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View Full Version : Need info on Palmetto palms


Seaner
11-20-2009, 03:23 PM
Hi. I recently adopted a Palmetto palm seedling and know Nothing about palms. I could definitely use any info I can get! Translation, Help!!!
Thanks

palmtree
11-20-2009, 03:42 PM
Unfortunately these palms are VERY slow as a seedling. It might take up to 10 years for a trunk to start forming, but once a trunk starts becomming noticable it will gro much faster. They need lots of warmth to do well and are commonlyu growin as far north as virginia beach, but for some reason will do poorly if grown much further north than that.

They can handle 10F, but can get damaged if consistently below 20F. Nothing permenant though. Some people say when its a mature established adult it can handle 5F with no problem, but they take about 2-4 years to get established well.

Good luck :)

Seaner
11-20-2009, 04:02 PM
Thanks! :) Just two things, how much light do they need and how tall are they when they start forming a trunk?

turtile
11-20-2009, 07:02 PM
Thanks! :) Just two things, how much light do they need and how tall are they when they start forming a trunk?

They'll grow in full sun to mostly shade. The height of the plant will likely be much taller than you by the time a nice trunk forms.

palmtree
11-20-2009, 08:58 PM
In there natural habitat they deal with partial sun. They are usually by the coastline where trees are smaller, so they dont have to compete much for sun, and handle full sun very well.

Sometimes the leaves can be as tall as 10 feet and just as wide before a noticable trunk forms. When given good care they grow to be very full trees.

Good luck.

Abnshrek
11-20-2009, 11:27 PM
They grow slowly to 80 feet as well normally.. I don't know about up north.

Abnshrek
11-20-2009, 11:28 PM
Well unless somehow its a dwarf then all bets are off on height :^)

Seaner
11-21-2009, 12:10 AM
In there natural habitat they deal with partial sun. They are usually by the coastline where trees are smaller, so they dont have to compete much for sun, and handle full sun very well.

Sometimes the leaves can be as tall as 10 feet and just as wide before a noticable trunk forms. When given good care they grow to be very full trees.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone! I definitely appreciate all the help!
What I'm getting here is that there'll be 10' of leaf, just coming right up from the ground? If so, it shouldn't be too difficult to just leave in a pot for the first few years.
Thanks again!

palmtree
11-21-2009, 12:48 PM
Thanks everyone! I definitely appreciate all the help!
What I'm getting here is that there'll be 10' of leaf, just coming right up from the ground? If so, it shouldn't be too difficult to just leave in a pot for the first few years.
Thanks again!

Yep, but thats usually in shade. They are a little more compact in full sun, but the leaves will be taller than you before a trunk forms.
Good luck!