Concern over health of Nolina Nelsonii palm - approximately 25 years old or more

[Tim Hess]

I am concerned with the health of this triple trunk nolina nelsonii. I noticed the yellowing of the leaves about a month ago on one of the branches. I have no idea if it is salvageable or not but obviously would like to save it.

I never water it since it is a desert plant and its root system is quite well developed. That being said, last year was a harsh winter and this summer was a harsh drought. I fertilize annually with Roots Palm Saver 6-3-6 every March.

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions?

[idontknowhatnametuse]

That is not a palm but the issue looks like fungus to me

[Merlyn]

This would be better off in the "Tropical Looking Plants Other Than Palms" forum, there's a lot of yucca, cacti and other succulent-type enthusiasts there.  https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/forum/4-tropical-looking-plants-other-than-palms/

That being said, it looks like a fungal crown rot to me.  In palms a good treatment is hydrogen peroxide + Daconil poured into the crown.  I use 4tsp of Daconil into a 32oz bottle of 3% standard hydrogen peroxide.  Pour about 4oz per head, check for bubbling, and repeat weekly.  I honestly don't know if that'll help on a Nolina, but it has worked well for me with palms and spear pull.

[Silas_Sancona]

28 minutes ago, Tim Hess said:

I am concerned with the health of this triple trunk nolina nelsonii. I noticed the yellowing of the leaves about a month ago on one of the branches. I have no idea if it is salvageable or not but obviously would like to save it.

I never water it since it is a desert plant and its root system is quite well developed. That being said, last year was a harsh winter and this summer was a harsh drought. I fertilize annually with Roots Palm Saver 6-3-6 every March.

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions?

Tim, welcome to the forum..

As mentioned, Nolina aren't palms but more allied to Yucca, Beaucarnea, and Dasylirion ( Woody plants in the Lily family, vs. Palms which are related to Grasses )..  Regardless, looks like that branch is done and may need to be removed.  Other two branches should be closely monitored.

Curious how long there has been wood mulch around it?.. 

[Tim Hess]

I appreciate greatly the responses so far. Here are a few added points to the issue: (1) I added mulch about a year ago - possibly 2" to 3" mainly since we have been having hard freezes in the winter months lately. (2) recognizing that the Nolina Nelsonii is NOT a palm, but more allied to the "woody plant/yucca" variety, should I re-issue this issue into the "Tropical Looking Plants Other Than Palms" forum as suggested? 

 

[Silas_Sancona]

8 minutes ago, Tim Hess said:

I appreciate greatly the responses so far. Here are a few added points to the issue: (1) I added mulch about a year ago - possibly 2" to 3" mainly since we have been having hard freezes in the winter months lately. (2) recognizing that the Nolina Nelsonii is NOT a palm, but more allied to the "woody plant/yucca" variety, should I re-issue this issue into the "Tropical Looking Plants Other Than Palms" forum as suggested? 

 

The moderator here may transfer the topic down into the correct forum, so no need to create a new one there.. 

As far as the mulch..  I'm wondering if it may be playing a part in the trouble you're experiencing... 


As far as cold hardiness, these supposedly can handle temps. down to 0F, if not lower.. so any winter freezes you might be experiencing shouldn't phase it ( unless you're dropping well below zero for long periods during the worst of any cold spells where you're located > Assuming somewhere in TX.? < )

From San Marcos Growers:

https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3695