How to Grow and Care for King Palm Trees
The King Palm tree is native to Australia, but can be grown and cared for in any tropical or sub tropical area where the temperature does not drop below freezing. This popular landscaping palm is also known as the Alexander or Alexandra palm. The King Palm grows quickly and while it can start as an indoor plant, it will eventually need to be transplanted outside. A full-grown palm will reach a height of 20 to 30 feet. Growing and caring for a King Palm tree is easy with proper planting, watering and feeding.
Planting
The King Palm prefers sun and needs well-drained soil. This palm also reaches a height of 30 feet or more. Choose a spot where the full height of the plant will not interfere with power lines or other overhead obstructions. If the palm was purchased from a nursery or has been inside and is not used to full sun don’t plant it immediately in the sun. Place it outside in a shady spot and increase its exposure to sun slowly by an hour a day over several weeks time. Once it is acclimated to full sun plant it in the chosen spot.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball is. If the roots are planted too deep they will not be able to grow properly. Use a shovel and score the sides of the hole to loosen the dirt. This will help the roots penetrate through the soil in its new home. Mix the soil from the hole and the pot the tree came in with sand to create a mix of 2 parts soil, 1 part sand. This will ensure proper drainage. Do not add any fertilizer at this time. Wet the bottom of the hole and shovel in a thin layer of the soil mixture. This will help reduce the shock to the plant when it is placed in its new home.
Get the roots of the palm wet and place it in the center of the hole. Fill in the hole with the remaining soil and sand mixture. Add three inches of organic mulch around the palm tree. Water the plant thoroughly. Do not allow the soil around the new palm tree to dry out for the first two weeks. Water daily to ensure the ground stays wet. This helps the roots grow.
Growing
King Palm trees require regular fertilizer treatments to grow to their full height. Do not fertilize until the King Palm has grown a new spear. Use a continuous release fertilizer that will feed the plant for several months at a time. Fertilize during growing season only and place the fertilizer at least two feet away from the trunk. Continue to water the palm as needed during dry times to keep the soil moist. Do not water too much as this will damage the palm. If the leaves are turning yellow and falling off before they dry out the plant may be too wet. Check the moisture of the soil the day after watering and adjust the amount of water accordingly.
The King Palm will grow for many years when planted correctly and properly fed.
