Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees: Amazing Plant Food for Palms

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Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees and Ferns

If you live in a warm climate and have palm trees or are trying to grow them, then you know that they need special care. They require a great deal of care to develop into the beautiful, tall plants we know and love. One of the most important things you can do for your palms is to fertilize them correctly. But what are the best fertilizers for palm trees?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to fertilizing palm trees. What’s the best fertilizer for your climate and specific palm tree? How often do you need to fertilize? Knowing the answers to these questions is key to keeping your palm tree looking healthy and lush all year long. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for fertilizing your palm tree, so you can make the most informed decision possible.

Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees

It can be hard to know what is the best fertilizers for palm trees. Luckily, we’re here to help! Here, we’ll discuss some of the most popular fertilizers for palm trees and how they can help keep your tree healthy and looking its best. So, whether you’re a seasoned palm tree grower or just starting out, be sure to read on for some valuable advice.

1. Miracle-Gro Shake’ N Feed Palm Plant Food

Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Palm Plant Food, 4.5 lb., Feeds up to 3 Months Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Palm Plant Food

This product comes in granular form and contains magnesium, iron, and manganese. It also has added compost to support above and beneath the dirt. This item is intended to develop great palms, cycads, and tropical plants, and help keep fronds from yellowing and curling. You can utilize it on the ground and in containers.

Wherever it is used, Miracle-Gro Shake’ n Feed Palm Plant Food will help give a nonstop delivery of plant nourishment for as long as three months. Keep your palms taken care of and happy with the help of the new Miracle-Gro Shake’ N Feed Palm Plant Food for nourishment, growth, and a healthy appearance. This product is on our top position in the best fertilizers for palm trees list.

Features and benefits:

  • Quick and easy to use thanks to the applicator cap
  • Can be used on plants in the ground or in containers
  • From a trusted name brand
  • Clear instructions provided
  • Guaranteed not to burn when used as directed

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2. Jobe’s Organics Palm Tree Granular Plant Food

Jobe's Organics Granules Palm Plant Food 4 lb.Jobe’s Organics Granules Palm Plant Food

Jobe’s Organics Palm granular fertilizer includes Biozome for healthier palm trees and plants. Jobe’s Biozome is an advantage for natural cultivating. It improves the drawn-out soil, expands root mass, advances plant development, and fights against illness, bugs, dry spells, and other unfavorable conditions inside a developing season. Transfer long-term benefits without synthetic compounds.

Jobe’s Biozome is an exciting and restrictive mix of good microorganisms, Archaea, Mycorrhizal parasites, and microscopic organisms. Researchers have found that these organisms clean the dirt, returning it to a better, more expected state. Jobe’s Biozome contains an exclusive type of Archaea that rapidly separates complex hydrocarbons and minerals into fundamental supplements and minor components that plants easily retain.

Mycorrhizal organisms grow the surface-retaining territory of the roots by 100x, conveying fibers that go about as expansions of the plant’s root framework, assisting plants with absorbing water and supplements. Consequently, the organisms get different mixtures from the plant roots, energizing their own development. Finally, the good bacterial strain in Biozome improves the dirt construction and quality, keeping supplements close to the roots. 

Jobe’s Organics Palm granular compost is OMRI listed and can be used in ensuring natural food creation as indicated by the USDA Public Natural Program. As an organic product, it is safe to use around kids and pets.

Features and benefits:

  • Organic
  • Safe for the environment
  • Safe for kids and pets
  • Includes Biozome, Archaea, and Mycorrhizal for healthier trees and plants
  • Promotes root growth

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3. Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes

Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes, 12 SpikesMiracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes

This is a spike fertilizer. Instead of spreading granules, you’ll insert the spikes into the ground around the tree (by lightly using a hammer) and space them about 3 feet apart. The nutrients are then released directly into the root zone.

These Miracle-Gro tree spikes are specifically created for fruits and citrus trees and plants, including palm trees. They are designed to be used yearly, in the spring and fall, for constant delivery of supplements and to fulfill the needs of the palm tree.

The nutrients from the spikes will produce lush, healthy foliage. Like other products from Miracle-Gro, this one has an excellent reputation. Many people find the spikes easy to work with than granules. Although there is slightly more work involved during the application, there’s no question about how much fertilizer you should use. You simply find the drip line (basically the outer edge of leaves) and insert spikes on this drip line in a circle around the tree. As long as you’re putting a spike every three feet, you’ll be using the correct amount.

Features and benefits:

  • The spikes are simple to use
  • Works for fruit and citrus trees in addition to palms
  • Only needs to be applied twice per year
  • Made by a trusted name brand

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4. Jobe’s Fern & Palm Fertilizer Spikes

Jobe's 05101 Fern & Palm Fertilizer Spikes, 30 per Blister PackJobe’s 05101 Fern & Palm Fertilizer Spikes

Another one of our best fertilizers for palm trees is Jobe’s Fern and Palm Fertilizer Spikes. These are specifically for indoor and container-grown plants. If you’re looking for a product to use with outdoor plants in the ground, you’ll probably get better results with one of the other products featured here.

