Unlike many other garden and house plants, palm trees do not need to be trimmed regularly; on the contrary, this can even harm them. So just let your phoenix palm grow as the plant likes.
How do I prune a phoenix palm correctly?
The phoenix palm does not require regular pruning. Only cut off completely dry fronds close to the trunk (3-5 cm apart). Allow the fronds to dry completely beforehand so that the palm tree can absorb all the nutrients. Never cut the top of the palm tree, otherwise new fronds will not appear.
If you cut off the spines at the bottom of the trunk of your phoenix palm, they will no longer grow back. However, the palm tree does not die and continues to grow normally.
It's different if you simply shorten your palm tree. Then it can no longer grow or form new fronds. That would be a shame, because the phoenix palm will grow into a magnificent crown over time.
The right cut for the phoenix palm
The fact that the phoenix palm does not require pruning makes it a very easy-care plant. If a frond becomes wilted, leave it on the palm tree until it is completely dry. This gives the palm tree time to extract the last remaining nutrients from the leaves as they become drier. Then cut the frond close to the trunk, about 3 to 5 cm apart.
Caring for the Phoenix Palm
To prevent your phoenix palm from getting brown leaves in the first place, ensure there is enough light and water. Too much or too little watering easily leads to discoloration of the leaves, as does too much fertilizer. This also makes them more susceptible to diseases or pests. The phoenix palm usually tolerates a few days without water, for example when you go on a short vacation.
The most important things in brief:
- only cut off wilted fronds
- Let the fronds dry completely before cutting
- no regular cut
- never shorten the top, then no new fronds can form there
Tip
Only cut off completely dry fronds from your phoenix palm. As long as the fronds are still a little green, your palm tree can still extract nutrients.
