Beccariophoenix Madagascariensis

[Bushnell-Dave]

This palm is giving me a hard time to keep happy.It dealt with no cold over the winter as I moved it into the greenhouse on cooler nights.It went from green,to yellow fronds.I use Miracle Grow slow release fertilizer.I read somewhere that they require iron,so I gave it a small dose of Ironite about a month ago.The pics I hope I have attached correctly,show the new spear browning from the top down.Anyone have any advice?  Thanks Christian for the "posting pics 101" info.........Dave

[Bushnell-Dave]

[Bushnell-Dave]

[quaman58]

Dave,

This is a common complaint about the "windows" form. I've had one that seems happy, though certainly not due to any special care on my part. But here's a few things I've learned...It resents anything more than partial day sun, otherwise the leaves yellow out. I'd have no problem keeping a small one in heavy filtered sunlight.

Like most palms, good drainage is a must. But this one really seems to hate "wet feet".

It actually seems to grow faster in the cooler Spring and Fall months than the hot Summer. (Like a Rhopalostylis). I have not noticed any particular difference in it's appearance depending on the amount of food I give it: it only gets fed when everything else does. Nor does cold bother it much; went through our 25F nights in January with only minor cosmetic damage.

Hope some of this helps, this palm is one of my favorites.  

Bret

[Bushnell-Dave]

Thanks much Bret for the reply and advice.Im gonna try putting it in a shadier location,as Ive had it in full sun....Dave

[Phil]

Dave,

We've discussed the merits of the two forms multiple times here.  The "windows" form is always fastidious, but for it's own peculiar reasons.  We had them in boxes outside when our nursery reached 25 to 26 degrees.  They took a bit of burn, but easily made it through.  But, what I've noticed about this species, is that it sometimes just doesn't like something.  Who knows exactly what?  When they get the faded new leaf, I give them blood meal and they green up in about 3 months.  Your leaf looks a bit different, with some brownish-yellow, which could represent necrosis of tissue.   I'd give it some blood and wait for Spring to jump start it into looking better.  That's all you can do.  Be careful with Ironite as it has a salt-load risk and is quick release.  

Phil

[Bushnell-Dave]

Thanks Phil

Ive heard of blood meal,but am not familiar with it.I will pick some up this week and give that a try.If I can get it to come back looking decent,I plan on putting it in the ground.This has been one palm that mystifies me,in that I cant find how to make it thrive.Your input is much appreciated.........Dave

[MattyB]

Dave, of course take Phil's suggestions and let me second the advice of blood meal.  Once you start using it you'll hate the smell and love the results.  Deep, lush green plants!   JD in the OC also suggested that this plant does not like too much wet, especially the young plants.  I've got three seedlings that are probably gonna die because I've been keeping them wet.  Wet no work wit deeze.