Christmas Palm (Adonidia) Cold Stress and Overwatering in Winter

Two Problems at Once

Brown fronds on a recently transplanted Christmas palm (Adonidia merrillii) in December result from cold sensitivity + excessive winter irrigation.

Corrective Actions

• Reduce watering: only when soil is dry 3 inches deep.
• No fertilizer until spring.
• Spear is green? Good—wait. New fronds take months to unfurl in cool weather.
• Protect from future freezes with frost cloth and trunk wrap.

Transplant Timing

September was acceptable, but winter watering must be minimal. The "3-month daily watering" rule applies only to hot-season transplants.