If you manage palms, you know they need high-quality fertilizer applied regularly. Using a fertilizer that isn’t properly balanced for palms can lead to nutrient deficiencies—some of which mimic disease symptoms or make your palm appear to be dying.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received several questions about palms showing a zig-zag growth pattern and spearheads falling over. In every case, the culprit was the same: boron deficiency.
Boron is a vital micronutrient for palm health. One telltale sign of deficiency is the “accordion leaf” or zig-zag pattern in new growth. However, not all palms show this symptom. Other signs may include:
- Hooked leaf tips
- Necrosis at multiple stages of leaf development
- Inverted “V” patterns on leaves
- Trunk bending or distortion
Why Does This Happen?
Boron deficiency often stems from low levels in the soil. Even if you’re fertilizing regularly, the issue may persist because:
- Not all fertilizers contain boron.
- Boron is highly leachable and can wash away quickly, especially in sandy soils.
What Can You Do?
- Apply a foliar spray containing boron, following the product label carefully. This can help correct the deficiency more quickly.
- Switch to a complete, slow-release palm fertilizer that includes micronutrients like boron. Apply it evenly under the palm canopy, following the recommended rate.
- Monitor your palms for improvement and continue with a consistent fertilization schedule.
If you’re unsure about what product to use or how to apply it, don’t hesitate to contact your local Extension office—we’re here to help!
Learn more about Boron Deficiency in palms here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP264
This article was edited with Co-Pilot
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