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Lynne Foussat, University Of Florida Hillsborough County Master Gardener and Lithia Ridge resident, has been kind enough to submit the following information that was sourced from the University of Florida, Hillsborough County Extension Office.   ® University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). "Care and Maintenance of Landscape Palms in South Florida" Original publication date June 10, 2002. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP119  For more information, contact Lynne at: lynne.foussat@verizon.net or call the University Of Florida Hillsborough County Extension Office or visit the University of Florida’s publication website: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Lithia Ridge Palm Tree Care By Lynne Foussat

Having been asked on several occasions “what's wrong with my palms,” I decided to do a series on nutritional concerns. All of the material I'll be using comes directly from the Electronic Data Information Source of the University of Florida/IFAS. I have included the Web site and publication number so that anyone interested in seeing pictures associated with the topic can do so. 

Nutritional Concerns: Manganese Deficiency  

(Second in a Series) Manganese (Mn) deficiency can be fatal to affected palms. It is common in palms grown in alkaline soils because manganese is insoluble at high pH levels. Certain species commonly used in south Florida landscapes are highly sensitive to manganese deficiencies, including Queen (Syagrus romanzoffiana), Paurotis (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii), and Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelinii). Early symptoms of manganese deficiency (Figures 11-13 ) are diffuse interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) accompanied by interveinal necrotic streaking on newest leaves. In its advanced stage, manganese deficiency manifests in leaves that emerge completely frizzled, withered or scorched, and reduced in size ("frizzletop"). This serious nutritional problem can be avoided or remedied with the use of manganese sulfate, such as TechMangam.

Nutritional Concerns: Iron Deficiency 

(Third in a Series) Iron deficiency is primarily a cosmetic problem. Affected palms usually will survive but will exhibit interveinal or general cholrosis (yellowing) on the newest leaves.  Interveinalchlorosis is characterized by a restriction of green coloration to the veins of the new leaves.  The veins are surrounded by yellow tissue (See Web site Figures 14-15).  In stages of advanced Iron deficiency, new leaves show dead tissue at the tips, and the overall leaf size is reduced.  Iron deficiency is more common in container-grown palms than in landscape palms. In the landscape, it usually appears on palms growing in poorly aerated soils, (or palms planted too deeply.  In alkaline soils, Iron-deficient palms can be treated with FeEDDHA sequestrene 138 or Hampshire chelated fertilizers.  In acidic soils, FeDTP Asequestrene 330 fertilizer can be applied. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Care and Maintenance of Landscape Palms in South Florida.  Original publication date June 10, 2002  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP119

Nutritional Concerns: Nitrogen Deficiency

(Fifth in a Series) Nitrogen (N) deficiency is less of a problem in landscape palms than it is in container-grown palms, however, it does occur in some nitrogen-poor landscape soils. Palms with Nitrogen deficiency exhibit symptomatic uniform chlorosis (yellowing) of older or all leaves and reduced growth rate ( Figure 17 ).Treatment with any fertilizer containing Nitrogen will quickly improve leaf color. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).Care and Maintenance of Landscape Palms in South FloridaOriginal publication date June 10, 2002http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP119

General Palm Fertilizer Recommendations

Of the 17 nutrients that are essential for plant growth, only the six nutrients discussed above typically cause deficiency problems for south Florida landscape palms. Fertilizers for palms should be chosen carefully, with attention to the content of K, Mn, Fe, Mg, N, and B.  In addition to the fertilizer analysis, check the fertilizer label for the form and solubility of nutrients. "Palm Special" fertilizers are available with chelated micronutrients that contain a ratio of N:P:K:Mg of 2:1:3:1 for sandy, nutrient-poor soils. To ensure a steady supply of nutrients, multiple applications are recommended at a rate of 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet of canopy four times per year, or alternatively at one pound per 100 square feet of canopy six times per year.  N, K, and Mg should be in controlled- release form to provide nutrients over a 3-month period. When possible, dry, granular fertilizers should be broadcast under the palm canopy, not up against the trunk and not in bands around the trunk. For more information on palm nutrition, refer to IFAS publication EP-052 Key: K=Potassium, Mn=Manganese, Fe=Iron, Mg=Magnesium, N=Nitrogen, B=Boron, P=Phosphorus