
How do you fertilize a foxtail palm?
Applying fertilizer helps your foxtail palm grow well, but you only need to do it about four times per year. Apply a palm-specific, 8-2-12, slow-release fertilizer every three months to the soil.
What is the best fertilizer for palm trees?
- In order to experience rapid growth for your palms, you must fertilize them regularly. The right fertilizer to use is one that is packed with slow release potassium and micronutrients. The potassium is particularly important since your palm may suffer from a deficiency in low potassium soils.
How much potassium sulfate per tree for a foxtail palm tree?
To correct magnesium deficiency, use supplemental magnesium sulfate at a rate of 1 to 3 pounds per tree. For potassium deficiency, spread potassium sulfate -- 3 pounds for small trees up to 8 pounds for a mature 30-foot foxtail palm -- of potassium in addition to the regular fertilizer.
Are foxtail palm trees easy to care for?
Easy maintenance is associated with the foxtail palm tree, as it is a self-cleaning specimen; meaning that spent leaves will die and drop from the tree as needed to facilitate new growth. While the foxtail palm tree is somewhat drought resistant, regular watering encourages optimum growth and a lush, exotic appearance.

What do you feed foxtail palms?
When feeding the foxtail palm tree, fertilizer should be heavy on nitrogen, which encourages lush green foliage growth. Foxtail palm fertilizer should be balanced and also contain micronutrients and trace elements.
Do foxtail palms need fertilizer?
Foxtails can be heavy feeders. Fertilize with a granular palm fertilizer containing micronutrients...do this in spring, summer and autumn. Supplement feedings by applying manganese or magnesium every so often to keep the fronds their prettiest deep-green color.
How often do you fertilize foxtail palms?
Applying fertilizer helps your foxtail palm grow well, but you only need to do it about four times per year. Apply a palm-specific, 8-2-12, slow-release fertilizer every three months to the soil. Use according to label directions, generally at the rate of 1 1/2 pounds for every 100 square feet of canopy size.
How do you keep foxtail palms healthy?
0:275:29How to Care for a Foxtail Palm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the right nutrients. This fast-growing drought tolerant palm will keep your garden shaded withMoreWith the right nutrients. This fast-growing drought tolerant palm will keep your garden shaded with its 20-foot. Canopy while bringing an exotic element to the landscape. The foxtail palm grows in US
What is the best fertilizer for palm trees?
Top 5 Best Plant Foods For Palm TreesEspoma Organic Palm-Tone Plant Food (My Top Pick)Indoor Plant Food Liquid Fertilizer (Best Pick For Potted Palms)Jobe's Fern & Palm Fertilizer Spikes (Easiest To Use)Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Palm Plant Food (Longest-Lasting Formula)More items...•
How can I make my foxtail palm grow faster?
- In order to experience rapid growth for your palms, you must fertilize them regularly. The right fertilizer to use is one that is packed with slow release potassium and micronutrients. The potassium is particularly important since your palm may suffer from a deficiency in low potassium soils.
How often should I water a foxtail palm?
approximately twice weeklyFoxtail Palm Watering Wodyetia bifurcata prefers to have consistently moist soil. Therefore, this plant should not be allowed to dry out between watering. Water approximately twice weekly during the warm growing season, depending on growing conditions. In winter, watering may be reduced to 2-3 times monthly.
Why do foxtail palms go yellow?
If there are yellowish fronds on a palm for more than three days, that is a sure sign that the palm has a nutrient deficiency. Older fronds that are yellow indicate a potassium or magnesium deficiency. When it comes to pruning palms, the best policy is to only remove totally brown fronds.
Should you trim foxtail palms?
Trimming Foxtail Palms: Trimming is not necessary as these are self-cleaning palms! When it is time, these palms will naturally drop their old leaves. All you must do is pick the leaves up and throw them in the green waste recycle bin!
How deep do foxtail palm roots go?
A single foxtail palm can be planted 3 feet from surrounding structures, such as fences. It has a shallow root system but sucks up a lot of water. It can be planted within 3 feet of other trees without getting its roots tangled in established gardens.
What is the difference between a royal palm and a foxtail palm?
The foxtail palm looks like the royal palm but is smaller, topping off at 30 feet. It gets its name from the fronds, which resemble a fox's bushy tail. Foxtail palms have what are called “plumose” leaves, meaning they have a feathery or plume-like appearance. This frond shape makes foxtails unique among palms.
How do you look after foxtail palms?
