Identify palm in Florida

[BobFL]

This is a similar question to my previous post, but about a different tree. As before, zone 9 central Florida, landscaper planted this triple-trunk palm in 2022. This tree has smooth trunks, perhaps like Roystonea regia. Today, it is 9' tall and 7' wide. The leaves are 2" wide. The trunk is roughly 4" diameter. Some fronds look very unhealthy, but that could be seasonal die-off.

Can you help me identify this tree?

Is the leaf discoloration a serious sign, or simply seasonal?

This tree is planted 5' from the corner of the house. Is that a concern?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

 

[idontknowhatnametuse]

Adonidia merrillii

[Johnny Palmseed]

The die off of the oldest is normal. Although it looks like they might have a bit of a potassium deficiency. Are you watering and fertilizing your palms? They will appreciate it if you do.

[NC_Palms]

  On 2/5/2025 at 7:12 PM, idontknowhatnametuse said:

Adonidia merrillii

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This 

[Merlyn]

@BobFL Adonidia aka Christmas Palm are not very cold hardy, taking significant damage near freezing or with frost.  The brown fronds look like cold damage, though I would agree the spotty areas might be potassium deficiency.  With it warming up a good palm type fertilizer is a good idea.

[BobFL]

Thank you all!!! 

I will get some palm fertilizer and use it ASAP. I read a rule of thumb 1/4 lb per foot of height, 4X per year.

The landscapers had been fertilizing the lawn and trees at the same time with the same stuff. That can't be right, but I guess some is better than none. 

We haven't had frost here this winter but we did 15 months ago.

I just read a few publications on Adonidia merrillii. They warn "high susceptibility to lethal yellowing" and "In 2012, the disease was observed in Indian River County." (my residence)  I wonder if that's what is causing the discolored leaves. I also read about Oxytetracycline injections 4X per year being a possible mitigation and the risk that the injection might damage the tree or enable other infections. This doesn't sound good.

[TropicsEnjoyer]

Maybe, but I think they’re super common palms. Don’t waste extra money on prevention for what some consider a weed. It’s like going to a sports car mechanic for a toyota camry 😂 if that makes sense. If it dies i’m sure there are plenty of other replacements. Especially considering it’s not very hardy.

[aabell]

  On 2/6/2025 at 2:06 AM, BobFL said:

Thank you all!!! 

I will get some palm fertilizer and use it ASAP. I read a rule of thumb 1/4 lb per foot of height, 4X per year.

The landscapers had been fertilizing the lawn and trees at the same time with the same stuff. That can't be right, but I guess some is better than none. 

We haven't had frost here this winter but we did 15 months ago.

I just read a few publications on Adonidia merrillii. They warn "high susceptibility to lethal yellowing" and "In 2012, the disease was observed in Indian River County." (my residence)  I wonder if that's what is causing the discolored leaves. I also read about Oxytetracycline injections 4X per year being a possible mitigation and the risk that the injection might damage the tree or enable other infections. This doesn't sound good.

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No, the yellowing and spots is almost certainly from last month's cold spell. Even without frost, Adonidia can show damage with any extended cool temps below 60F. 

[BobFL]

That's better than I feared. I'll continue with the plan to fertilize and forget about lethal yellowing.

Is it wise to prune off those damaged fronds back to the trunk or should I let them fall off naturally?

As you say, this isn't a precious rarity, just a common tree, but I like it. I found a website that talks about prepping a young palm for anticipated cold weather with extra mulch, warm watering, and burlap wrap. I'll keep that in mind for the future.

Thank you.

[STLOUISPALMGUY]

  On 2/5/2025 at 6:11 PM, BobFL said:

This is a similar question to my previous post, but about a different tree. As before, zone 9 central Florida, landscaper planted this triple-trunk palm in 2022. This tree has smooth trunks, perhaps like Roystonea regia. Today, it is 9' tall and 7' wide. The leaves are 2" wide. The trunk is roughly 4" diameter. Some fronds look very unhealthy, but that could be seasonal die-off.

Can you help me identify this tree?

Is the leaf discoloration a serious sign, or simply seasonal?

This tree is planted 5' from the corner of the house. Is that a concern?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

 

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It’s Adonidia merrillii or Christmas Palm. The leaf discoloration is not a problem as long as the newer leaves look relatively good. It actually looks very healthy.