Bismarck Palm Frizzle Top: Nutrient Deficiency in Sandy Soil

Diagnosis: Frizzle Top

Newest fronds browning, ripping from midrib, hanging down = frizzle top, a nutrient disorder common in palms on sandy soil. Magnesium and/or manganese deficiency.

Action Steps

1. Soil test via county extension (low cost, high value).
2. Apply Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) per test recommendations.
3. Use palm-specific fertilizer with micronutrients (Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn).

Pygmy Palm Note

Dead trunk on multi-trunk pygmy palm: remove only the dead trunk. Magnesium may help remaining trunks.

Root Check

Inspect base for physical damage (string trimmer, girdling) that could impede uptake.