Issues with Washingtonia filifera seedlings

[Small palm]

Hello Palmtalk, I have several Washingtonia filifera seedlings that I germibated back in October 2015.  

I've noticed over the past 3 months or so that many of them are showing yellow to brown fronds. The seedlings have either 2 or 3 fronds growing at the moment. 

I'm thinking it may be too much sun that is bothering them. They were getting a lot of sun until I put a shade cloth over them about a month ago. It's either that, or a watering issue. I water them once a week when it's warm and once every 2 weeks when it's cold. They get tap water and they're in 4 by 4 inch square pots.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Chris 

[Brad Mondel]

Is your soil draining well? it could be a combination of bad soil and over watering. 

[Small palm]

Hello Brad, they are planted in a palm and cactus soil that drains well, even though the soil looks compacted. 

I think you are on to something with the over watering. I'm going to let them go a little longer between waterings. It makes sense too since they are desert palms. Thanks for your reply. 

[Brad Mondel]

Good idea, I rarely water my filifera and only when the soil is almost completely dry. Let it dry out between waterings and let us know how he does. Good luck!

[Kostas]

Isn't watering once a week too little? Here they would be very stressed with such infrequent watering in summer but more than happy with daily watering.

Unless your soil stays moist long enough to last the week between waterings, i would water it at least twice a week and try giving it more sun as its quite stretched. It will only burn a little.

Washingtonia don't like to dry out too much in pots or they grow very slowly compared to their potential, and keep few leafs

[Brad Mondel]

I agree with Kostas if your soil is drying out too quickly but if it stays moist for too long then hold back on watering. I let mine dry out slightly between waterings, and they grow great. Most plants prefer to dry out between waterings, this prevents root rot and fungus growth. 

Here's some of my Washingtonia seedlings: 

 

 

 

[Axel Amsterdam]

I have a filifera seedling growing outside in a pot without holes. Sometimes its completely drenched from the rains and it' s healthy and green. It loves plenty of water.

[Howeadypsis]

1 hour ago, Axel Amsterdam said:

I have a filifera seedling growing outside in a pot without holes. Sometimes its completely drenched from the rains and it' s healthy and green. It loves plenty of water.

It needs to be in a pot with drainage holes! Bad drainage is death to most plants

[Brad Mondel]

It's basic common knowledge that plants require good drainage in pot culture. Unless of course you're growing an aquatic plant or a swamp dwelling species. I know that Filifera grows in oasis and around springs in their habitat and that they can be submerged in water for a period of time but these conditions are hard to mimic artificially. Anaerobic bacteria and fungi can proliferate in potting mixes when adequate oxygen isn't available. 

[PalmatierMeg]

Filifera is a desert palm and, from what I've read, likes dry heat and good drainage. They do poorly in FL because of our hot, humid days, sultry nights and abundant rainfall in summer. So I can't believe they "like" wet roots and soggy potting mix.

[PalmTreeDude]

Where does everyone get these seeds?

[Las Palmas Norte]

Here's mine, started this spring. I water nearly every day. These are in direct sunlight and temps routinely are 90°F to 100°F.

Cheers, Barrie.

 

 

[Axel Amsterdam]

Yes well, it's healthy and well growing. So it doesn't mind growing in a wet pot in a mild climate. I cant comment on other climates but i have seen some very slow washingtonia's in pots in mediteranean countries. I think they all love loads of water.  

This whole issue of needing perfect drainage is not always true for every palm. I had a CIDP in a pot without holes and it survived a wet winter with some severe freezes. Sure it lost it's spear in spring but regrew easily so the roots weren't killed by the sometimes frozen water. 

  

[Small palm]

It's nice to see all the feedback and pictures on this thread since the last time I visited. 

I'm thinking about adding better soil to their pots. The brand of palm soil I use changed their mix and it looks better. The soil drains well, but looks compacted now.

I'm thinking about finding a spot where they get a little morning sun. I'm a little paranoid after the first time I put them in the sun. I think they were getting afternoon sun which is more intense. 

I'll definitely be careful with my watering. I'll make sure they dry out a little before the next time I water them. 

I must say that @Brad Mondel and @Las Palmas Norte W. Filifera seedlings look great. They look a lot better than mine. I hope mine start to look better. Thanks again for the posts and pictures.