Tips for buying palm trees

Ceroxylon peruvianum

Ceroxylon peruvianum, from my collection.

Palm trees are a type of plant that looks great in any corner of the garden. They have pinnate or open fan-shaped leaves, their bearing and elegance make them one of the most admired plant beings. So much so, that when you decide to have some specimens, it is easy to look at them for a long time to make sure they are in perfect health.

Now, How can we really know that they are healthy? For that we are going to help you. Here are some tips for buying palm trees.

How are palm trees sold?

Young remote pritchardia

Remote Pritchardia, from my collection.

The Palm trees they are almost always sold potted, because this way they are easy to move and their root system does not suffer any damage. Normally, you will find well-rooted plants, that even some other roots have already begun to protrude through the drainage holes. This, although it may seem the opposite, is a very good sign since it will indicate that the specimens have been in these pots for a long time and that, therefore, they will be able to overcome the transplant much better.

A veces we can also find palm trees that are sold with the root ball wrapped in black plastic resistant. These are plants that have been growing in the ground and that have been removed for sale. The problem is that if some roots have been damaged, it will be difficult for them to overcome what would be a trauma for them. However, it is the most common practice when you want to sell large palm trees, 4, 5 or more meters.

How do you know if they are healthy?

Chamaedorea hooperiana, from my collection.

Regardless of how we buy them, whether in a pot or with the root system protected with black plastic, there are a number of things that we have to look at to make sure they are completely healthy, and they are:

  • The leaves must have the color of each species (Palm leaves are generally green, but they can also be glaucous): if the lower ones look yellow or brown, there is no problem since the older leaves die as they emerge from new ones. Of course, if there are more yellow or brown than green, then they are sick.
  • The trunk has to look good: it may be more difficult to see it, but basically by this we mean that the trunk has to look healthy, that is, for example, it does not have to be thin in the lower half and then widen in a too abrupt way. It often happens that palm trees are sold in pots that are too narrow, and when they are put on the ground the trunk widens, giving them an unsightly appearance.
  • Palm trees must not have pests: if you see that they have holes in the trunk, the central leaf deviated, leaves eaten, or if you see directly a plague such as cochineal, aphid or the red weevil, do not buy them as you could put the health of your plants at risk.
  • The central blade remains in its site: If you are interested in young palm trees, an infallible trick to know if they are healthy is to gently pull up the central leaf. I insist, gently 🙂. If they have been infected by fungi the leaves may look good, but if you pull the central you can take it with you, unless they are in good health in which case you would feel it strong.

With these tips, you will be able to make your palm grove purchases with the security of knowing that you will be able to enjoy them for dozens of years 🙂.


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.