Cold Damage to Potted Palm: Assessment and Care

Cold Damage to Potted Palm: Assessment and Care

A reader in Louisiana left a small potted palm outside during a cold snap. Trunk looks good, most leaves fell off. Now inside; looks “sick.”

Damage Depends On

• Palm species (some hardier than others).
• How cold, how long.

Immediate Steps

1. Trim off all discolored/damaged fronds—they won’t recover.
2. If the growing tip (topmost bud) is intact, the palm may push new growth from the roots.
3. Keep warm, in a sunny spot, and drier than usual.
4. Do not fertilize, repot, or force recovery.

If the growing tip is dead, the palm will not recover. Doing less is best.

For a cold damage guide, email wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.