Some palm tree species can tolerate short-term temperatures of -20 degrees, provided there is sufficient winter protection. If the cold period lasts longer, the palm tree may suffer cold damage. These often look worse than they actually are and the plant recovers quickly with a little care.
What to do if the palm tree is frozen?
If a palm tree has frozen, damaged fronds should not be removed initially as they continue to serve as protection from the cold. As soon as the temperatures rise, severely damaged shoots can be cut back close to the trunk and the palm will usually sprout again. If the palm heart is damaged, a fungicide is recommended.
Only the leaves are frozen
These injuries occur when the plant sap freezes in the leaves. The fluid expands and the cell walls burst. This can be seen externally in the so-called glazing. Depending on the extent, dark spots appear on the fronds or they are completely dark green.
As long as no moisture and subsequent fungi penetrate into the growth center of the palm, the plant usually recovers well. Do not cut off the frozen fronds straight away, they continue to serve as protection from the cold for the palm heart.
If the temperatures rise, the only slightly affected fronds contribute to the regeneration of the plant through photosynthesis. Shoots that are completely frozen should now be cut back close to the trunk. Soon the palm will sprout again and after a few weeks the frost damage can only be glimpsed.
The palm heart is damaged
If the fronds are frozen down to the heart, the palm tree is in serious danger. Often it is not even the frost that causes the plant to die. Rather, fungal spores can now penetrate the growth center at this point. These are active even at sub-zero temperatures. The only thing that can help here is a suitable fungicide from a specialist retailer.
Prevention is better than cure
So that the palm tree survives the winter well, it is recommended to carefully wrap the southern beauty:
- Cover the soil around the root ball with a thick layer of mulch.
- Wrap insulating straw mats around the trunk.
- Protect the crown from the cold with a slatted framework, plant fleece and jute.
All of these materials are breathable, preventing moisture from collecting under the winter protection. This effectively prevents the dreaded rot formation.
Tip
Decide in the fall or whether you want the palm tree to overwinter in the open air during the cold season, well packaged, or whether you want to give the plant winter quarters indoors. Palm trees do not like to be moved and react extremely sensitively to frequent changes of location.
