(Butia capitata)
Pindo Palm (Date Palm) Feeding Instructions
The most important factor for a healthy palm tree is good soil. The type of soil determines how much nutrients and water the plant receives. The best contribution you can make to your palm tree's soil is the addition of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi exist naturally in most soils that haven't been disturbed in the past by tilling or treated with chemicals and chemical fertilizers. The word "mycorrhiza" comes from the Greek language and literally means "fungus roots". You may not know it, but mycorrhizal fungi are a crucial part of the health of 95% of the plants growing throughout the world. To help you improve soil health in your garden apply a Mycorrhiza Fungi root builder. If your local nursery and garden center does not carry it, ask them to order it for you. Another vital component of palm tree care is proper fertilization. Palm trees require specially formulated Palm Tree Fertilizers that answer to very specific conditions.
Pindo Palm (Date Palm) Pruning Instructions
Good palm tree care can mean avoiding removing most of the leaves (fronds) yearly or more frequently because it may weaken the palm and slows its growth. Mature fronds provide food for developing fronds, flowers, fruit, roots and storage reserves in the palm's trunk. When palm tree heatlthy green fronds are pruned, the nutrients they would have produced are lost to the rest of the tree. Some nutrients move from older leaves of palms to newer leaves as they die. Removal of older green or chlorotic leaves exacerbates nutrient deficiency. Nutrient deficiencies retards growth. When pruning, take care to leave at least two rows of mature fronds (those that have turned greenish-yellow or muted green), preferably more. Never prune off more of the palm's leaves in one year than are produced during that time. Simply put, do not remove a palm tree frond until it has completely died (turned totally to brown).
Pindo Palm (Date Palm) Pest Instructions
Palms are relatively pest and disease free, however, as with most plants, there are some problems that may arise with pest's. Palms are somewhat sensitive plants so the following simple organic remedy is suggested as a first defense:
Mix one tablespoon of soap, or dish detergent, to a gallon of water. Use a pump-type or small bottle sprayer for application.