Plant pests or fungi are not always responsible when a palm tree does not thrive, shows leaf discoloration or is in danger of dying. In most cases, the reason is easily corrected care errors. Once shut down, many palm trees recover.
How can I save my palm tree when it looks bad?
To save a palm tree, first identify the cause: sunburn, lack of water, pests, lack of light or lack of iron. Accustom the palm to sunlight, optimize watering, control pests, move the palm to a brighter location and use fertilizer containing iron.
Brown-yellow spots on the fronds
If you have placed the plant from the dark winter quarters directly into the blazing sun, yellowish or brown colored spots will often appear on the leaves. They are a symptom of sunburn, which unfortunately cannot be reversed.
Prevention
After the hibernation period, carefully acclimate the palm tree to the changed conditions outdoors.
Yellowing and dying off of the fronds
Sucking pests are often responsible for this damage. Other causes can be:
- Water shortage
- watered too much
- too little light
- Iron deficiency.
Remedy
- Combat pests with a suitable product.
- Check your watering habits. Water the palm tree whenever the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry.
- Is there still enough soil in the pot? If the plant only has a little soil left, it can hardly store any water.
- If the palm tree is too dark, move it to a bright place. A place where the sun reaches the fronds for several hours is ideal.
- If iron deficiency is suspected, switch to a fertilizer that contains sufficient quantities of the important trace element.
The foliage dries up
If not only individual leaves turn brown, but many compartments dry out, in most cases you meant too well to the palm and overwatered it. The permanently wet substrate leads to root rot, the plant can no longer absorb water and dries up.
Remedy
To check, unpot the plant and check the root system. He althy roots are crisp and brightly colored. It is best to plant the palm tree in fresh palm soil and water significantly less in the future.
If, on the other hand, the substrate is bone dry, a lack of water is the cause. In this case, water more often and whenever the soil feels dry. Wait until water comes out of the root ball. However, be sure to dump the excess moisture away, otherwise there is a risk of root rot.
Tip
As long as the palm tree still has at least one strong green frond and the palm heart is not affected, there is hope that the plant will recover with good care. Be patient with your Mediterranean roommate, she will recover quickly and reward your efforts with he althy growth.