Like all plants, palm trees need regular watering in order to thrive well and vigorously. With these plants it can be fatal to distribute the water aimlessly as the mood takes you. They are guaranteed to be too dry for a few days and much too wet after watering. The sensitive palm trees would quickly resent this treatment and wither away.
How should you water a palm tree correctly?
To water a palm tree properly, you should check the moisture of the substrate daily. If the soil is dry, water generously with low-lime water until it emerges from the drainage hole. Remove excess water after a few minutes and water less frequently in winter.
Water requirements
This depends on the natural habitat of the palm trees. While those specimens that thrive in tropical jungles require quite a lot of water, palm gardens growing in dry areas make do with less liquid. However, all palm trees have one thing in common: the root ball should never dry out completely. Furthermore, they react extremely sensitively to waterlogging.
Watering during the growing season
This lasts from about April to October. The water requirement is higher during this time than during winter rest. Pour as follows:
- Do a daily thumb test
- If the top five centimeters of the substrate feel moist, there is no need to water yet.
The earth is dry? Then you should grab a watering can:
- Always use low-lime water. Boiled, filtered or tap water that has been left overnight is suitable.
- Pour thoroughly until liquid comes out of the drain hole.
- Tip away the excess moisture after a few minutes.
Permanently wet feet can cause root rot. The root system can then no longer absorb water and the palm tree dries up, even though it has been watered sufficiently.
Watering in winter
In the cold season, the water requirement depends on the location of the plant. But even palm trees that are kept in a warm room need to be watered less often. Here, too, you'll do well with a thumb test, because the root ball shouldn't dry out completely, even in winter.
Tip
You can dive in palm trees that are not too big. Place the planter with the root ball in a bucket. It should contain enough water to completely submerge the pot. If no more air bubbles appear, remove the palm. Before putting it back in its original place, let it drain for a few minutes.
