Sago Palm Yellowing After Transplant: Soil and Fertilizer Mistakes

Two Critical Errors in Planting A gardener transplanted a 4-foot sago in August, added fertilizer and amended soil to the hole. After winter, fronds yellow. Root Cause Nick identifies two mistakes: fertilizer in the hole

Foxtail Palm Recovery After Frost and Improper Pruning

Center Spear Test Determines Survival An Orlando gardeners two foxtail palms survived a frost but stopped growing after the center spears were pulled out on a horticulturists advice. Fronds are dull green; Superthrive an

Trimming Pups on a Mediterranean Fan Palm

Safe Pruning and Light Preferences for Chamaerops humilis A gardener wants to trim the many pups on a 15-inch Mediterranean fan palm (named Medusa) before repotting, shaping it into a 5-point star. Guidance Nick says its

Helping a Transplanted Bougainvillea Recover from Shock

Patience and Proper Watering After Planting A San Antonio gardeners newly ground-planted bougainvillea dropped most blooms. It gets full afternoon sun. Expert Reassurance Nick says this is classic transplant shock. Leave

Reviving a Leggy Cordyline (Hawaiian Ti Plant)

From Sad Specimen to Colorful Focal Point A gardener found a neglected red-leafed plant in an overgrown yard and wants identification and care. Identification Nick identifies it as Cordyline terminalis—Red Sister, Pink S

Ants, Caterpillars, and Slugs on Bird of Paradise and Bougainvillea

Pest Control That Spares Lizards and Bees A Louisiana gardener has white birds of paradise infested with black ants, and bougainvillea attacked by slugs and night-feeding caterpillars. Must protect lizards and bees. Inte

Fixing Yellowing Pygmy Date Palm in Arizona Desert

Overwatering Is the Likely Culprit A Phoenix gardeners newly planted pygmy date palm yellows despite daily 30-minute bubbler irrigation, fertilizer spikes, and vitamin B. Expert Correction Nick says even in arid climates

Identifying a Tropical Plant with Dark Green/Purple Leaves

Mystery Plant Revealed: Clerodendrum Starburst A Zone 9 gardener has a shade-grown plant several feet tall with dark green tops and purple undersides, recently blooming. Tag lost; thought name started with L. Identificat

Propagating Foxtail Fern from Seeds

From Inflorescence to Seedling: Foxtail Fern Reproduction A gardener asks how to get more plants from a foxtail fern and about a fleshy root structure. Propagation Steps Wait for the plant to produce an inflorescence th

When to Harvest and Plant Foxtail Palm Seeds

Timing Is Everything for Foxtail Seed Viability A gardener asks whether to pick foxtail palm seeds from the tree or wait for them to fall. Clear Rule Nick says wait for natural detachment from the pod. Only then are seed

Bougainvillea Losing Leaves After Three Months

Too Much Water or Night-Feeding Caterpillars? Two bougainvilleas planted three months ago were thriving but now drop leaves and thin out. They get full sun and regular water but no fertilizer. Expert Assessment Nick note

Queen Palm Loses Center Frond: Caterpillars or Crown Rot?

Center Frond Pulling Out Is a Dire Sign A year-old queen palm lost its new center frond, which pulled out easily. Black caterpillars and eggs/frass were found inside. Primary Concern Nick says the caterpillars are second

Removing Banana Corms in Tight Spaces

No Easy Way to Eliminate Established Banana Rhizomes A Hawaii gardener has a banana clump pushing over fences in a confined corner. Current method: dissecting corms with a bread knife. Expert Reality Check Nick confirms

Propagating Roebelinii (Pygmy Date) Palms from Seed

Step-by-Step Seed Germination for Beginners A South Florida gardener (Zone 10) wants to grow more pygmy date palms from seeds on existing trees. Detailed Protocol Wait for seeds to detach naturally from the pod—theyre t

Protecting Banana Plants from Animal Damage

Simple Barrier Stops Gnawing Pests An Alabama gardeners 4-foot banana plant is being chewed at the base by wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, deer). Effective Solution Nick recommends circling the pseudostem with chicken wire

Cold-Damaged Adonidia (Christmas) Palms: Recovery Steps

Assessing and Helping Freeze-Stressed Christmas Palms A Sarasota gardener has two multi-trunk Adonidias hit by a February freeze. New growth is stunted and misshapen; other palms are recovering well. Expert Guidance Nick

Selloum's Strange Pod: A Sign of Health

Understanding the Spadix on Philodendron Selloum A gardener notices a large pod with a white protrusion on a selloums trunk and wonders if its a male plant and whether to remove the leaf at its base. Expert Explanation N

Outdoor Palm Struggles in New Jersey Climate

Tropical Palms and Northern Winters Dont Mix A central New Jersey gardener planted a palm outdoors in May. Despite daily watering, leaves are turning brown. Hard Truth Nick explains palms are tropical plants needing high

Transplanting a 23-Foot Fishtail Palm Requires a Pro

Leave Large Palm Relocation to Professionals A homeowner asks how to transplant a 23-foot fishtail palm. Expert Warning Nick strongly advises hiring a professional with heavy equipment (e.g., a Bobcat). The root system i

One of Two Hibiscus in Shared Planter Dies

Root Competition in a Shared Container Two hibiscus of the same stock were planted together in a large planter. One thrives; the other yellowed, lost leaves, and shows no recovery after months. Diagnosis Nick suspects th