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MOT on a palm

Hello, my neighbour was getting rid of this stunning palm so I'm giving it a home. It has been completely left to its own devices for at least 5 years. Are there signs of disease or anything else that requires immediate attention?
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  • More pics
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I'm fairly sure I can see either mealybugs and/or scale insects in the 1st pic.
    Looks like a good specimen otherwise that would have cost quite a bit.
    Lucky you! :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Very lucky me! I saw the price of a wee one in the GC... wowza. I'll get the macro out later and see what lurks. Thanks
  • It's a Dwarf European Palm, right?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I'm afraid I have no idea what the plant is other than a palm of some kind.
    I'm sure others here will be able to ID it.
    Should look fab after some tlc :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited November 2022
    It looks like Chamaerops humilis (the only palm native to Europe).  I'd remove all the brown and diseased leaves and trim those previously trimmed leaf stalks back to the main stem.  You'll be amazed at the difference!  If it's in a pot, I'd also remove the offshoots (I think I can see one), otherwise your pot will become congested.  Leave them if you want the plant to grow naturally and perhaps consider repotting in a larger pot, ideally in spring. (Beware of the barbs on the leaf stems!) 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • dangermousiedangermousie Posts: 356
    edited November 2022
    Thanks @Plantminded! Thankfully it's not in a pot, it will have about 2m x 1.5 behind sleepers above the ground level, and lots more space below ground level. 

    It would be a great shame to lose the lower fronds as they look great, give it a nice full form, and must provide at least a little shelter for the trunk. How far should I cut back to. Some images on google leave quite a few inches behind, and others look like they shaved the tree!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That looks great, you've got a really nice plant there @dangermousie!  How you trim the tree is entirely up to you, just do what you prefer, there'll be no harm done to the tree either way.  This link provides more information and care tips:  

     Chamaerops humilis - Big Plant Nursery

    Enjoy your new plant!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    One possible negative factor is that Chamaerops tend to grow wider rather than taller . Looks a handsome plant though ; well done in acquiring that !

  • So... Much... Frost...
    I thought they were hardy to -10, turns out it's only to 10? Should I cover him in fleece? If so, and I go away for a week, should I leave the fleece on or off?

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