How often do you water your palm tree?

[Chaz517]

Hey guys. With summer hopefully coming soon in a lot of areas, how often do you all water your outdoor and potted palms? Is this Palm tree watering guide a good measurement? Thanks all! Stay safe! 

[GottmitAlex]

Since 4 days (90F+) ago: Daily.

Edited April 28, 2020 by GottmitAlex

[Jocam019]

I’m watering every other day. It’s been very hot here in Miami and the rainy season hasn’t gotten here yet. We are bone dry. 

[russd58]

I think the palm watering guide you refer to, which seems to be for in ground palms, makes a lot of sense in that it states how many gallons of water is needed (~ 20% of the root ball size) versus the frequent recommendation to use a trickling hose which is inaccurate and subjective. I have also seen recommendations that state to apply the same amount of water as the plant size, e.g. 25 gal of water for a 25 gal palm. This makes no sense to me since most of the root ball space is taken up by roots and soil so it would seem that most of the water will serve little to no benefit and could even cause problems. I would be interested in what others think.

[Jim in Los Altos]

17 minutes ago, russd58 said:

I think the palm watering guide you refer to, which seems to be for in ground palms, makes a lot of sense in that it states how many gallons of water is needed (~ 20% of the root ball size) versus the frequent recommendation to use a trickling hose which is inaccurate and subjective. I have also seen recommendations that state to apply the same amount of water as the plant size, e.g. 25 gal of water for a 25 gal palm. This makes no sense to me since most of the root ball space is taken up by roots and soil so it would seem that most of the water will serve little to no benefit and could even cause problems. I would be interested in what others think.

Excess water may be wasteful but it just trickles into the soil beneath the palm and there’s no cause for concern for the palm. Most palms endure days, even weeks of rain at a time and we don’t worry about that so too much water at any given time from a hose is really no different. 

[russd58]

37 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Excess water may be wasteful but it just trickles into the soil beneath the palm and there’s no cause for concern for the palm. Most palms endure days, even weeks of rain at a time and we don’t worry about that so too much water at any given time from a hose is really no different. 

Even in areas with clay soils that aren't known for draining well? What about root rot , etc.? Thanks

[GottmitAlex]

31 minutes ago, russd58 said:

Even in areas with clay soils that aren't known for draining well? What about root rot , etc.? Thanks

Well, if we're talking a marginal palm dir the climate and if the water is cold along with the weather, then yes root rot would be a concern. 

[VA Jeff]

In the winter every 7-14 days for potted palms not in bright light.  Don't overwater in winter.

[Jim in Los Altos]

23 hours ago, russd58 said:

Even in areas with clay soils that aren't known for draining well? What about root rot , etc.? Thanks

If water puddles but othwise drains within a few hours, it should be fine. Clay soils hold water longer of course but most still drain slowly. 

[GottmitAlex]

Since 4 days ago, I am watering daily.

Of course, they are planted in pure sand and the water puddle lasts about 8 minutes.

 

Pretty sure they need more salt.

Edited April 29, 2020 by GottmitAlex