A Guide To Palm Tree Fertilizers
People love planting palm trees outdoors because they elevate the curb appeal of the home. Many add palm trees indoors as well to introduce greenery. They can give a luxurious feel to the home design. However, you must keep in mind that growing palm trees is not as easy as other trees. You will have to put a lot of time and effort into growing them. One of the most crucial tasks is fertilizing the plants properly. Proper fertilization will ensure that your plants appear healthy and green. If you fail to add the right amount of palm tree fertilizer timely, the plants will not survive.
Palm trees
Palm trees generally grow in warm and humid climates. They can easily grow on various types of soils as well like fertile neutral, calcareous, or slightly acidic soil. Moreover, these plants have amazing cold resistance. Poor air quality does not have a huge impact on them either. However, you will have to take very good care of them initially after planting as they grow very slowly and stay vulnerable during that time.
The palm is planted in a shade and stays inside the ground for around 3 to 5 years before it starts to grow out of the soil surface. The palm-shaped and wrinkled leaves will form in another 3 to 4 years. It can take more than eight years for a plant to start production. At this stage, the plant is no more than 1.3 to 1.5m long. This is when the palm tree is placed without shade. In its initial stage outside the shade, the plant depends on the photosynthetic products stored in the previous period.
Palm tree fertilizers
Besides sunshine for photosynthesis, your palm trees will require palm tree fertilizers to get all the nutrients. All plants require fertilizers so that they can get nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other essential micronutrients to grow, and palm trees are no exception. However, those are not the only nutrients palm trees require. This is why you will have to get special palm tree fertilizers that will provide them the essential nutrients like:
- Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is required by the leaves of palm tree leaves to perform photosynthesis. If the plant does not receive sufficient magnesium, the leaves will eventually turn yellow. This will hamper the photosynthesis process.
- Manganese (Mn): The chloroplasts require manganese. It facilitates the photosynthesis process and ensures that energy is supplied to all the parts of the plant. A deficiency in manganese can turn the leaves yellow and make them wither. The new leaves get affected the most.
- Iron (Fe): Iron is very essential for palm trees. Besides facilitating the photosynthesis process, it helps in respiration and nitrogen fixation.
Types of palm tree fertilizer
There are different types of palm tree fertilizers available in the market to ensure there is something for every gardener. While some are designed to improve the health of an ailing plant, others are meant for boosting growth over a period of time by providing all the basic nutrients. You also get to choose between fertilizers that have an immediate impact and a slow-burn effect. Slow-burn fertilizers are preferred in many cases because they continue to provide nutrients even when others have been absorbed or already washed away. Irrespective of the type of gardener you are, these are the type of palm tree fertilizers you can get for your garden:
Palm tree fertilizer spikes
Experts suggest using slow-release spikes when growing palm trees outdoors. They will reduce your effort because this type of fertilizer slowly releases nutrients for the plant over a period of time. Hence, you do not have to worry about giving a very large dosage to the plant that it may not be able to handle. As a result, the risks of run-off and root burn are eliminated. Most people love this type because of its convenience. You only have to push the spike into the soil and the rest will take care of itself.
You do not have to water as well since the nutrients are gradually released by microorganisms that live in the soil. They proved to be most beneficial in places that receive significant rainfall every year. Further, palm tree fertilizer spikes will improve the immune system of the plant against various diseases and pests.
Granular fertilizer
If you are looking for a slow-release fertilizer, this is a great option as well. You get more control over the feeding process with this palm tree fertilizer. For instance, the quantity and frequency will differ when you fertilize your indoor potted palm trees. If you have indoor and outdoor palm trees, granular feeds can be used for both. If the fertilizer is heavily concentrated, your palm trees can get nutrients for up to three months.
Powdered fertilizer
If you are looking for an economical option, powdered fertilizers will be the best option for you. Depending on your preferences, you can either dilute it in water or apply it directly into the soil around your plant’s base. However, it is not considered the best option for indoor or outdoor palm trees. It can get washed away when watered. Also, there are chances of root burn.
Liquid fertilizer
Choosing a liquid fertilizer can help you to save a lot of time and water. For added convenience, look for an option that can be used for the rest of your garden. Experts often prefer this type because the nutrients reach the root system very fast. Moreover, it helps in keeping the soil pH levels balanced. However, liquid fertilizers are designed for palm trees and not considered apt for flower-bearing plants.
We Know our Palm Trees
If you love gorgeous palm trees and want to keep them healthy, contact Oasis Palms today! We have years of experience and have successfully established ourselves as one of the top service providers in the country.We know the best foliage to add to your central or south Florida home. Pick your favorite famous palm tree and have our team help with maintenance. Contact us at (813) 370-1135 today!