Foxtail Palm Shock From Replanting
The foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) takes its name from its spectacular foliage -- each fluffy frond resembles a fox's tail. It has a single, grey trunk that grows to 30 feet in height with a 20-foot-wide canopy. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and textures, and full sun. Foxtail palms do well in containers and make an ideal accent planting around a pool, on patios or indoors. Foxtail palms have deep root systems that require extra care when transplanting. Does this Spark an idea?
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What Is Shock?
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Most palms experience a period of transplant shock when moved from one location to another, and for several reasons. Roots may dry and harden when exposed to too much direct sun or air. The act of digging up the tree damages the roots, and the tree generally loses a great deal of the root system. Because the tree itself didn't diminish in size and still uses the same amount of water, the smaller root system may be unable to deliver the amount of water the tree needs. Potted foxtail palm trees experience shock as well, although not as severe as those grown in the ground.
Symptoms
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A common symptom of shock is foliage dying. In order to conserve its nutrients and deal with the loss of part of its root system, the tree sheds leaves. Foliage may remain on the tree but turn mottled or discolored. Subtle signs of shock include slow top growth during the year following the transplant procedure.
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Solution
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Transplant shock is common. The symptoms are signs of the tree's attempt to acclimate to its new environment. Because root growth is fastest when air and soil temperatures are warm, don't transplant the foxtail palm in the winter -- summer is ideal. The best treatment is to keep the tree's roots moist while it becomes established in its new location. Water the foxtail palm slowly and deeply.
Prevention
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The best way to prevent severe transplant shock is to fully prepare the foxtail palm before transplanting. Keep the root ball saturated for the week leading up to the procedure. Transplant the foxtail palm in the evening, when there is less direct sun. Remove the palm from the pot carefully, reserving some of the soil. Use this soil around the roots when the tree goes into its new hole or pot.
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References
- RealPalmTrees.com; Transplanting
- University of Hawai'i; Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia Bifurcata; Kauahi Perez, et al.; June 2009
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Transplanting Palms in the Landscape; Timothy K. Broschat; June 1997
- International Society of Arboriculture; Palm Root Growth and Implications for Transplanting; D.R. Hodel, et al.; 2005
- "Landscape Management: Planting and Maintenance of Trees, Shrubs and Turfgrass"; James R. Feucht, et al.; 1988
