Palms for Hot Places: Introduction


Palms are generally tough plants. With the meristem (growing point) buried in the rosette of large leaves, it is protected from minor frosts. Even when the outer leaves may get damaged, spring will force out new leaves and even with one new set the palm will look normal again. Most require only moderate water, no more than most plants commonly used in our landscapes. An occasional feeding with a general purpose fertilizer and some iron and magnesium will keep them in optimum health. Palms will get deficient in magnesium or iron and yellow out (frizzing in bad deficiencies) if not fed occasionally. There are "palm fertilizers" with magnesium in them that can make your life a little easier. Some palms will need protection from our hot sun and dry wind. Many however are happiest in full hot sun, and take the wind just fine.

Pruning may be necessary for those who do not like the look of the older brown leaves skirting the new ones. Some palms are very thorny and care should be taken to remove them. Prune close to the trunk. There are companies that will come to your home and trim them for you though getting help is only necessary if you have a very tall specimen and it gets dangerous to prune.

Palms rarely get diseased or infested with injurious critters in Arizona. When it happens, almost always the probems are caused by neglect (not feeding or watering correctly). Bud rot (Phytophtora palmivora) looks like yellowing at first, then the new fronds will collapse, eventually killing the whole tree. Usually this happens to poorly watered palms-when the rainy seasons hit, moisture collects in the top of the palm, and the fungus (which is soil borne) starts to kill the plant. Keep the top dry, and the plant itself properly watered, and this will probably not be a problem for you. Texas root rot will kill any palm, even if properly cared for, as is true for many plants exposed to this destructive soil fungus.

The palm budworms (Litoprosopus coachella) feeds on the flowers of palms. This can sometimes introduce bud rot, though most often not. It is a problem if you are hoping to get seeds from your tree for propogation.

Being tall and sticking out, as many palms do, can leave you especially susceptible to lightning damage. There is not much you can do to prevent this except

The copyright of the article Palms for Hot Places: Introduction in Arid-Climate Plants is owned by Jared R. Shortman. Permission to republish Palms for Hot Places: Introduction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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