Syagrus romanzoffiana

Syagrus romanzoffiana, more commonly known as the queen palm, is a tropical tree native to several parts of South America.  The elegant single-trunk queen palm tree is often used in landscapes throughout tropical and subtropical landscapes like Southern California and South Florida because it offers color throughout the year.  Gracefully arching, glossy green fronds emerge from the top of the queen palm like massive, glossy green feathers up to 15 ft / 5 m in length.  Plumes of creamy white flowers are produced in the summer, and clusters of orange edible fruit grow in their place at the beginning of winter.  It is recommended to collect the fruit to prevent them from attracting insects.  If planted during a warm season, queen palm trees can grow up to six feet per year when they are established in the right conditions.  

Queen palm trees prefer a location that receives abundant sunlight but are tolerant of slightly shaded areas as well.  For ideal growth, plant queen palm in sandy, acidic soil.  Mineral deficiencies can present themselves in multiple ways that can also indicate the appropriate treatment.  A potassium deficiency is indicated when the tips of older fronds begin to frizzle.  A magnesium deficiency is marked by the base of young fronds frizzling. An iron deficiency leads to uniformly yellow new leaves.  All of these deficiencies can be supplemented through the application of appropriate soil treatments.  As is the case for many newly planted trees, frequent watering is required while the queen palm is young and in the process of establishing its roots.  After the queen palm has become established, watering a few times a week during the summer and winter should be adequate.  Feed queen palms twice a year with a palm tree-specific mixture, given that they typically offer trace elements.  An easy propagation method is to remove the seeds from the fruit, soak them in water for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining potting soil.  It is important to keep the germinating seed in a particularly warm spot and to have direct sun exposure on the soil.  After a healthy seedling has developed, it will be ready for planting.  

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Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Syagrus Romanzoffiana

Syagrus romanzoffiana

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