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Santa Ana Winds Strike Again - Majesty Palm Lost?


Ras

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Community - work up to a Majesty Palm literally chopped into 2 by the Santa Ana Winds this past week. However, there is a little "nub" that seemed to survive right at what I think may be the base of the crown (see pics below).

Is there any chance at all that a new frond would sprout from this? Looking for some clarity before I put her to rest for good. Thanks in advance!

 

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Wow sorry hear that. Not sure, perhaps someone more knowledgeable can chime in. It does look like it may recover if that is a growth point. I’m surprised if there was that much force that the planter didn’t fall over vs the tree snapping in half like that. I think the concern would be we aren’t in the clear with the winds until probably late March. So have a plan to bring it inside if the winds return. 

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Of you notice changes in the growth point then it will most likely survive. Just water it a bit more often. Majesties are palms that love water.

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Looks like you already had a serious problem with this palm (the dark grey dry-wood and rust-colored areas). The snap-off area is only the zone that is white in color, about half of the surface area. I would pour some peroxide over that ruddy area and also make sure there isn't something actively affecting the health of the plant. Otherwise your apical meristem does look to be intact and it should regrow (though you will always see damage there). But is there a way you can put that palm into the ground? It looks desperately in need. Ravenea are river-dwellers and want lots of water and fertilizer...also remember that the root-initiation-zone of palms (at the base of the trunk) in California needs to be continuously covered by soil. Since it is the area where palms grow new roots, the dry atmosphere will stop them from forming, most likely leaving you with a very unstable and unhealthy palm over time. 

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Michael Norell

Rancho Mirage, California | 33°44' N 116°25' W | 287 ft | z10a | avg Jan 43/70F | Jul 78/108F avg | Weather Station KCARANCH310

previously Big Pine Key, Florida | 24°40' N 81°21' W | 4.5 ft. | z12a | Calcareous substrate | avg annual min. approx 52F | avg Jan 65/75F | Jul 83/90 | extreme min approx 41F

previously Natchez, Mississippi | 31°33' N 91°24' W | 220 ft.| z9a | Downtown/river-adjacent | Loess substrate | avg annual min. 23F | Jan 43/61F | Jul 73/93F | extreme min 2.5F (1899); previously Los Angeles, California (multiple locations)

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If you are curious, try to see if it grows back. But I agree with @mnorell that this palm had pre-existing problems. It looks stunted and neglected. How long have you kept it in that pot? How often do you water/feed it (majesties are water/fertilizer hogs)? And they make lousy potted plants in the long run. They are also plentiful and cheap. That said, you may want to invest in a newer, healthier palm. Majesties are at their best looking before they trunk.

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Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

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Thanks @mnorell and @PalmatierMeg.  I did pour some peroxide on the dark grey area, and indeed it did fizz up! Should I just keep applying over the coming days and see what happens, or is it time to let go? :(

I have kept it in a pot for about 2 years as I will be moving this Spring and wanted to move with it. It has a twin in the same pot that appears to be doing OK (not great). I do give them 2 gallons of water every other day, and fertilize every other week.

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If it was mine…..I’d likely toss it and start with a new as Majesty’s are quite common and cheap at big box stores here in SoCal. That being said, if you want to try to save it or merely for the experimental aspect, first I’d remove it from its current pot. This will give it a little more room and replace the medium with some good, well drained soil. Second, I’d very liberally coat the exposed wounds with Sulphur dust. Third, move it to an area against a wall so it can benefit from some radiant heat. Finally, just continue to water as per normal.  
 

It’s a little cold right now but maybe it’ll survive until it warms up.  Applying hydrogen peroxide seems a bit moot because that’s typically used to determine if the tree has a fungus. You stated it did fizz a bit but I think the bigger issue is the open wounds. Those will quickly cause decline if left unattended. It looks like half the tree was previously damaged and the remaining good half could not stand the fierce winds and snapped. 
 

It’s grim and Id give it a very slim chance of survival but give it a try. maybe it’s stronger than expected. good luck. 
 

-dale 

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On 1/28/2023 at 2:32 PM, James B said:

Wow sorry hear that. Not sure, perhaps someone more knowledgeable can chime in. It does look like it may recover if that is a growth point. I’m surprised if there was that much force that the planter didn’t fall over vs the tree snapping in half like that. I think the concern would be we aren’t in the clear with the winds until probably late March. So have a plan to bring it inside if the winds return. 

I don't think that's a planter. It looks like a galvanized garbage pail painted white.

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I would discard this palm, even if the growth resumes, there will always be a severe restriction and weak point in the trunk.  This is not a rare species and is fast growing.

As I age I have become much more ruthless about compromised plants.    :)

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San Francisco, California

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