Palm Tree Fertilization

Palm trees nutritional deficiencies are easily prevented by following a yearly fertilization program. Mature palms in the landscape should be fertilized with a complete granular fertilizer formulated for palms, often called a “palm special.”

3 to 4 applications of a palm fertilizer are recommended to provide a constant supply of nutrients during the growing season. Be sure to only fertilize during the growing season (April through September).

Newly planted palms should not be fertilized until after they put out a new spear, I would say about 2 month after planting. Be sure to fertilize only during the growing season.

Providing your palm tree with a quality fertilizer or plant food "supplements" is important, so it can maintain its good "health." Some places like South Florida has very little nutrient in the soil that is very important for palm tree growth. You will usually want to use a fertilizer that has nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. I recommend not to buy cheap fertilizer because they simply don't work.

It's better to use fertilizer that has continues release formula that feeds your palm tree for few months rather than using a cheap fertilizer that will wash away after 2-3 rains.

I personally use MG 4.5LB Palm Food that feeds plants up to 3 months. It has all the elements most palm tree needs and easy to use. So if you don't know what fertilizer to choose or tried other plant food that doesn't work I would recommend trying MG 4.5LB Palm Food.

Supplemental magnesium and complete micronutient amendments in the fertilizer are important. Once symptoms of a deficiency are evident, it can take six months or more for a palm to recover.

Here is a great post about nutritional deficiencies of palm trees that goes into details.