Trachycarpus Palm - Tropical Climate Survival

[Zach K]

Anybody know if Trachys can be found in tropical places like Hawaii (Dry like Kona or wet like Hilo) or Miami? This is more of a random question that came to my head.  My guess is 'no' due to constant heat and no cold breaks.

Apparent they don't so well in FL because of nematodes down there. (Per the thread below)

Happy Friday

[SeanK]

Trachycarpus may do just fine w/o seasonal cold. I think if it were grown at altitude like coffee, in heavy soil it may be OK.

[DTS1]

i mean they never do well in south florida

[kinzyjr]

We do have a few that flower each year and set fruit here in Lakeland: https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/topic/56607-trachycarpus-in-lakeland/

[Jesse PNW]

I'm no expert but I have pondered over this issue for some time.  Trachy's do not seem to be picky about heat, humidity, cold, moisture, they're even decently drought tolerant.  I believe the limiting factor in the SE is Nematodes.  @Chester Band I had a conversation about this and he has given this some thought also, maybe he can add something to this.  

If I end up getting to move to FL as planned, I fully intend to attempt to grow as many Trachycarpus species as possible. 

[Chester B]

Hawaii especially the big island have such a wide variety of climates, even snow so I am sure there are places Trachys would be happy. I have seen photos/videos of Chamaerops humilis there. 
 

As far as Florida is concerned the hypothesis from people that have tried growing them and had failure was nematodes. Great in pots but once moved to ground they start going downhill. I can only relate this info second hand. I suppose I could send some seedlings to my dad in Sebring to see what happens. 

[Zach K]

Good to know. It would be cool to experiment w/ different types of trachys to see what could possibly withstand those lil’ buggers.

[PalmatierMeg]

I can’t grow them. I believe the further south in FL you plant them the worse they do. Between the nematodes, endless and relentless summer heat and swelter and short winters, Trachies end up overwhelmed and doomed to gradual, miserable deaths. I had one survive 18 months before succumbing; it never grew, just declined. I decided not to torment this genus any further.