Palm Tree Fertilizer – Essential to Palm Tree Care

Here you’ll find tips and information on palm tree fertilizer for both indoor and outdoor palm tree species.

Indoor palm trees require minimum feedings. A single dose of slow-release fertilizer granules might be sufficient. Supplement with micronutrients if necessary.

Outdoor palms planted in the ground should be fertilized during the time it experiences the fastest growth. Three to four applications during the growing season (usually summer) is ideal.

A consistent fertilization plan is essential for growing palm trees successfully; in containers as well as in the landscape.

Indoor Palm Tree Fertilizer

Indoor palms do not require much fertilizer. A sprinkle of 1 teaspoon of time-release fertilizer granules into the top of the soil in the spring is usually sufficient.

Feedings can be supplemented with micronutrients found in compost. Approximately ½ cup of compost spread over the top of the soil two times a year is adequate.

There are two other options for providing the benefits of micronutrients:

1) Filter brown tea through a paper towel and pour into a spray bottle. Spray palm leaves twice a year (spring and late summer).

2) Use a high-quality rose fertilizer. They often contain a good nutrient balance.

Summer is the growth season for palms. If it looks like your palm tree needs more fertilizer during this time, administer two applications of a houseplant food two weeks apart.

If the plant responds positively, you can continue with the liquid fertilizer for a few weeks, or give it more time-release fertilizer. Be sure to remove excess salt build-up by flushing the container monthly.

Outdoor Palm Tree Fertilizer

Fertilize palm trees during the growing season (approximately three to four applications). A single application of a high-quality, continual-release formula will feed your palm for a few months at a time.

Do not fertilize newly planted palm trees until new growth appears – approximately six to eight weeks after planting.

Palm Tree Fertilizer – Additional Tips and General Information

• Administer fertilizer when the garden or container soil is moist.

• Water the palm tree thoroughly after applying fertilizer.

• Use a slow release fertilizer. It might cost a little more, but saves on labor and time.

• Look for a fertilizer that includes magnesium and calcium, as well as microelements. Wait until newly planted palms are established before applying microelements separately. 

• Consider using organic fertilizers, which are made up of manure, fish emulsion, worm castings, blood meal, and bone meal.  Chemical fertilizers can kill organisms that are beneficial to the soil.

• Distribute fertilizer granules completely around the base of the palm tree, encompassing the entire root distribution area. Avoid administering fertilizer too close to the trunk. This can cause fertilizer burn. Distribute fertilizer approximately two feet away from the trunk of the palm. Work the fertilizer into the soil.

• Container palm trees are prone to salt build up from fertilizer applications. Flush (leach) container palms with water thoroughly to remove excess salt build-up if necessary.

• Test different combinations of fertilizers, such as a small amount of quick release, some organic fertilizer (blood meal) and a slow release. Stick with the combination that works best.

• When in doubt, follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.

• Fertilization is an important aspect of palm tree care. When you find a fertilizer and a routine that works well and fits your lifestyle, stick with it!

Additional Palm Tree Information

Indoor Palm Tree Care - Basic Tips and Information

Outdoor Palm Tree Care - How to Grow and Care for Outdoor Palms

Planting Palm Trees - Tips for Planting Indoor and Outdoor Palm Trees