Hi guys,
I recently bought a small rhapsis palm from a local nursery. It was very healthy and stayed that way for a couple months. Now it has some browning on the leaves and new growth has fringed ends. I fertilize with Medina 6-12-6 liquid plant food about once every other week (as the people at the nursery advised). I let it dryout a bit, but not too much. I'm in austin, but I keep the plant indoors near plenty of windows.
Anyone have any tips to help invigorate this little guy?
Hi and welcome, fellow Austinite. The browning of the leaves may be from letting it dry out....possibly more than "a bit." It's a tropical plant, so might want "even-watering." You might try a more balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, in a weak solution. Is the 6-12-6 Hasta-Gro? I use it, but in conjunction with other ferts. The recommended fert for palms now is 8-4-12. You might try posting your queston on the tropical forum also. Everyone here is most helpful.
My palms were all outside ones, but most bit the dust in last winter's freezes. I'm replacing them with bananas. I hear they freeze well!
Thanks for the advice!
Yes I am using the Hasta-Gro fertilizer. I'd like to keep the harsh chemicals out/to a minimum, do you have any suggestions on places around town I should go to to get specific organic fertilizers such as 8-4-12?
Good luck with the bananas, I didn't think that would even be an option here without a greenhouse.
Check at The Great Outdoors on Congress. They usually carry Carl Pool fertilizers. It's not organic, however. You may not need that much fert. for one plant, tho. You could try fish emulsion if you leave your palm outside until the smell dissipates.
I put up temporary ghs in my backyard each winter. I manage to save some stuff, and kiss the rest goodbye! The last couple of years it's been colocasias and alocasias that interest me.
bphil00, I bought a bigger one at Great Outdoors to replace a Cycad (no not Sago) palm that I thought had croaked this winter and before I could get help reach and move it (it's in areally heavy big china pot), it began coming back.
I have the Rhapsis on my deck in the shade and water every 4th day and 'till I put it in, it's doing great.
THX Bubbles for the fert tip for palms.
