Yea I put him in the ground and the decline stopped thanks I found a good sunny spot I was trying to wait for this cold snap to go away. We are supposed to have another cold snap here this week but these are pretty hardy. I have a coconut and a Christmas palm in my yard and they do wonderful I need to protect them probably 2 times a year. Thank you both for your advice I followed it and the issue is corrected.

It could be a filifera, sometimes I've seen robustas with trunks like that when they are growing slowly so I wouldn't completely rule that out either (could always be a hybrid between the 2). Filiferas are definitely better for your climate, they would probably do very well in a 7a in the Desert SW. -Alex

How big is the Washy? If its small,be careful about anything you spray into the spear area as it can fester and going into winter is a bad time for that. It may be best to leave it,the fluctuating temps in the protection and constant moisture may wear the bugs out,if there are any.

Those do grow fast! And I wouldn't worry about the cats having bothered them. These plants are very resilient. I'm constantly battling volunteer seedlings in my yard. The birds drop their seeds everywhere, and all all times of the year I'll find new seedling popping up out of every possible nook and cranny, among my flower beds, in my vegetable garden, and right up against the foundation of our house. I usually let them get to a certain size and then harvest the "palm hearts" for eating :) They taste just like asparagus and are so crunchy! Good luck!