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Filifera Problems

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8 hours ago8 hr

I have been attempting to grow Washingtonia Filifera in my area for a number of years. There are several mature healthy specimens in my area that survived the great freeze of 2021. I have had success each year germinating and raising young seedlings. However, each time I attempt to Plant them in ground they die off. I have planted Robusta, Sabals, and Pindo with no issue, only the Filifera die slowly. I currently have a healthy batch of Filifera grown from seed that are now nearly 10 months old. The potted trees are thriving. The one specimen that in put in ground is struggling. Stunted and discolored new fronds. I will include photos of the healthy potted and the struggling in ground tree. My hypothesis is overwatering in our clay soil. I have been watering regularly at the same interval and volume as with the potted Filifera and Sabals. I am worried that i may be creating a water pool rotting the roots in the clay soil beneath the tree. For now, I will cut back watering, but any input or advice is appreciated.

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7 hours ago7 hr

Did you amend the soil for drainage? I always add compost and expanded shale. If its a plant that I know that needs good drainage I add in a extra expanded shale and mound plant them, raising them up a few inches.

I have two W filifera var. filifera planted in clay here in Houston with no issues. They're growing like weeds, I'm surprised at how fast they are, and they do love water.

Did you tease out the roots or anything like that when you planted?

Have you tried planting them in different areas?

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6 hours ago6 hr

Author

I oversized the hole quite a bit and amended below and around. I have tried different spots. And some of the failed spots have other varieties thriving now. I did not tease the roots at all, generally I try not to disturb the roots if possible.