Chamaedorea radicalis yellow leaves

[CTho]

I have a few Chamaedorea tepejilote and Chamaedorea radicalis seedlings and I’m concerned about the leaf colors (yellow rad, very deep green tep).  The first picture shows what I think are one rad and two tep.  The second picture I think are all rad.

The top seedlings are sitting against a north wall and should get basically no direct sun; the bottom palms may get some filtered sun in the afternoon (based on this photo, more than I intended!), and some direct sun in the evening.

Does this look like a light issue or a nutrient issue?  They’re in pure coco coir and I have not been fertilizing until very recently... but I know the Texas sun is a lot for these palms.

[Fusca]

42 minutes ago, CTho said:

Does this look like a light issue or a nutrient issue?  They’re in pure coco coir and I have not been fertilizing until very recently... but I know the Texas sun is a lot for these palms.

I'm not sure what part of Texas that you're in, but as long as you aren't in the panhandle you should be able to plant the radicalis out in the yard.  C. radicalis is a very tough palm and can handle drought, some sun (not full Texas sun), high 100°F summer temps and low winter temps (I think 15°F established in-ground).  I can't really comment on pot culture for these and I have no experience with C. tepejilote but I wouldn't be fertilizing these at such a young age unless it's fish emulsion or something time-released and only with a partial application.  The one on the left in the first photo looks like it's been over-watered. 

[CTho]

4 hours ago, Fusca said:

I'm not sure what part of Texas that you're in, but as long as you aren't in the panhandle you should be able to plant the radicalis out in the yard.  C. radicalis is a very tough palm and can handle drought, some sun (not full Texas sun), high 100°F summer temps and low winter temps (I think 15°F established in-ground).  I can't really comment on pot culture for these and I have no experience with C. tepejilote but I wouldn't be fertilizing these at such a young age unless it's fish emulsion or something time-released and only with a partial application.  The one on the left in the first photo looks like it's been over-watered. 

I’m in Austin, and I do plan to put some in the ground at some point.  How transplantable are they if I decide to move them later?  They definitely haven’t been over-watered, since the coir drains well, I water them infrequently, and the roof overhang reduces their rain exposure. Maybe under-watering?

[Fusca]

12 hours ago, CTho said:

I’m in Austin, and I do plan to put some in the ground at some point.  How transplantable are they if I decide to move them later?  They definitely haven’t been over-watered, since the coir drains well, I water them infrequently, and the roof overhang reduces their rain exposure. Maybe under-watering?

Good question - I haven't tried to move one that was already established in the ground, but I wouldn't imagine it would be a problem for them.  Hopefully someone else who has experienced this can answer.  Yes, now that I think about it probably under-watered since we've been so dry.  And if they are newly obtained they might be having a tough time adjusting to different conditions.

[Steve Mac]

I have transplanted Ch. radicalis around the yard with no problems.

Considering the plants age (tender), nutrient requirements (low) and Texan sun (strong) I would think that the yellowing is from too much sun.

I can't guess water, you just need to keep a close eye on that to minimize too much or too little, then you will know.