COMMON PROBLEMS OF LANDSCAPE PALMS

*** Hurricane Recovery Information ***

Manganese deficiency (frizzle top):

Manganese (Mn) deficiency is most common in queen, royal and roebelenii palms, though it can occur in many other palms. It manifests itself as deformed growth on the emerging fronds. The new growth will appear stunted, crinkled and curled at the tips. Mn deficiencies are more common in the western part of the county, but can show up anywhere. If left untreated, the palm will eventually die. If caught soon enough, a Mn deficiency can be corrected. Once the palm has recovered, our semi-annual maintenance program will assure that the palm does not regress and become deficient again.

Palms before treatment and again approximately one year after initial treatment. Note the older, lower growth that is still frizzled. Remember that the treatment does not affect existing fronds.
Queen palm with Manganese (Mn) deficiency	One year after first treatment
Queen palm with Manganese (Mn) deficiency	One year after first treatment. Note bottom fronds that are still frizzled. Treatment only affects new growth.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency:

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is common in many palms and sometimes shows up along with Mn deficiency (frizzle top). Mg deficiency is not as serious a problem as Mn deficiency, though it still should not be left untreated. Mg deficiency appears as a premature yellowing of the fronds, especially the new fronds. It is normal in some palms to have the lower growth to discolor slightly. This is a sign that the palms need to be trimmed.

Ganoderma butt rot:

Ganoderma butt rot is caused by the fungus Ganoderma zonatum. This organism causes a gradual decline in palms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Ganoderma. It is most commonly a result of an injury to the trunk of the palm. After a palm is injured, the Ganoderma fungus gets inside the palm and slowly kills the palm. A palm affected with Ganoderma will slowly decline over a period of time. The fronds will be droopy and will eventually hang limp. Eventually, usually two to three years after infection, an orange or white mushroom-like growth will appear usually at the base of the palm. Ganoderma can occur in any palm, but it is most commonly seen on areca and queen palms.

Queen palm with ganoderma butt rot Fronds drooping and limp	Queen palm with ganoderma butt rot
Ganoderma "conch" on Queen palm	Ganoderma "conch" on Queen palm

Decline due to depth of planting:

Palms are very sensitive to the depth at which they are planted. Planting as little as two to three inches too deeply can result in a slow decline of the palm. If left uncorrected, the palm will eventually die. It is usually a very slow process, sometimes taking 2-3 years before the palm dies. When palms are planted too deeply, the root system stays too wet. This usually leads to a fungal rot in the root ball. The palm will appear sparse and thin on top. Mulching too deeply can also cause this decline.

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