Hey guys, about 3 months ago I posted about my newly planted King Palm. It's still there, hangin', not much change, it has lost a couple more fronds and one of the healthy ones got split during a heavy downpour. So as of right now, it has only 2 green fronds, one cracked the other one intact. The palm had 2 new shoots, one longer than the other, when it was planted. I can't tell if they've grown at all, but they are both green and the larger one is at a slight angle (so maybe it grew a little, I don't know). Anyway, here are some pictures. I have 5 other smaller Kings that were planted after this one and they all are growing and pushing new spears.

is this one on its last leg? Do you think it still a chance of survival? We've had a good, warm winter here in coastal Los Angeles, with some cold snaps that have lasted about a week or so. We're expecting nice warm temps and sunny conditions for the next two weeks. It is planted in full sun and when I water it I water it deeply. About once or twice a week depending on the temperature.

Edited March 3, 201511 yr by Panamajack

It looks like it has 2 new spears to me. Keep it well watered, and it should be fine. They really don't mind being constantly moist.

I agree with Ben. I think it's on its way to recovery but it would like more frequent watering in the meantime, 2x to 3x per week if it doesn't rain. Deep watering is a great technique and you can wean it somewhat to it but for now it doesn't have the deep roots necessary to support its water needs, they are all congested in a small area. Archontophoenix never really become able to cope with drought, they always loose leafs fast in drought conditions or with soil moisture a little less than their likings, so expect it to like to be kept continually moist even after it roots well

I completely agree with Ben and Kostas. Newly planted palms, especially of the non drought tolerant variety, need frequent watering to keep their compact rootballs moist. You can't over water king palms. Some of mine are growing their roots directly into my pond and deeply into the water. In California, with it's often dry air, King palms appreciate being in clumps or groves and tend to protect each other and, thus, grow very lush. Below is one of my "groves." They get water at least three times weekly even though they've been established for many years.

Ok thanks guys. Hopefully the new spears start opening soon. I will let you know. Jim, your gardens seem beautiful and your palms are amazing. We just moved into our house 3 months and all landscaping has been replaced (it was disgusting before). Hopefully one day it will look like yours does.

I think king palms can be sensitive to root disturbance also. Mine nearly defoliated when I planted it from a pot (somewhat rootbound) but really took off once it got situated. It looked a lot like yours does now, so just give it some extra TLC and it should be fine.

My kings are already opening their 2nd fronds up here, so it won't be long.

Get a tree bag, or take three 5 gallon buckets, drill small holes in the bottom, and fill up at the base 3x a week. 1x a week is not enough for a king in California.

give it LOTS of water, you can't over water them, once established they'll take your normal watering schedule pretty well. i had one that was rarely watered for 6months and kept on growing but didn't gain as much height but as soon as i started giving it a regular watering it just started exploding and is starting to get real big. mine are in real heavy clay that doesn't drain and i still flood it regularly

Awesome Awesome!! thanks a lot! I will water it plenty! Thank you all!

Panamajack:

The others said it! Water water y mas agua. And, if your palm doesn't make it, don't give up; plant another. And if it does, give it a friend, and plant another. Come visit my place and see the Archies in their glory! (The embodiment of that philosophy.)

Even better, come to the PSSC meeting on March 21, 2015 (just around the corner!) and see a great garden. http://palmssc.org/new-page-48/

There'll be food, fun, palms and free parking in a 'hood full of mansions. What's not to love?

(I'm the PSSC President. I'm obliged to push the PSSC at every opportunity.)

Panamajack:

The others said it! Water water y mas agua. And, if your palm doesn't make it, don't give up; plant another. And if it does, give it a friend, and plant another. Come visit my place and see the Archies in their glory! (The embodiment of that philosophy.)

Even better, come to the PSSC meeting on March 21, 2015 (just around the corner!) and see a great garden. http://palmssc.org/new-page-48/

There'll be food, fun, palms and free parking in a 'hood full of mansions. What's not to love?

(I'm the PSSC President. I'm obliged to push the PSSC at every opportunity.)

I wish I wouldn't have to travel 500 miles to attend one of the excellent So Cal Society gatherings. Otherwise I'd attend most. Oh, one of these days.

Panamajack:

The others said it! Water water y mas agua. And, if your palm doesn't make it, don't give up; plant another. And if it does, give it a friend, and plant another. Come visit my place and see the Archies in their glory! (The embodiment of that philosophy.)

Even better, come to the PSSC meeting on March 21, 2015 (just around the corner!) and see a great garden. http://palmssc.org/new-page-48/

There'll be food, fun, palms and free parking in a 'hood full of mansions. What's not to love?

(I'm the PSSC President. I'm obliged to push the PSSC at every opportunity.)

I wish I wouldn't have to travel 500 miles to attend one of the excellent So Cal Society gatherings. Otherwise I'd attend most. Oh, one of these days.

I know this time-space stuff is such a pain in the [posterior]!

Just watched Start Trek IV (the Journey Home) and they went from SF to the moon in like half a second. In 1985. And took Debbie Gibson aboard the space ship. Plus a pair of humpbacked whales, including a pregnant female. And everyone off to the 23rd century. Maybe twist the dials a bit and take in a PSSC meeting a few decades later . . . (Without the whales.)

We'll fete you like royalty. (Darold makes it down from time to time, from SF.)

Thanks, Dave. I'll try to make it to the meeting, sounds like a great time. Man, if we could travel as fast as they do in Star Trek...I'd be traveling to Hawai'i, French Polynesia, Samoa, Cook Islands, Brazil....Panama, ALL THE TIME.

Everyone already said what's up. Water and patience.