Plant foxtail palms in a spot with full sun; they do best when they get at least six hours of direct sun per day. They tolerate part shade but don't grow as quickly as they do in sunny spots, and can be more susceptible to attack from fungal diseases.
What causes foxtail palms to turn yellow?
Iron deficiencies: Symptoms include yellowing of leaves that eventually turn brown and necrotic at the tips. This deficiency is sometimes the result of planting too deeply or overwatering, and is most common for palms grown in pots.
Why do foxtail palms turn brown?
Unfortunately, like many other palms, foxtail palm is a heavy feeder and often suffers from a range of nutritional deficiencies. A minor deficiency in iron, magnesium, potassium or manganese can result in brown leaf tips.
How often should I water a foxtail palm?
approximately twice weeklyFoxtail Palm Watering Wodyetia bifurcata prefers to have consistently moist soil. Therefore, this plant should not be allowed to dry out between watering. Water approximately twice weekly during the warm growing season, depending on growing conditions. In winter, watering may be reduced to 2-3 times monthly.
What is easy maintenance for foxtail palms?
Easy maintenance is associated with the foxtail palm tree, as it is a self-cleaning specimen; meaning that spent leaves will die and drop from the tree as needed to facilitate new growth.
What is a foxtail palm tree?
The foxtail palm tree ( Wodyetia bifurcata ), an Australian native, is an adaptable, fast growing specimen. In recent years, varieties of foxtail palm trees have become popular with landscapers and nurserymen in warmer zones of the United States.
Do foxtail palms grow in shade?
The attractive foxtail palm tree grows most rapidly in a full sun area, but may thrive in partially shaded areas as well. The foxtail palm tree prefers a humid environment which may be provided by nearby fountains or pebble trays in the immediate area where it is grown.
Can foxtail palms be planted in containers?
Easily started from seed, the foxtail palm tree is suitable for container growing and may be used as an interior planting if correct growing conditions exist. Containers must be large enough to accommodate the large root system. Seeds may be started in small containers and transplanted when germination occurs.
Can foxtail palms grow in salty soil?
Grown in a wide range of soils, the only requirements are that soil be well draining and not highly acidic. Tolerant of salty sea spray and wind, the foxtail palm tree is an excellent choice for those who live on ocean fronts and other salt prone areas. Let’s take a look at how to grow foxtail palms in your garden.
Is foxtail palm fertilizer water soluble?
Foxtail palm fertilizer should be balanced and also contain micronutrients and trace elements. Controlled release fertilizer is preferable to rapid release, water soluble fertilizer, as the latter moves through the soil too quickly to benefit the deep and spreading root system.
What is the best fertilizer for palms?
The Palm Food 12-4-12 from Carl Pool made it to the top because it is a versatile fertilizer that you can use with the vast majority of palms. It also boasts extra levels of magnesium and manganese, and comes packed with three different sources of nitrogen. This nutritional cocktail offers long term support for the palm while also promoting fast growth.
How to pick the best fertilizer for palm trees?
There are multiple things you need to know before choosing the correct type of fertilizer for your particular type of palm tree. The most important of them includes the type of fertilizer, the nutrients it contains, and the types of trees that it is a good fit for. You should also look at things such as size of the container and prices in order to be able to get the best value product for your money.
How long does palm tree fertilizer last?
This is a long-lasting solution that provides a constant supply of nutrients for your palm tree and can last for up to 12 months. We like that this fertilizer is very easy to use, is all you need to do is to hammer it into the ground somewhere around the tree and then water it. You can also create holes in the soil where you then insert spikes, which comes with the added benefit of increasing soil aeration. You may want to apply more spikes if the tree has been neglected for a while, but keep in mind that the majority of potted palms only require one or two spikes. All the materials used in manufacturing the TreeHelp Complete Palm Fertilizer Spikes have been specifically developed for use on palm trees.
How long does granulated fertilizer last on palm trees?
This is our choice for best granulated fertilizer for palm trees not only because of its action, but also because it offers continuous release of plant food for up to three months. This means that your plants will continue to thrive long after the application, without any extra effort from your part.
Why is it important to fertilize palm trees?
Choosing a high-quality fertilizer for your palm tree is important not only because it provides your palm with all the essential nutrients it requires to thrive, but also because premium fertilizers are easy to use as well . You want the best for your palm trees, so it’s important to pick the right fertilizer for them.
What are the nutrients that palm trees need?
