Washingtonia Filifera leaf yellowing problem

[MarcusH]

We had some winter like weather the last few weeks in the San Antonio area with temperatures ranging from 35f to low 80s with a good amount of rain ( light rain to drizzle) .  

Even after a few days of rain the soil seem to be just dry . I used my moisture meter to check the soil and I was surprised to see my soil was dry . Pulled out the stick , no dirt on the stick. I also cut down on watering my palms a lot . Last time I deep watered my palms were about 10 days ago.  Two of my larger Filiferas ( trunk size about a foot)  start showing yellowing, especially on one.  I know the process of old fronds dying etc.  but this came right after some cold mornings ( mid to upper 30s) and some rainy days but then again the soil is still dry.  I have loamy soil.  We've been in a severe drought for years already.  Seems to be that the soil is far from being saturated even after it rains.  I'll send some pictures to identify the problem.  

My Robusta and Butia Odorata look unchanged by the way.  No coloration or anything.  

[Las Palmas Norte]

Need some rain? I'd be willing to share since we're getting more than we really need.

 

[MarcusH]

2 hours ago, Las Palmas Norte said:

Need some rain? I'd be willing to share since we're getting more than we really need.

 

I lived in Germany most of my life.  Fall and winters are very wet with weeks of rain.  Not as bad as the PNW but not far from it either.  

Now living in Texas for 3 years I can tell you I'd rather take your weather and beautiful landscape than 8 months of hot weather where every day is the same hot and sunny .

Anyway , the droughts we have take a toll on lots of our vegetation.  It only gets worse from here and there's no relief in sight. Rivers and lakes are drying up especially here in Central Texas,  we are doomed.  

One of my theory with the yellowing is that it was cool and wet for about a week and that probably led to leaf yellowing . Just an assumption but I'd like to hear more opinions. 

[NMPalmjunky]

@MarcusH you could always move back to NM!

[Fusca]

@MarcusH, my filifera is about the same size as yours and the same thing happened to mine earlier in the year.  It's currently working on its root system and it needs water at this stage - more than you would think considering it's a desert palm.  It'll be fine though as long as it gets some water.  One thing to consider during drought is that the soil will harden off and most of the water from rain or hand irrigation will run off and only the top of the soil gets moistened.  I am getting more rain here than in SA but I still sometimes use a bucket with a small hole drilled at the bottom as a "drip irrigation system" to reduce the runoff and make sure the palm gets deep watering.

[ChrisA]

@MarcusH to be fair, the drizzle we’ve been having hasn’t amounted to much. I measured just 0.15 inches in the last 4 days or so. Given this interminable drought and warmer than normal temps everything remains parched. Only thing growing now are the winter weeds, the drizzle is perfect for them. 
 

There really doesn’t seem to be an end to drought conditions for us. I hope that changes but it’s been years now and continues to get worse. At the rate houses are being built in Central TX I would not expect to see the lakes be viable going forward. Real glad I didn’t buy a lake house. I looked around Medina when I was moving, beautiful area, but no lake! 😂 

 

I think your filifera will be fine. 

[Mazat]

MarcusH: yes, that's probably because the soil is too dry.

here, too, it sometimes rains more than enough and for several days in a row.

that's a big problem with the soil drying out in many areas.

An acquaintance of mine lived near Amazonas and Manaus for a few years for a project and they had far too little rain (2016-2020), sometimes only just over half/year the long-term average.

really hope it gets better ...

[jwitt]

I think the combination of drought and colder temperatures put your filifera into a hibernation state. Exactly what you want heading into winter. 

I cut my water off to my 18 month seeded in place seedlings for this very reason.  I stopped watering the first week of October.  It was still literally 100f at the beginning of October. 

Fast forward 2 months, you see the brown dieback, but seedlings are now "dormant". -12/6/24

[Harry’s Palms]

The color looks good on the new growth so l think the palm is ok. If you want the fyy try mods to stay green longer you will have to give it more water. I have seen naturalized Washingtonians around here during our dry Fall and pre Winter look much the same. The ones in cultivation look better with more water. Harry

[Las Palmas Norte]

19 hours ago, MarcusH said:

I lived in Germany most of my life.  Fall and winters are very wet with weeks of rain.  Not as bad as the PNW but not far from it either.  

Now living in Texas for 3 years I can tell you I'd rather take your weather and beautiful landscape than 8 months of hot weather where every day is the same hot and sunny .

Anyway , the droughts we have take a toll on lots of our vegetation.  It only gets worse from here and there's no relief in sight. Rivers and lakes are drying up especially here in Central Texas,  we are doomed.  

One of my theory with the yellowing is that it was cool and wet for about a week and that probably led to leaf yellowing . Just an assumption but I'd like to hear more opinions. 

Well, a complete 180 from yesterday. I think those palms will be fine.