Successfully Growing Palm Trees

Successfully growing palm trees really isn’t that hard if you have the correct information on a particular tree and can then match its optimum growing conditions.

Here you’ll learn what terminology like

•  part sun, part shade
•  acidic or alkaline soil
• drought or salt tolerant
• what the outdoor plant hardiness zones are.  

These are all important information to consider when picking a species for your outdoor location.

Even if your palms are potted or indoors, you’ll need to know what conditions they need to stay happy and healthy.

Note: If you need to diagnose a problem with your tree these articles (all with photos) may help.

Pests has the insects that may be infesting your tree and how to eliminate.

Palm tree fungal or bacterial diseases  need to be addressed in specific manners. Learn how to spot them.

Mineral deficiencies are common in many palms. Learn the signs and how to treat for each.

Growing Zones

Here are a couple of maps showing the various hardiness zones with keys to the temperatures.

If your temp is going to go lower you may need to provide a cover for your trees until the cold snap passes.

Keep in mind that some of the cold hardy varieties don’t do well in spots with higher night time temps.

They need it to cool off in the evenings.

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Soil Types for Growing Palm Trees

There are various soil types. When growing palm trees it helps to know the best soil conditions for that variety.

When you dig the area to plant, if there’s something key missing, you can add it to the area where the tree is to be planted.

A good example would be humus- which is  organic type material that will hold moisture.

Acidic or alkaline soil types all have to do with the pH levels found in that soil. A balanced pH is 7. Used often in water testing. Soils are the same in that an alkaline soil has a higher pH level.

An example is limestone. If soil has this ingredient then it is alkaline. Southern Florida has this type.

Acidic soil is the lower than 7 pH levels. Volcanic type soils are acidic- like those found in Hawaii.

Sandy soil would be classed as any soil type with at least 30% sand or more. Think of the desert palms. These kinds will do better in almost any soil as long as there’s a mix of sand with it.

Serpentine soil has a high concentration of minerals in it like magnesium and iron. Chances are they will also have cobalt and nickel too. These are normally toxic to plants.

Some palms have adapted well to these kinds of growing conditions. So well that if taken out of their natural habitat and planted in regular soil they will die.

No worries these trees are generally found in Cuba and New Caledonia and will not be available to purchase.  

Others have adapted very well. If you do see some originating from either place, they are the more adaptable ones.

Light and Sun

When growing palm trees it’s obvious as to what full sun means. Here’s a guideline to the rest:

• full to part sun (or light shade) is 6 out of 8 hours of direct sunlight.
• part sun to part shade is 4 out of 8 hours
• heavy or deep shade is more than 50%  shade.

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Meeting the light requirements of some that are brought indoors can be a challenge. If you are going to be growing palm trees and don’t have a solarium type room, a bay window, a skylight or a green house, you could supplement the light it needs artificially.

Water and Moisture

If the palm you choose comes from the tropics then chances are it needs higher humidity in the air and will require more regular watering.

Those that are somewhat drought tolerant should still be supplemented with water at least once a week to keep them healthy and green.

There are even a few considered aquatic in nature. They will be water hungry all the time.

Arid, desert palms will require less water to survive and generally won’t do well in high humidity conditions like those in Florida.

Knowing your tree's growing conditions then matching them the best you can, will produce a palm to be proud of.

Click the arrows for more articles on palm tree care.

NOTE :  About Buying Palms

If you are looking to buy palm trees of any kind then I would highly recommend purchasing through the Real Palm Tree Store.

They are a huge nursery based in Florida with connections to many quality growers.

Whether you are ordering from inside the United States, Canada or another part of the world-- ordering one tree for your landscape or many for a commercial project-- I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.

Their customer service is second to none; all products are high quality and backed by a money back 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Make sure to visit real palm trees, ask questions and read the reviews before buying anywhere else.

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Other important sections to consider for growing palm trees:

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Palm Tree Passion > Growing Palm Trees