How do I best feed my palm trees?

A good high in nitrogen slow release fertiliser is ideal for all year round nourishment for your palms.  We also recommend feeding palms with a top dress fertiliser just on the arrival of Spring to give them that extra boost for the new growth period.  Do not over feed smaller indoor palms as their sensitive roots can burn quite easily causing lasting damage.

How often should I water my indoor Kentia palm?

Make sure that you don't let the palm dry out; a little water sitting in the tray 90% of the time is healthy, especially in the warmer months.  Winter a little less water is necessary.  Depending on the atmosphere in your home, with the use of dehumidifiers and other modern comforts our plants get very dehydrated very quickly.  If you have these sorts of appliances ensure your palm is not in the same area and that you water often and thoroughly.

How often should I water my outdoor palms?

Water every day for at least 6-8 weeks after planting.  Once established nature should take care of the more mature palms needs.  However be aware of the soil condition and if the ground is particularly dry, you may want to look at installing irrigation system.  Likewise if the ground is boggy, drainage will be necessary.  These are important points to be aware of prior to planting, you can than create the best conditions possible before planting.

Can I trim the leaves without causing damage?

As palms grow from the centre out, the lower leaves naturally die off as part of the growing process, remove these as you please.  Trimming the leaflet edges is also okay, if purely for aesthetic reasons.  However you may want to look at the cause, is the plant receiving enough water?  Never cut or damage in any way the central growth spike (centre spear), removal of this will inevitably cause its demise.

My palm gets dusty inside, what do I use to clean the leaves?

Lukewarm water with no added solutions and a soft cloth - rainwater on a warm day is also a healthy and natural way to rinse the leaves.

My indoor palm has grown huge over the years can I plant it outside?

You can have success with doing this.  The best way is to slowly acclimatise the plant by starting it off in a covered deck type position where it is still protected from most of the elements.  Over several months move your palm one step at a time into more exposed situations (don't start doing this in the heat of summer or the depths of winter as the shock may cause too much immediate damage) once it is happily growing in a position that resembles that of the garden, said palm is ready to plant.  You will see browning off of the leaves, some sunburn or windburn, this is all part of the acclimatisation process.  For best results you should find a position in the garden that is relatively protected all year round. 

You can also try a foliage protectant to help reduce shock and speed up the process.

I planted all of the same sized palms in my garden several years ago yet they are now all different sizes, why?

Plants are very much individuals and have their quirks just like us! However, causes may include;

• The prevailing wind hits some but not others depending on the planting plan.  This my stunt them where the others are protected
• Access to natural water supply, some areas of the garden may have a more restricted / plentiful water supply
• Soil condition - some parts of the garden may be free draining while others are clay fill for example
• Underneath it all - the roots might be hitting a hard base inhibiting growth where others may be in a more suitable spot

Why is it difficult to buy tall palms?

Most varieties will not start to grow a trunk until the crown is as thick as the trunk will be.  Once the diameter size is reached then a trunk will form.  This will take many years and will happen more quickly in an open ground situation.