Palms are one of the most rugged and low-maintenance trees you can own. If you plant them in preferred conditions. You do not have to be some sort of master gardener to properly grow and maintain palm trees. It's the perfect tree for the novice or black thumb gardener who feels they kill everything they touch.  With a little care, your palms will be there for many years to continue gracing your outdoor spaces with a touch of the tropics. We have outlined some basic tips on palm tree care and keeping it lush and attractive as part of your plant community.

Basic Water Requirements:

Once established, most palms are drought-tolerant, their water requirement isn't that great and they tolerate periods of low to no water. However, most palms also put on their best growth when given regular watering, although most won't tolerate soils that are constantly soggy. 

Watering Newly Planted Palms

The newly planted palm trees have the highest water requirement. Immediately after planting, irrigate the planting site, and soak the root ball of the palm. Depending on your local weather, deep irrigations should be continued three to four times a week for the first few weeks and sometimes daily if conditions turn extra hot and dry. This frequent watering helps the immature root system remain moist while it begins establishing itself in the new site. Deep watering is preferable since the root system will grow deeper rather than shallow, as happens when light watering is made. This leads to a sturdier palm fixed into the landscape.

Irrigation through the First Year of Growth

Within three to four months, the palm tree is pretty well established in the new planting site. At one year, the palm tree has a fully developed root ball. You can then reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on your local weather, after the first three to four weeks. In this stage of the palm's life, consistent irrigation allows it to grow to its best ability while it is still growing its root system and strengthening. Don't worry if you forget to water one time; palms are pretty forgiving, and here's where the drought tolerance steps in.

Watering Mature Palms

After a year, the palm tree is properly planted. Since most of the species are drought-tolerant, their watering needs are reduced. However, like most plants and trees, the palm will put out its best and healthiest growth with regular watering of water. Once it's established, you can cut back regular watering to once weekly. During rainy conditions, you can stop watering. On the other hand, if it's extremely hot and dry outside, an additional dose of deep water won't hurt the palm tree. Read more about the Best Tips to Look After Your Plants in the Summer Heat.

Again, this goes back to the drought tolerance of the specific palm in question and why it is best to know what your particular palm tree prefers. Most drought-tolerant palm trees do quite well with whatever moisture mother nature delivers. However, regular water produces the best and fastest-growing palm trees. During the winter months, palm trees are dormant and use less water than in the growing season; you can cut back on regular applications to once every three to four weeks. Read more about the Best Tips to Look After Your Plants in the Summer Heat.

Common Problems: How to Grow Palm Trees:

Here are some most common problems:

Yellow Leaves:

Our small friends of the plant kingdom seem sick if their leaves turn yellow. Their yellowing could be due to some reasons. Maybe they have too much water, or their potting mix is not draining well. Let us not eliminate the deficiencies in vitamins that are making our leaves dull. It's time to take care of your plants and find out what is wrong.

Watering Tips and Soil Amendments:

Brown tips can occur in many ways. This could be because of potassium deficiency, lack of water, fertilizer burn, or root rot. Monitor for these issues and correct them. Diagnose the problem from the root to avoid damage.

Falling Leaves:

Some leaves do fall off naturally, but if you notice a lot of leaf loss,  there may be something wrong with the plant, and it could be suffering from an illness or not properly taken care of. Review your care procedures and make changes accordingly. Read more about How to Care Palm Tree - Complete Guide.

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms? 

We are licensed to operate a full-scale nursery featuring an expansive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest selection of houseplants. If you want to amp up your curb appeal or transform your porch to the classiest version, then let Eureka Farms guide you. From topiary trees and hedges to everything in between, we got you covered. You can trust us to handle packing the shipment with utmost care across the country, and your plants will reach you as fresh as possible. If you are looking for ideas on how to improve air quality, boost moods, and add a touch of natural beauty to your work-from-home office space, these easy-care indoor plants will help. Happy Planting!