How to Care for a Malaysia Coconut Palm
The coconut palm, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, originated in Malaysia. It made its arrival in Florida in the late 19th century when coconuts from a shipwrecked vessel took root on Palm Beach. With its stately trunk and luxuriant fronds, the coconut palm has become a symbol of tropical beauty, and of Florida itself. The tree is not difficult to grow when its requirements for soil, sunlight, water and fertilizer are met. By following some basic guidelines for palm tree care, you can help your Malaysian coconut palm to flourish. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Palm fertilizer in a 12-4-12 formulation
- Commercial sterilized mulch
Instructions
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Select a site in full sun that is clear of obstructions and overhead wires; your Malaysian coconut palm can eventually reach 50 to 60 feet high. Falling coconuts can injure pedestrians or damage cars, so don't plant your coconut palm where it will hang over walkways or a street. For optimum health, plant in well-drained, sandy soil with 10 to 20 percent peat.
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Dig a hole twice as wide around as the root ball, and about as deep. Set the coconut palm in the hole, making sure it is centered and straight.
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Backfill with the original soil, mixing in fertilizer as you go. Use a fertilizer specially made for palm trees in a 12-4-12 formulation, and use 2 oz. per inch of trunk diameter, measured at the base of the tree. Add water as you backfill and work the soil around the root ball with a shovel.
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Tamp soil down firmly. Add an additional feeding of 1 oz. of slow-release palm fertilizer per 3 inches of trunk diameter.
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Once the Malaysian coconut palm is established, fertilize with a slow-release palm fertilizer four times a year in a 12-4-12 formulation. Use 8 oz. per inch of trunk, applying from an area 1 foot from the trunk out to the drip line---the place where rainwater would fall from the outermost fronds.
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Water to 18 inches deep at least twice a week for the first six months. During dry spells, give a good soaking at least twice a month.
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Mulch very deepy with an 18-inch layer of mulch applied 6 inches from the trunk. Use commercial sterilized mulch to avoid exposing your palm tree to fungal infection.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use nails or screws to attach anything to your Malaysian coconut palm. To avoid wounding the trunk and causing fungal infections, never use a machete or a chainsaw to remove fronds.
Because palms translocate nutrients from browning fronds to the heart of the tree, frond removal deprives the tree of nutrients and makes it susceptible to fungal infection. Only remove fronds when they hang below a line parallel to the ground.
References
- Photo Credit coconut palms image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
