extra lava rock and had bought 7 of these Dypsis Cabadea palms this fall from a palm talk member. All of them have been doing fine inside so far so took one and added black lava rock and found one same size in just the same soil as the other ones just to see if I get same results with this species so here they are as of today.

 

 

 

Edited December 20, 2015 by sashaeffer
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[sashaeffer]

Well forum server must be having a meltdown as page is freezing up and cant post pic or edit after for some reason so will try here. If it doesn't work then will add when site fixed.

 

Dypsis Cabadea

 

 

Edited December 20, 2015 by sashaeffer
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[sashaeffer]

While I hope Lava rock contributes to better growth and healthier palm here is another side by side comparison of two palms I bought as a pair on Ebay for $9.00

Both in same soil, same size pot etc and both were the same size when I got them. As you can see a clear difference in growth and size what is the difference? the lager much faster growing one has ONLY been grown indoors in front of large east facing windows. The much smaller one is outside in warmer weather in bright light but almost no long exposure sunlight. Both get watered with collected rain water as the smaller one outside is on covered porch so only gets water I give it.

The larger one grows so fast that that long spear has yet to open and palm is already sending out yet another spear as well.

Point of this is it can simply be the palm and not anything else but I hope I'm wrong.

Aiphanes Horrida

 

[Sabal Steve]

Does anyone know of a supplier for Limestone in San Diego?  I need about 3 cubic feet.

[Josh-O]

On 12/25/2015, 8:28:14, sashaeffer said:

While I hope Lava rock contributes to better growth and healthier palm here is another side by side comparison of two palms I bought as a pair on Ebay for $9.00

Both in same soil, same size pot etc and both were the same size when I got them. As you can see a clear difference in growth and size what is the difference? the lager much faster growing one has ONLY been grown indoors in front of large east facing windows. The much smaller one is outside in warmer weather in bright light but almost no long exposure sunlight. Both get watered with collected rain water as the smaller one outside is on covered porch so only gets water I give it.

The larger one grows so fast that that long spear has yet to open and palm is already sending out yet another spear as well.

Point of this is it can simply be the palm and not anything else but I hope I'm wrong.

Aiphanes Horrida

 

Awesome growth rate pic's Scott. It threads like these that show us how to better prepare soil conditions for a better healthier and faster growing palm. I would also imagine that lava rock is a bit more acidic and would have sulfur in it as well? Just a wild guess?

[Monòver]

Could be the fast drainage. The regular soil has poor drainage and in indoor conditions the drainage is the most important.

The hydroponics use very fast drainage soil, like Arlite, lava rock, mineral wool.

With this the soil always is oxigenated and the plants has healthy and strong roots.

One palm in a pot, is a small hydroponic.