How to Manage Pests

Mineral deficiencies and toxicities in palms

Certain nutrients, in relatively small amounts, are required for healthy plant growth. Deficiencies can cause premature yellowing of lower fronds. Severely deficient plants become stunted and exhibit dieback. Magnesium, nitrogen, or potassium are the most commonly seen deficiencies in palm. However, nutrient deficiency symptoms usually are not due to a deficiency in the soil but are caused by conditions that reduce a plant's access to them. Excess concentrations of one nutrient can also reduce the availability of other nutrients.  Commercial laboratories can conduct foliage tests or soil analysis to verify deficiencies.

Nutrients, salts, and pesticides can be toxic to palms if present in excess amounts or if applied incorrectly. Toxicity symptoms include marginal leaf chlorosis and necrosis (or burn).

Solutions

Provide a good growing environment and proper cultural care including good drainage. Apply special palm fertilizer to prevent or remedy symptoms due to true deficiency. Make sure that herbicides don't drift over into your landscape plants.

For more information refer to the publication Abiotic Disorders of Landscape Plants.

Potassium deficiency

Frond damage from potassium deficiency

Chlorotic fronds from sea salt spray damage