European Fan Palm Reproducing

[palmofmyhand]

Hey guys, I just was wondering if anyone knows what exactly will happen from the new chutes growing at the bottom of these two trees. I have heard they would grow into more trees but it is worrying to think they could hinder the other 2 main trees’ growth. We would rather have these big two trees grow taller and not have any more growing from the same soil. There is black soil below the circular area from when they were planted but beyond the black soil it is pretty low quality red clay soil. If anybody has any insight as to what happens in a situation like this I would greatly appreciate it. I was also wondering if these can still grow to the 10 or 15 foot mark based on the current soil situation. You people on this site are great and I appreciate all of the feedback I have already gotten on other things.

[Fusca]

1 hour ago, palmofmyhand said:

Hey guys, I just was wondering if anyone knows what exactly will happen from the new chutes growing at the bottom of these two trees. I have heard they would grow into more trees but it is worrying to think they could hinder the other 2 main trees’ growth. We would rather have these big two trees grow taller and not have any more growing from the same soil. There is black soil below the circular area from when they were planted but beyond the black soil it is pretty low quality red clay soil. If anybody has any insight as to what happens in a situation like this I would greatly appreciate it. I was also wondering if these can still grow to the 10 or 15 foot mark based on the current soil situation. You people on this site are great and I appreciate all of the feedback I have already gotten on other things.

Yes they are called "pups" or "suckers" and will continue to grow at a slower pace.  You can trim them off without hurting the bigger palm but it's helpful to treat the cut area with powdered sulfur to prevent infection.  Be careful of the petiole thorns!  I believe they are adaptable to different soil types so they should grow OK even in clay.  I never grew palms when I lived in Georgia but I believe @JLeVert grew them successfully in Augusta.

[SeanK]

Beautiful palms. I have to take exception to your assumption that GA red clay is low quality. It is high in minerals. Unlike FL sand, we don't really need to add fertilizers. Now, some organic mix helps to improve percolation and assist microbes. 

You can feed those Mediterranean Fans and let them sucker naturally. You can also grow (easily) Butia odorata. I think someone actually spotted a Livistona in one of the lower elevation areas of town. 

[Harry’s Palms]

Very healthy looking palm. Harry

[palmofmyhand]

16 hours ago, SeanK said:

Beautiful palms. I have to take exception to your assumption that GA red clay is low quality. It is high in minerals. Unlike FL sand, we don't really need to add fertilizers. Now, some organic mix helps to improve percolation and assist microbes. 

You can feed those Mediterranean Fans and let them sucker naturally. You can also grow (easily) Butia odorata. I think someone actually spotted a Livistona in one of the lower elevation areas of town. 

Well thanks for the input honestly I only heard bad things about the clay soil but I guess that was more for growing different plants like tomato plants instead. Do you think the georgia clay soil is good enough to literally just plant a palm in the clay soil alone without a mix? Also I do so very many pindo palms in the area but I am not the biggest fan of the trunk appearance mainly.

[palmofmyhand]

16 hours ago, SeanK said:

Beautiful palms. I have to take exception to your assumption that GA red clay is low quality. It is high in minerals. Unlike FL sand, we don't really need to add fertilizers. Now, some organic mix helps to improve percolation and assist microbes. 

You can feed those Mediterranean Fans and let them sucker naturally. You can also grow (easily) Butia odorata. I think someone actually spotted a Livistona in one of the lower elevation areas of town. 

also I am pretty surprised if they were able to grow a Livistona considering it is out of the zone, maybe they just use heating during the coldest time of the year to keep it in good shape, you think? Or maybe they just had it in a pot and bring it inside when it is that cold? Personally I don’t think I would attempt to zone push with any palm but I would like to hear more about people who have successfully done it as you know that some of the tropical climate only palms are the most beautiful out there.

[Fusca]

1 hour ago, palmofmyhand said:

Well thanks for the input honestly I only heard bad things about the clay soil but I guess that was more for growing different plants like tomato plants instead. Do you think the georgia clay soil is good enough to literally just plant a palm in the clay soil alone without a mix? Also I do so very many pindo palms in the area but I am not the biggest fan of the trunk appearance mainly.

The issue with clay soil is the lack of drainage which can cause root rot.  Mixing in some compost is helpful.  Many palms are quite tolerant of clay while others suffer so it depends on the species.  I never had issues with Chamaerops humilis in clay for example.  Butia prefer a better draining soil but I had success with them mound planted.  Sandy soils like what they have in Florida drain well but have few nutrients so while they don't need amendments for drainage they need more fertilizer applications and amendments for moisture retention.

[SeanK]

I mix some hardwood mulch in with the red clay to improve percolation and provide organic material. I know guys who only plant on berms.