Royals and Hurricanes, could they recover?

[GhostCoast]

Hi All, 

 

South West Florida, Manatee County, we got hit by back to back hurricanes last summer and our royals took a pounding, each plant was left with 2-3 fronds , the rest having broken off due to the high winds.  
 

Our one seems to be recovering well but our other?  I’m not too sure, it finally sprouted a new frond that opened up but it was lime green and not that dark green the other fronds have.    Is this normal after hurricanes or do I need to give this palm additional fertilizer?   

[Harry’s Palms]

I am not from your area and I only have one Roystonia in my collection. My experience with palms that are damaged from weather or wind events is that it takes time , sometimes several months or a year to fully recover. From what I can see , they look like they are recovering . You may try some organic fertilizer if your temps are above 65 f during the day , if not wait until Spring. It is not uncommon for the first few fronds to be less than full but new growth is a good sign. Harry

[Moose]

Sul-Po-Mag wouldn't hurt her. 😉

[sonoranfans]

Yeah they will be fine, mine look similar but have pushed a spear since MIlton and I am probably 5-10 miles west of you.  Both of mine lost all but one damaged leaf and a spear.  They are growing out slowly one spear opened each.  Sul po mag or better florikan palm special 8-2-12 from big earth supply in palmetto.  RIght now is a good time to put down fertilizer on established palms here, we are 60-67 overnight and 77-80 in the daytime high.  Dont forget to make sure the irrigation system is delivering water to them, this is a dry time of year till june.

[sonoranfans]

here is one of mine just after milton

[PalmatierMeg]

Royal palms evolved to face hurricanes. Mine looked like @sonoranfans royals, i.e., giant pencils but all recovered although 2-1/2 years later none have set seeds. Ian's reach went far. Sad to say I am still losing trunking palms from Ian's wrath so 1 year loss is not always accurate. Of course, Debbie, Idalia, Helene and Milton tossed in their 2 bits in 2024.