What is ideal soil mix for palms?

[velutina]

I am planning a large area to grow palms and other tropicals. I am considering whether I should use native soil and simply amend it or create a large raised area with retaining wall and fill with an ideal mix. The area will be approximately 2,000 square feet. There is a local company (http://www.epsorganics.com/products.html) that offers mixed soil. They offer many choices such as 50% native soil, 50% sand or can do a custom mix. What would be an ideal mix for palms? I realize every species may prefer a different soil type, but I'm looking for something that will grow a wide variety of palms that do well in south Florida. 

[Tyrone]

In my experience, most palms just want a well drained mix on the acidic side of neutral. Good humus and moisture holding capacity will give you good results. On the extreme end you would have Raphia that is a swamp loving palm that wouldn't mind boggy acidic soil, and at the other end the Carribean stuff tends to like soil on the basic side (pH 7 and higher). But 99% of palms would love free draining, slightly acidic humus rich soil.

[Kris]

Hi

You have not told us about that native soil...is it rocky,clayey or sandy ?

And the soil ph value. Based on it the soil needs to be ammended.And if your area is not flooded during rainy season.i.e if water does not stagnate during rainy season..you need not create a raised bed for a area of 2000sq feet.

So if you post a still of that area it would be very useful for all to understand the planting site..

Love,

Kris.

Edited August 7, 2016 by Kris

[velutina]

12 hours ago, Tyrone said:

 But 99% of palms would love free draining, slightly acidic humus rich soil.

Now the tricky part of actually making this. Do I tell the soil company to mix 1/3 native soil, 1/3 sand, 1/3 compost?  I know a lot depends on what the "native soil" is. 

11 hours ago, Kris said:

You have not told us about that native soil...is it rocky,clayey or sandy ?

And the soil ph value. Based on it the soil needs to be ammended.And if your area is not flooded during rainy season.i.e if water does not stagnate during rainy season..you need not create a raised bed for a area of 2000sq feet.

So if you post a still of that area it would be very useful for all to understand the planting site.

Thanks Kris, 

The soil is sand. According to a USDA survey, the soil is "Hallandale fine sand" (https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/H/HALLANDALE.html). Currently there are a lot of fruit trees growing. Mangoes look good, but a lot of the others look chlorotic (all citrus). The previous owner planted them in native soil and has not mulched, composted or fertilized.  I am sending a soil sample to be analyzed by professionals. The area should not have standing water as the section i'm planting in is elevated. It is also not in a FEMA flood zone, as much of the surrounding area is. 

 

 

[velutina]

The site will be the area surrounding the pool area 15-20' wide wrapping around. I want the area to be densely planted to provide privacy and a tropical atmosphere. There are currently 2 palms on the entire property. Two Queen palms... 

 

[Kris]

Adam,

Your house is beautiful. One well grown phoenix sylvester robust form palm,preferably a male one near the pool will look great.

Since its not clayey or rocky you can plant any palm which suits your climate.

Just dig one feet or so and just fill in the rich orgainc soil which is available in big bags from reputed nurseries.

Allow the new soil to be there for a month.gently water that area every 2days. Most cases weeds will grow..clean the weeds out plant your desired palm in the soil ammended area. You have to just dig based on the pot size.

Here we usually leave the dug up pit open for one or 2 weeks.only then we fill that pit with new soil.

What palm your neighbourhood have it will grow fine for you.

Love,

Kris.

[Tyrone]

On 7 August 2016 9:16:34 PM, velutina said:

Now the tricky part of actually making this. Do I tell the soil company to mix 1/3 native soil, 1/3 sand, 1/3 compost?  I know a lot depends on what the "native soil" is. 

Thanks Kris, 

The soil is sand. According to a USDA survey, the soil is "Hallandale fine sand" (https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/H/HALLANDALE.html). Currently there are a lot of fruit trees growing. Mangoes look good, but a lot of the others look chlorotic (all citrus). The previous owner planted them in native soil and has not mulched, composted or fertilized.  I am sending a soil sample to be analyzed by professionals. The area should not have standing water as the section i'm planting in is elevated. It is also not in a FEMA flood zone, as much of the surrounding area is. 

 

 

What is the pH of your sand/soil? I bet it's slightly alkaline. Personally I wouldn't add any more sand to the mix. Just add slightly acidic composted humus etc etc and your sand will turn into a sandy loam which is perfect for palms.