Giving that royal touch with the royal palm
The royal palm is an amazing plant, this palm can reach heights of up to 80 ft with a spread of 25 feet. The leaves of this giant can grow anywhere from 10-15 ft so this gives you a feel of how large this palm gets. I know what you are thinking, what am I going to do with a palm of this size in my garden? these palms cannot be found in the average home gardens but can be found in other places such as lining roadways, shopping malls, parking lots, and other areas that are large enough to accommodate these plants.
So for the average homeowner, this palm maybe just a little too much but if you are still interested in the growth and care of these plants then stick around as we take our journey into the world of the royal palm.
In 2016 Hurricane Matthew did a number at our international airport by uprooting so many trees, among many of them that were uprooted, was royal palms which were not reinstalled but cut up and hauled away I mean this was several thousand dollars of plants that went to the plant graveyard if I can use that word and what is so amazing is that the area where these palms were blown down looked like it was untouched because there were so many more of these royal palms that withstood the category 4 winds refusing to be move, standing strong in their fix place.
Things you must know
Yes as mentioned earlier this is not the plant for the average homeowner because of the size that it reaches but it is still good to know about the growing habits of this palm including their care.
Planting Location
The planting location of these giants should be an area that gets lots of sunlight. When installing royal palms ensure that their permanent spot does not have any overhead powerlines.
Soil Type
Royal Palms prefers a soil that is well-drained and is slightly alkaline to acidic. The soil structure can be loam, clay, or sand with a ph of 7.5
Watering Methods
These giants require quite a bit of water, the soil should be moist especially during the summertime or dry season. Decrease the amount of water you give your royal palm during wintertime.
Fertilizing Methods
A lack of nitrogen, iron, boron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese is common among royal palms.
1. Nitrogen deficiency shows up as the fonds or leaves becoming pale green and yellow.
2. A lack of iron will cause the fronds to become pale green or yellow.
3. Manganese deficiency appears as chlorosis and frizzle top.
4. A lack of boron signs is the crown of the tree bending to one side also the new fronds or leaves emerge abnormally.
5. The signs of a lack of magnesium are yellow bands on the edges of the leaflet which are broad.
Fertilize your royal palm with fertilizers that are formulated for palms and follow the manufacturer’s direction on the label because the label is the law.
Insect pests of the royal palm
Royal palm bug
The royal palm bug is a threat to the royal palm, this bug cause damage by feeding on tender leaves that are freshly open. This feeding encourages yellow spots that are scattered along with brown streaks and wilting of the leaves, the end stage is the leaf turning gray. The female bugs lay and deposit their eggs in the midribs of the emerging leaflets. The female will lay one egg each day during the spring and the eggs hatch in about a week to nine days.
Within a month the bugs reach adulthood. To bring these insect pests under control applying a systemic soil drench such as Optrol™ which has proven to give good results. This treatment can last up to one year which I believe is worth the effort.
Diseases of the royal palm
As far as disease is concerned I have never come across any known disease that will affect this gentle giant that sways so gracefully in the spring and summer breeze.
Ideas where to install the royal palm
As we discussed earlier these palms are limited in where they can be planted because of their size so as mentioned earlier
1. Parking Lots.
2. Shopping Malls.
3. Road Sides.
4. Hotel Grounds.
5. Can be found at the median of highways.
6. Looks great installed along a driveway that is long.
7. Can be planted along a large garden walking pathway.
Additional information
1. The royal palm is self-cleaning meaning the leaves will detach from the tree and fall to the ground so no need to worry about trimming these palms just be careful not to be standing under these palms when the leaves fall because the size and the weight of a single leaf can cause injury.
2. Royal palms can tolerate the salt sprays in coastal areas.
The final word
The royal palm is an amazing plant that can reach tremendous heights. These giants that tower above many trees and garden plants can bring that need flavor by giving that royal touch. If you are in the market for a plant of this nature then this is the palm for you.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.