Originally ranging from southern Brazil to Argentina, the Queen Palm likes full sun. As to soil needs, it can do just fine in clay, sand or a loamy mix – even acidic – as long as it is well draining. Alkaline soil is not its friend. Such will disfigure the palm by stunting the young leaves and can actually kill it. If planted in soil of alkalinity, applications of manganese and/or iron are necessary to help keep the fronds green. This manganese deficiency can cause “Frizzletop” which is a common problem if not regularly fertilized. Yet another mineral problem, that of potassium deficiency, shows up on older fronds, even in welldrained soils. Mildly salt tolerant, the Queen Palm responds well to ample moisture and – I repeat myself fertilizer. For reasons wholly lost upon me, other than its fast growth, it is often used as a focal point palm, for framing a house, in commercial landscape venues or - planted in rows on 15-foot centers - lining streets or walks. With so very many, truly majestic palms available, this simply boggles my mind! My foremost objection to the Queen Palm are its old dried and raggedy frond stubs protruding, all too often, beneath, what I perceive as a scant and meager canopy. Beyond that the Queen Palm is weak rooted. Lastly – as I totally pan this poor, pathetic palm – is the fact that its copious quantities of fruit are considered by many to be a messy problem and, hence, one more detraction.
And "gracefully arching " or not, the fronds seem too sparse and bare to my eye. For back issues of "Roots", gardening tips, tropical plant book reviews and videos of numerous, highly unique eco/adventure/nature tours, as well as memorable "Ultimate Experiences" such a Tropical Garden Brunches and Spa Services, visit us at..
www.olabrisagardens.com The fruit - this not yet ripe - is somewhat attractive however.
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