Palms Overview
1. Select the right palm for the right place. Soil pH matters for certain palms. Native palms are
generally better adapted to Florida and provide other benefits, especially for wildlife.
2. Determine if the palm has a crownshaft or no crownshaft. Remember that palms with a
crownshaft are self-pruning.
3. If needed, fertilize for the palm, not the turfgrass. Not all palm fertilizer is created equally.
You need slow-release macronutrients and quick release micronutrients. Native palms
typically have reduced fertility requirements.
4. Avoid pruning living palm fronds. Observe palm fronds for nutrient deficiencies and correct
the issue before pruning it off.
5. Diseases can enter open wounds. Avoid open wounds. Some diseases can still happen.
Use diagnostic tools to help!
UF/IFAS Palm information database: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palms
Palm Selection
Betrock’s Plant Search: https://www.plantsearch.com/
Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN): https://www.fann.org/
List of Native Palms: https://fairchildgarden.org/visit/whats-in-a-name-11-floridas-native-palms/
Fertilization
Palm Fertilization—Your Palms Might Be HANGRY: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2021/03/08/your-palms-might-be-hangry-here-is-how-to-feed-them/
Fertilization of Field Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida : https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP261
Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP516
Fertilizer Ordinance Map: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
Diagnostics
UF/IFAS FLREC Palm Diagnostic Key (free online): https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/palmprodpalm-problems-key/
Work through the key. Consider abiotic issues such as planting depth, lightning, and soil pH issues.
Lethal Bronzing Updates and Information
EDIS Lethal Bronzing Disease: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP163
EDIS Palm Sawdust Sampling for Potential Lethal Bronzing: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1197
YouTube Lethal Bronzing Update from 1/2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiVP1rFXzIU
0
