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water and soil questions for my windmill and mexican fan palm

16 years ago

on the windmill the fronds are turning a little yellowish color but is sprouting new healthy green ones.I water about 2 to 3 times a day.on a couple of my palms the water drains quickly and the others it sits there for a few minutes.I have a little terrace built around them.The soil is very very sandy and dries up quickly in the New Mexico sun.What would you do in my situation and where can I find some products to keep them healthy,right now they all look very healthy except for the windmill, also on my 15 gallon Mexican palm I have,the lowest weeping frond is turing a brown color like the trunk,and the frond is breaking in half or splitting,I think because its been windy for alot of days but otherwise the plant is healthy, does this sound alright.

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Comments (7)

blondboy47
16 years ago
I kinda answered your other post, but this one for the same info has more info from you.

You may have just resolved the problem with yellowing.

TOO MUCH WATER!

Watering 2 to 3 times a day is WAYYYYY too much.

MAYBE... and I am going on my own experience here, 2 to 3 times a week, give a good deep watering.

You mention the soil is very sandy. While the palms do like sand to a point, I'm wondering if there's too much sand.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to dig them back up and amend the soil a bit with some small wood chips, composte, top soil and vermiculite. I have found that the palms seem to like this type of soil.

They don't like to be wet all the time (caused yellowing and can cause weakness then death), but they also don't like to be dry all the time either.... and less so before they are established.

Just some thoughts there. ):)
topher2006
16 years ago
Yep i agree too much water..
I amend my sand with miracle grow
palm and cactus soil available at your local home depot.
by the way throw those palm trees a life preserver !
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wineandlobos
Original Author
16 years ago
thanks for all the info, now on the mexian fan palm,are the fronds slpitting or breaking off its tittle stem because the wind is damaging it,my 15 gallon is getting torn up,but my 5 gallon is perfect,the fronds on the 15 gal.are alot softer than the 5 gal.If there is anyway for me to post a pic let me know thanks.
topher2006
16 years ago
I think it's all do to overwatering
my 10 gallon is in wind and it never splits

to post a pic just go to photobucket open an account and upload your photos then use http tag line under your pic
southern_il_boy
16 years ago
Reguarding your Mexican Fan Palm. I'd say the lower frond turning brown is just a normal part of the trees growth. The fronds turn brown, lower to the side of the truck and form a skirt that some find attractive. I personally don't. If you have to bring the tree into your home in winter those skirts are a great place for bugs to hide.
wineandlobos
Original Author
16 years ago
I posted some pics of my mexican fan palm with the fronds splitting,look at it and tell me if you've seen this before and is it alright,its sprouting 2 new fronds.I dont know how to post the html or whatever but just go to Photobucket.com and under search type in jaredtorre and view the album.
garland67
16 years ago
I have a mecican fan palm and it is normal for the lower palm frawns to get brown. I cut them when they look bad. Just as long as you have new growth comming from the middle, you should be fine!

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