Most palm trees require a consistent supply of multiple nutrients and micronutrients, with the most important of them being magnesium, manganese, nitrogen, potassium, and iron. All of these nutrients are vital for the health of your palm tree, as many of them can suffer from various conditions according to the nutrients deficient in the soil.
How much does boundary fertilizer cost?
Prices. The price of boundary fertilizers depends on the manufacturer, quantity, and nutrients it includes. You can get a good fertilizer from $15-$20, but you might expect to pay double or even triple that for premium fertilizer that comes with the best selection of nutrients from responsible sources.
How to propagate foxtail palm?
Fruits are the source of fresh foxtail palm seeds which is the best and most effective way to propagate this species. Although other ways such as propagation through cutting, division and air layering are also in practice; they haven’t been found to be effective and thus not applicable.
What is a foxtail palm?
3. The leaves of this palm look like the tail of a fox so it is called foxtail palm.
Where does the Foxtail Palm grow?
Foxtail palm is a beautiful fast-growing species native to Queensland Australia and is very popular in warmer regions all over the world. This palm species from Arecaceae family is called as foxtail palm because of its plumose leaves at the top scattering as the bushy fox’s tail.
What to do if palm gets worse?
You can also contact the nearest botanical specialist for your problems if the condition of your palm gets worse. This can be the best solution.
Can foxtails be disease free?
3. Therefore you need to study the requirements and proper caring of the foxtail plant, then only you will be able to get the healthy, fresh, and beautiful disease-free foxtail plant in your yard.
Is it bad to fertilize foxtails?
1. Over-fertilizing your Foxtail would be harmful to its growth. So you need to know about the amount of fertilizers that you add to the soil.
Does a foxtail palm have problems?
Usually foxtail palm doesn’t have any problems, but it may get some if you won’t care about it at all. Then you might start worrying and stressed about why my foxtail is dying. Here are some of the common problems and their solutions which might be of great help for you:
What type of soil do foxtail palms like?
These easy to grow, worry free palms have a wide tolerance to different soil types, including rocky sands and alkaline limestone soils. They make an excellent addition to all climatic areas. Foxtail palms are grown with great effect along the medium strip of the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Why are foxtail palms important?
The potassium is particularly important since your palm may suffer from a deficiency in low potassium soils. - Foxtail Palms are prized for their beautifully solid trunks and their feathery leaves. They are considered great accent pieces for any lawn or garden when planted alone.
Where do foxtail palms grow?
Foxtail Palms, native to Northern Australia are one of the most attractive known palm species. They can be told apart from other palms by their single gray trunk, grow to 10 metres and sprout light green feathery fronds.
Can you plant foxtails in pots?
You can also plant foxtails in pots as nice patio plants. - Foxtails will tolerate a fair amount of salt spray and strong winds. Allow space for the size of their trunk and spread of their fronds. - The soil of your Foxtail Palm must be well maintained and properly cared for.
How to fix foxtail palms with magnesium?
To correct magnesium deficiency, use supplemental magnesium sulfate at a rate of 1 to 3 pounds per tree . For potassium deficiency, spread potassium sulfate (3 pounds for small trees up to 8 pounds for a mature 30-foot foxtail palm) in addition to the regular fertilizer. Reapply every three months until the problem improves, ...
What zone does Foxtail Palm grow in?
The foxtail palm grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11.
What is a bushy frond foxtail palm?
The bushy-frond foxtail palm ( Wodyetia bifurcata) looks elegant when it's healthy, so it's important to learn how to care for a foxtail palm if you have one on your property. If nutritional deficiencies set in, brown leaf tips ruin its appeal. With the right nutrients, this fast-growing drought-tolerant palm will keep your garden shaded ...
Why are my foxtail palms turning orange?
Potassium deficiency causes spots that appear translucent, dead tips and often, a general orange color near the base of each frond.
Is palm tree drought tolerant?
Not only is this palm drought-tolerant, it's also sensitive to excessively wet soil, especially when grown in containers. Symptoms of overwatering include fungal diseases, nutritional deficiencies and splitting of the trunk. Make sure the area drains well and avoid watering until the top of the soil is dry.
Is foxtail palm poisonous?
Foxtail Palm Safety Caution. Foxtail palms produce striking red seeds that grow in clusters out of the trunk. While attractive , the seeds are poisonous. Keep the ground raked to prevent children or pets from consuming the seeds.
Do foxtail palms have pests?
