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