Wodyetia planted high

[James B]

After losing another foxtail I planted earlier this year I decided to plant a new Wodyetia about 3-4” above the soil line. The previous one I planted a bit below soil line and after noticing for 4 months the spear was frozen and the open leaves died back I inspected and it broke off at the base. I concluded it was getting too much water and some rot occurred. So I put down about 2” of grow mulch above the soil then added another 2” of stone. I’ve read that palms will sink into the soil in the months after planted is that accurate? 

[Merlyn]

@James B I have seen a couple of palms sink not too long after planting.  I attributed it to just being in sandy soil that wasn't compacted.  There are a few palms that pull themselves down into the ground.  I think Copernicia and Corypha do, and maybe some others.

Either way, your plan seems reasonable to me!  Slightly too high can reduce growth rate, but slightly too low can mean trunk rot.  If rot is a risk with your soil, too high is always safer!

[happypalms]

They do like dry feet. They come from granite rock country and the best ones I have seen in my garden are in with huge rocks making up part of there landscape and in between sandstone pockets. They love heat and sunshine. If your palm is planted correctly it shouldn’t have any reason to sink. They will sulk after planting but come good in a season once they get up and going. Good luck with your new palm. 

[peachy]

Foxtails are a very common garden plant where I live so I only have two here due to lack of space. (one was actually purchased as fishtail species or I would only have one planted)  Planting them when they are large like the one in your photo, always gave me problems but putting in the ground when they are only 30 cm high were problem free. They grow so quickly here that planting them small they are soon the size of yours and settle in without any drama. I found that after a couple of years I have to add more soil as the roots seem to push them upwards. Of course these are just my personal observations that may or may not be helpful.

Peachy

[Harry’s Palms]

I have lost these- in the past . Most of the folks I know in my area that have them plant more than one for this reason. I have two small ones now that are growing slowly but look happy. The ones that make it look great for the most part , but it is hit and miss. Good luck , that is a beauty . I had one for over 8 years that was very nice with about 6’ of trunk below the crown and then , one year , started not looking happy . I tried everything and after a few years of a sick palm in front of my house , I cut it down. Harry

[James B]

14 hours ago, happypalms said:

They do like dry feet. They come from granite rock country and the best ones I have seen in my garden are in with huge rocks making up part of there landscape and in between sandstone pockets. They love heat and sunshine. If your palm is planted correctly it shouldn’t have any reason to sink. They will sulk after planting but come good in a season once they get up and going. Good luck with your new palm. 

Awesome. My soil here is mostly granite rock as I’m am at 2100ft elevation on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. My newly planted opened a new spear yesterday so it seems happy. 

[happypalms]

4 minutes ago, James B said:

Awesome. My soil here is mostly granite rock as I’m am at 2100ft elevation on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. My newly planted opened a new spear yesterday so it seems happy. 

Sounds like your on the growing situation sorted well. It  will grow well for you once it’s tucked in. Foxtail palms are everywhere you look in my home town the council use them as street trees to good affect!