Troubleshooting Newly Planted Foxtail and Adonidia Palms

Common Planting Errors

Two foxtail and one Adonidia palm in New Orleans show brown spots and holes on fronds after planting in full sun (8+ hours) with fertilizer and every-other-day watering.

Critical Questions

1. Planting Depth: Were they planted at the exact same level as in the nursery container? Even 2 inches too deep causes slow decline.
2. Fertilizer Placement: Was fertilizer clumped near the trunk? This burns roots.
3. Watering Method: "Every other day" may mean shallow, frequent watering that doesn't reach the root ball.

Corrective Actions

• Check planting depth; replant higher if needed.
• Stop fertilizing until established (6–12 months).
• Water deeply: run hose slowly at base for 30+ minutes to saturate root zone, then allow to dry several inches down before next watering.
• Mulch 3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from trunk.

New growth condition will indicate recovery within 4–6 weeks.