New Phoenix Sylvestris Questions

[Cayman1]

We recently purchased a 7' Phoenix Sylvestris and had it installed in our yard. When we first picked out this palm, it just arrived at the tree lot from the grower and was perfect. It was bright green and the trunk had a nice orange color to it. When they finally installed it several weeks later, some of the frawns were brown but the installer stated they usually lose the bottom row due to stress. Is this true?

So the installer told me to do the following... but I am seeing contradicting info on the internet so I would like your opinions on my instructions.

1) Water daily for 90 days

2) Add Melorganite and Palm Food right away

3) After 30 days, the little berm wall they put around the root ball to hold water in can be knocked down

I have read online that watering everyday is not good. Some suggested daily for first week then every other day 2nd week then every 3rd day after. that What is the best option to provide my new friend with enough water but also prevent root rot and disease?

There are 5-7 spears coming out... some opening a little and some still totally a spear and not opened at all. Tree was planted a little over a week ago.

This was way more than I had ever spent on a palm, so I just simply want to make sure I am taking care of it properly so we have a beautiful tree for life.

Thank you for your help on this!!

 

[Jeff985]

What you read online is good advice. I’ve planted 3 of them about the same size as yours and that’s exactly what I did. Don’t expect to see much growth until it’s roots get settled into their new home. I’d give it a couple months before fertilizing. 

[redant]

don't fert for a year and don't over water it. 

[Dimovi]

Don't fertilize until the roots grow back. Wait until next spring. Nitrogen can cause osmotic stress especially when the roots are damaged.

[Cayman1]

So what is the best way to water this palm and how to I gauge how much water? 
 

ive been running the hose and saturating the heart and let the water trickle down the trunk and then pools up in the moat that was left by installers. This is how they told me to water it, but some of their information is obviously off so I’d like to know the best way. 
 

 

Edited June 28, 2020 by Cayman1

[Umbrae]

I don't know where you are , or who told you all that, watering a sylvesteis once a day is a recipe for disaster. I have a little experience transplanting large palms in Texas and Louisiana

[palmsrgreat]

5 hours ago, Cayman1 said:

Ive been running the hose and saturating the heart and let the water trickle down the trunk and then pools up in the moat that was left by installers. 

 

If by "heart" you mean the crown, you never want to flood that area with water. Thats a recipe for spear rot and an area you want to avoid watering.

Sometimes you just have to water by feel because soils are all too different for a one size fits all approach. Keep the area moist but not mucky. Dont be afraid to dig your finger down a few inches into the soil to see how much moisture is there.

[Cayman1]

5 hours ago, Umbrae said:

I don't know where you are , or who told you all that, watering a sylvesteis once a day is a recipe for disaster. I have a little experience transplanting large palms in Texas and Louisiana

So what is your opinion on watering and fertilizing? I’m in North Florida.

[Umbrae]

the old cliche if dry but not too dry and wet but not too wet, but daily and in the crown is a no bueno idea 

[DAVEinMB]

My sylvestris seems to love water, it's in a 4' x 4' planter tho so a bit different from being in the ground