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Palm probs

JamieBJamieB Posts: 26
edited May 2022 in Plants
Hi all, I’m down in the south west and I’m having problems with my palm. It’s a multi stemmed palm (Cordyline australis?) and the top of the stems seem to be going black and the leaves turn yellow and drop. I’m looking to move the plant as part of a garden overhaul but it’s not worth it if it’s a goner. Any idea how to remedy? Cheers Jamie 

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Cordyline's always look their worst after Winter, with the lower leaves either being dead or half-dead. Normally you just cut those off, leaving the fresh new growth.

    They are really tough plants, so I'd be surprised if yours couldn't be saved, however it will probably be very tough to dig out its rootball. If you decide to move it, prepare your new planting hole first. Water the plant very well 24 hours before moving, and try to dig out as much root ball as possible. Keep regularly watered during dry/hot spells during its first Summer.

    Personally I don't like Cordyline's at all. There are much more handsome palms that are hardy and easy to grow, especially if you live in the South (such as the Chusan Palm). There are also other plants with palm-like tropical foliage (Fatsia Japonica, Tetrapanax, Paulownia). 
  • greatnorthernexoticgreatnorthernexotic Posts: 119
    Cordylines are notoriously difficult to transplant. They have very deep taproots and will take a couple of years to fully recover any move, if they survive at all. 

    I'd cut back some leaves, give it a good feed with seaweed and see how it fares over this summer.
    Growing tropical and desert plants outdoors in West Yorkshire
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  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited May 2022
    If you want to save it, in addition to following the advice above you could also take off the two flower stalks at their base.  This will allow the plant to use its energy for leaf and root growth.  You could also remove the shoots at the bottom of the plant for the same reason.  I would also clear the other plants from around its base so that it is not competing with them for water and nutrients.

    I agree with @KeenOnGreen, there's much nicer tropical looking plants to grow.  The plain green Cordylines always look untidy and struggling with yellowing/blotchy leaves - the variegated variety is more attractive.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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