Fertilizing Palm Trees and Other Tropical Plants |
Fertilizing is an important and often overlooked responsibility when caring for tropical
plants. Every plant and animal has different specific nutritional
needs, and that makes it important that your palm or tropical plant receives the
correct type and amount of nutrients. |
Basic |
Fertilizing your plants can be very easy. First, find a complete time release
plant specfic fertilizer, and follow the instructions on the label.
The problem is quality plant specific fertilizers are hard to find and many
nice time release fertilizers like Osmocote don’t contain all or any micronutrients
required. When you find that quality fertilizer with the below ingredients
you will be on your way to having beautiful tropical plants. |
Types Of Fertilizer |
Water Soluble These fertilizers are often used, and many contain a complete range of micro nutrients, their drawback is that you have to apply them every 1-2 weeks. Soluble Granular These fertilizers are not recommended. Many do not last long and have a possibility of burning, and damaging your plant, along with the enviroment. These fertilizers should never be used in a container. Slow Time Release / Temp. Controlled Fertilizers These are the high tech coated fertilizers that cost more, are long lasting and safe for your palm. Many last 6 months to a year, and stop releasing nutrients when the temperature drops. The problem is that many of these do not contain all of your micronutrients, but if they do, this is your BEST choice. Plantadvice.com has a wonderful line of fertilizers for palms & other tropicals. There is a link available in my links section. Sulfur coated outdoors (lasts 2-3 months), Poly coated in or out (lasts 6 months to over a year depending on the brand) Spikes Some are for containers and some are for outdoors, make sure to read the instructions. As long as the nutrients are all there these are ok. |
My Recommendations |
First always read the entire label, this is the most important step. If everything
is not there and you continue to use the same product (as most are sold
in large quantities or last for long time periods) you will develop a deficiency.
NEVER apply fertilizer to dry soil, this could damage your plant. To much fertilizer can damage your plant, be careful and read the directions. Plants grown in shade require less ferilizer than those grown in full sun light. Use a high quality formula from Plantadvice.com If you live in an area that does freeze and you have tropicals planted in the ground, check out The Cool Tropics (available in my links section) for information on fall fertilizing. This procedure, based on timing, will help make your palms and other tropicals stronger and increase salts in the plant tissue to help make your palm/tropical more cold hardy. During the winter months your plants will not require as much fertilizer. If you are using a temperture controlled fertilizer don’t worry about this, but if you are using a different type cut back during the winter months. Check out my UF link (available in my links section) for more detailed information on palm fertilizing in Florida. |
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Palm Shop / LaBelle, Fl / 239-634-4040 Fax(863-675-6696) /
Sales@ThePalmShop.com Copyright © 2007 The Palm Shop - All Rights Reserved The Palm Shop is a Florida Registered nursery # 47232878 FNGLA certified horticulture professional certification H99 6248 |