Manage Pests and Disease. Foxtail palms rarely suffer from pests and only occasionally from disease problems. One fungal disease to keep an eye out for is leaf spot, apparent by the dark to light brown irregular spots and patches that appear on the fronds.
What is a foxtail palm?
The enchanting foxtail palm is extremely popular for its perfect proportions, self-cleaning habit and full, rounded fronds. A tropical showstopper in the landscape, the foxtail is available in single or multi-trunk specimens. Its smooth gray trunk is topped with a bright green crownshaft and big tufted fronds that resemble the bushy tail of a fox.
How to keep palm fronds green?
Fertilize with a granular palm fertilizer containing micronutrients...do this in spring, summer and autumn. Supplement feedings by applying manganese or magnesium every so often to keep the fronds their prettiest deep-green color. You'll never have to trim a frond, since old ones fall off on their own.
How tall do foxtails grow?
Foxtails are fast growers, reaching an ultimate height of about 30 feet.
Do palm trees like sunshine?
These South Florida palms like plenty of sunshine and they're moderately drought-tolerant once established, though a regular watering is ideal.
Do foxtails grow quickly?
When shopping for a young foxtail, don't be put off by the sparse appearance and "torn" ends of the leaves - they'll grow quickly into a full, rounded "tail."
Do foxtail palms produce seeds?
Foxtail palms will work well in large containers while they're young. Like all plants, palms produce flowers and seeds. After flowering, a more mature foxtail bears a large, heavy cluster of fruit containing seeds. The fruit is showy and bright red, each one the size of a small tomato.
How long should I fertilize a newly planted palm tree?
If you have a newly planted palm, don’t fertilize it until after it puts out a new spear, I would say about 2 month after planting. Mature palms are different and should follow their normal fertilization schedule.
Why is it important to fertilize palm trees?
Providing your palm tree with a quality fertilizer or plant food “supplements” is important, so it can maintain its good “health.”
How long does Jobe's Palm Fertilizer last?
Special binders ensure that the fertilizer dissolves slowly and safely and feeds your tree for up to 6 months. Here is Jobe’s Outdoor Palm Fertilizer and Jobe’s Indoor Palm Fertilizer.
What is the NPK of fertilizer?
When buying a fertilizer, you will see three numbers on the front or the back of the package like: 12-4-12 or 15-5-15 or 3-1-2. It’s the NPK ( Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium) ratio. The higher the number, the stronger the fertilizer is.
What are the two nutrients that are needed for palms?
Nitrogen and Magnesium are also needed in relatively large amounts. The micronutrients Manganese and Iron should also be present but less important. Phosphorus which is required by most palms in large amounts is relatively unimportant. As you can see, there are only five elements to worry about.
What are the nutrients in palm trees?
The right combination of the main elements like nitrogen, phosphate and potassium is the most important in a palm’s diet.
When should I stop fertilizing my palm trees?
If you live in one of those areas, stop fertilizing a few months before the first cold snap. Now, some palm enthusiasts believe that fertilizing during winter season will help the plant to maintain strength and be ready for growing season in the Spring. I disagree.

Ecology
Cultivation
- Grown in a wide range of soils, the only requirements are that soil be well draining and not highly acidic. Tolerant of salty sea spray and wind, the foxtail palm tree is an excellent choice for those who live on ocean fronts and other salt prone areas. Lets take a look at how to grow foxtail palms in your garden. Easily started from seed, the foxtail palm tree is suitable for container growing a…
Health
- Easy maintenance is associated with the foxtail palm tree, as it is a self-cleaning specimen; meaning that spent leaves will die and drop from the tree as needed to facilitate new growth.
Prevention
- Caring for foxtail palms should include mulching, but mulch should not hug the trunk. Mulching helps retain moisture and discourages maintenance workers from accidentally injuring the trunk with mowers and trimmers. It also keeps weed growth down in the area of the foxtail palm tree.
Advantages
- Controlled release fertilizer is preferable to rapid release, water soluble fertilizer, as the latter moves through the soil too quickly to benefit the deep and spreading root system. In areas where manganese toxicity may exist in the soil, such as some areas of Hawaii, a low pH may be corrected with the application of limestone.
Management
- Once they are properly located, caring for foxtail palms is relatively simple. Once you grow these specimens you will quickly learn how to take care of the foxtail palm. Through experience and experimentation you will determine which foxtail palm fertilizer is best for your conditions and which varieties of foxtail palm trees you prefer to grow.