Question
cotton palm
G'day Nick,
I hope you can answer my question.
I transplanted a cotton palm probably around 2 years ago now.
Although I don't think it is dead, however new fans have not developed properly. They seem to get stuck in the first stage of development i.e. they only appear one at a time (I think) in the crown (vertically) then plit and droop before they can develop further.
I hope this helps.
Can I rectify the situation or should I pull the plan out?
AnswerHi Gary, nice to hear from those "down under", usually it is a case of not being happy where it is planted because of a problem in the soil (something leaching into it..) or something hindering its root development (the fence or structure that it is up against..); it is a survivor, for it is still attempting to grow after 2 years in that spot. I would simply move it to a new location, where it will get proper drainage, plenty of Sun, and have nothing to obstruct its root development. Many times a simple change of venue will work wonders. Once you move it, spray it with a Copper fungicide, and then repeat the spraying in a week, this will deter any fungal problems from taking hold and stop any that may already have. Nick
