How to Help My Palm Tree Grow

Grow your outdoor palm in well-draining, lightly acidic soil with exposure to at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If container-growing the palm, fill a pot twice the size of its root ball with growing medium specifically formulated for palms, or use a lightweight, well-draining mix.

Water the palm tree frequently during the first six months after planting, so the root ball remains evenly moist at all times. Afterward, reduce the frequency of irrigation to every 10 days during the summer, and twice a month during the winter. Watering the tree infrequently but deeply is more beneficial than frequent but light irrigation.

Mulch the base of the tree to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. Maintain a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of mulch year-round. Space the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid direct contact that causes rot.

Feed the palm tree a 3-1-3 (N-P-K) fertilizer every four months during the first year after planting. Afterwards, spread 1 1/2 pound of 8-2-12 fertilizer per 100 square feet of canopy once during the summer months, when it is actively growing. Follow label directions for application rates.

Remove common pests such as coconut mealybug, palm leaf skeletonizer and scale that reduce the palm’s appearance and vigor. Douse small infestations with a jet of water from a hose, or use horticultural oil to treat large infestations.