Spear pull - Trithrinax acathacoma

[Chester B]

I planted this Trithrinax acanthacoma last spring,  and as you can see it has a small trunk.  I bought it knowing full well it was iffy in my climate, but it was so inexpensive that I had to at least try.  The December arctic blast is what I feel really damaged it.  60 hours below freezing, two nights at 19F and the one day we only got to I think 24F as the high.  Frost cloth was the only protection I used at that time.  After uncovering most of the fronds were browned as you can see in the photos.  Over the last month every time I looked at the spear, the color was off and I have applied copper fungicide at least twice.  I wrapped it up ahead of this last batch of cold with mini lights this time and we experienced 4 nights between 25-27F with all daytime highs above Freezing.  I unwrapped yesterday and the spear and fronds almost fell out on their own.  Enjoy!

Edited February 3, 2023 by Chester B

[ShadyDan]

Bummer. Another species to add to the "nope" list for our climate. Not like I had room to try this one anyways...

[Chester B]

24 minutes ago, ShadyDan said:

Bummer. Another species to add to the "nope" list for our climate. Not like I had room to try this one anyways...

I really wanted T. campestris as there are a few long term ones in the PNW.  This was all that was available, so I thought I'd try.  I didn't have any real expectations so I'm not bummed about it.  I have a big number of palms and plants sitting on the bench ready to get in the garden.

[RJ]

You should add that to the freeze damage forum, I didn’t see it listed. 

[Chester B]

3 minutes ago, RJ said:

You should add that to the freeze damage forum, I didn’t see it listed. 

Yes I was thinking I should.

[UK_Palms]

My one spear pulled last winter as well, even though it was fairly mild. It put out a new spear again though in the spring. It seems smaller specimens are more prone to this, similar to some Trachy’s like Nova when they are small. Your Trithrinax should grow out of it as it gets bigger however. I am fairly confident you will have a new spear emerge in the spring, but it may be best to treat it with hydrogen peroxide still just in case and put a cover over it to keep the rain out. They are tough buggers though.

Edited February 3, 2023 by UK_Palms

[Chester B]

7 hours ago, UK_Palms said:

My one spear pulled last winter as well, even though it was fairly mild. It put out a new spear again though in the spring. It seems smaller specimens are more prone to this, similar to some Trachy’s like Nova when they are small. Your Trithrinax should grow out of it as it gets bigger however. I am fairly confident you will have a new spear emerge in the spring, but it may be best to treat it with hydrogen peroxide still just in case and put a cover over it to keep the rain out. They are tough buggers though.

I tempted to throw it in the garbage to be honest. Not really my favorite, it’s pretty generic looking. But based on your advice I will treat with more Copper fungicide and keep the hole dry and wait to see if it recovers. The rains here will still be frequent for the next 2-3 months depending on what this year has in store for us. 

[Dig The Soil]

Best of luck with that, I hope it surprises you and rebounds.

[Las Palmas Norte]

I have a 2 gallon specimen (seed grown) that always develops browning on the ends of the fronds over winter. I water sparingly and it generally resides in my well lit unheated garage.

 

 

[Chester B]

Mine looked great until that real cold blast right before Christmas.   I did get some browning in summer so stepped up the water.

I can't say I really like this palm to be honest.  I almost dug it up the other day - I have a bunch of Sabals looking for some real estate.

[Trustandi]

I am sorry for the spear pulled. Hopefully, it will recover.