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When/What to feed my tropical plants?

Last post 04-11-2009 4:21 PM by NickR. 4 replies.

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  • 08/10/2009 05:29 PM
    • NickR
    • Harrow, Middlesex
    • 05 Oct 2009
    • 26
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    Hello,

     I've got two lovely tropical plants which I'm growing in pots, one is a Trachycarpus fortunei, and the other is a Cycas
    revoluta (Sago Palm).

    I've recently moved them into the greenhouse due to falling temperatures, but I've noticed the Sago Palm has small yellow blothes on some leaves, I'm assuming its either due to the cold, or because I've not fed it before, does anyone know which it could be?

     When it comes to feeding these tropical plants, which feed is recommended? I've got some All Purpose Plant Feed which is called Phostrogen, would this be suitable? I also wanted to know if anyone knows what time of year I should feed them and how often?

    I'd appreciate any advice greatly!

    Nick :)
  • 01/11/2009 07:33 PM
    In reply to
    Top 150 Contributor
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    Hi Nick,

    Your Cycas revoluta may possibly have soft scale caused by a scale insect. Does this look like a possibility:
    http://www.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=224

    You can buy palm fertliser,  with nutrients especially formulated for palms (higher levels of iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium).

    Cheers
    Fin
  • 03/11/2009 04:04 PM
    In reply to
    • NickR
    • Harrow, Middlesex
    • 05 Oct 2009
    • 26
    Top 200 Contributor
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    Thanks Fin :)

    I'll take a closer look at the markings on the Cycas, it could well be soft scale.

    Palm fertiliser would be brilliant, I never realised that there was a fertiliser specifically for palms, that will be ideal I'll have a look where I can buy some.

     Thanks again for the advice,

     Cheers,

     Nick
  • 03/11/2009 09:37 PM
    In reply to
    • AlexS
    • Reading
    • 06 Sep 2009
    • 58
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    I'd be a bit cautious about fertilising tropical plants at this time of year when growing conditions are less than ideal. It seems to me that underfeeding is just about the least likely cause of problems, which are more often caused by over or under watering, air too dry or too moist, temperature too high or too low or too variable. When a plant is not actively growing it doesn't need feeding, and most tropical plants won't be actively growing in this country at this time of year, unless you're giving them extra light and warmth in our short November days. So I won't be feeding my tender foliage plants, including palms, until February or March, and I won't be watering my cacti until then either. As for trachycarpus fortunei, they're pretty tough plants which seem to stand up to an English winter (in the ground or in containers outside) without difficulty. Hope this helps. Cheers, Alex Cheers, Alex

    Alex
  • 04/11/2009 04:21 PM
    In reply to
    • NickR
    • Harrow, Middlesex
    • 05 Oct 2009
    • 26
    Top 200 Contributor
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    Hello AlexS,

    It's ok I'll only be looking to buy the fertiliser now but certainly will be holding off feeding them until spring-time/early summer, just wanted to get stocked up so I'm prepared :) I like to get my supplies in ready so that when spring arrives I've got everything that I need.

    Underfeeding was just a thought as both plants have always looked great, but I think Fin could be right with the soft scale, it looks similar but I need to do some more research on that one first.

    I've seen Trachycarpus fortunei planted out which seem to last all winter, but most of these are larger specimens than mine so might be able to tolerate the cold better and hence survive the winter outdoors. I normally keep mine in the greenhouse just as a precaution, mainly because the weather is so unpredictable!! :)

    Many thanks for your advice,

    Regards,

    Nick