Queen Palms in Baton Rouge: No Spears by September—Alive or Dead?

The Waiting Game

Two queen palms, no new spears by 9/17/10. Fronds browned in April, cut carefully. No rot, fungus, or smell. Trunk green. Watered in drought, fertilized regularly. Owner saw a report of a cut queen palm regrowing in days after copper treatment—asks if central bud can regenerate from roots.

Expert Reality Check

• Palms can push new growth from a surviving bud, but it's rare.
• Any new growth will be weak and unlikely to survive the next winter.
• The previous report was doubted—no follow-up, and insufficient time to harden off.
• Sago palm (a cycad) behavior differs: pups form on sides, and even a brown flower spike can push a new bud.

Verdict

If no spear by now, the palm is likely dead or terminally stressed. Copper spray and patience are the only options—but don't expect a miracle.