These fertilizer spikes provide the essential elements (including Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur) to the trees at the roots, where they need them the most.  

Just insert the spikes into the dirt around your plant. Fern and Palm Spikes will help all your greenery and palm plants flourish. Spikes give a nonstop stockpile of effective supplements directly to the roots and will not wash away when the plants are watered. You won’t have to deal with any mess, hazards, or smells from this product. The time-release design allows the tree to get nutrients continuously.

Features and benefits:

  • Specifically designed for indoor and contain-grown trees
  • Very easy to use
  • The time-release design feeds the tree continuously
  • Provides all the essential nutrients a palm tree needs

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5. Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes

Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes, 12 Spikes/PackMiracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes

This product is very similar to the Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus Tree Spikes, but these spikes provide a more general fertilizer that is not for a specific type of tree. If you’re looking for something that will only be used with palms, we’d recommend one of the specialty products. But if you’re looking for a fertilizer you can use with several different types of trees, including palsm, this one is a good option. It is effective with palms, in addition to other trees, shrubs, and evergreens.

Use the spikes once a season, in the spring and fall, for rich, excellent foliage and lively tone on all deciduous, evergreen, and blooming trees and bushes. These simple-to-use spikes give sustenance directly to the roots where trees need it the most.

Features and benefits:

  • Effective for just about any type of tree or shrub, including palms
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Can be applied twice per year (spring and fall)
  • Made by a trusted and industry-leading brand

Related: The Best Liquid Fertilizers Reviewed (for a Healthy Lawn)

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How to Fertilize a Palm Tree

Sandy soil is much different from some other types of soil. Water runs off from the soil quickly, carrying away many nutrients that are essential for the growth and development of trees and plants. If this happens frequently, the plant’s roots will not have a good chance to absorb the needed nutrients.

All things considered, it’s suggested that you utilize slow delivery fertilizer that is specially configured for palms when fertilizing palm trees. If you use a general fertilizer, you probably will not get the results you’re looking for since palm trees have unique needs.

Most of the best fertilizers for palm trees are available as granules, pellets, or spikes. They provide tiny portions of supplements to palm roots throughout a timeframe. Granules should be applied to the dirt straight over the root zone, under the overhang of the leaves and branches.

Palm tree compost should be used one to three times each year, depending upon the particular brand’s guidelines. Some lethargic delivery composts may be good for 3 or 6 months. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their recommendations as closely as possible.

What Types of Fertilizers Should Be Used for Palm Trees?

Look for a fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, also known as an NPK fertilizer. A ratio of 3:1:3 is ideal. Also, a slow-release fertilizer is preferable so the tree is able to get nutrients a little bit at a time.

Fertilizing Recently Planted Palms 

If you just planted a palm tree, don’t start fertilizing it right away. Palms need to be transplanted from above-ground containers to the ground before they can be fed fertilizer. This is because transitioning palms from one type of container to another disrupts the root system and makes it harder for them to absorb nutrients.

Instead, wait until your palm has been in its new location for at least three months before adding any fertilizer. Once this time period has passed, it’s safe to begin feeding your palm as you would other plants in your landscape. You can use a general-purpose slow-release fertilizer and apply half of the recommended dosage every six months (in the first year after planting).

Fertilizing Potted Palms

Palms that are grown above-ground in containers need a different type of fertilizer than palms growing in the ground. This is because palms in pots do not have access to as much water or nutrients, so they don’t get fed as often. As a result, their root systems are not developed enough to absorb large amounts of fertilizer. Overfertilization will kill palms grown in containers, so it’s very important to know what kind of fertilizer your palm tree needs and how much to use.

Always use slow-release fertilizers for potted palms instead of liquid or granular products. You should apply half of the recommended dosage every six months during the first year of container growth. After that point, you can cut back to once a year for palms between three and eight feet tall, and every two years for palms over nine feet tall.

Fertilizing Palms Growing in the Ground

Palms growing in your yard can be fertilized just like any other plant. It’s important to keep an eye on how often they need feeding and adjust as necessary based on what type of soil they’re growing in and how much water they get each day. Generally speaking, if your palm is getting enough water but not enough fertilizer, consider using a slow-release palm fertilizer once each winter. However, some palms may need extra feeding during the growing season if they’re not getting enough nutrients.

When to Apply Fertilizer to Palms 

By and large, the ideal time for fertilizing a palm is in late winter or early spring. If only two feedings are required, the second portion of palm tree fertilizer would be used in midsummer. Nonetheless, it is critical to adhere to the guidelines on the particular product you are utilizing. Over-treating can cause problems as well, so be careful not to use more than the directions indicate.

Related: Reviews of the Best Lawn Fertilizers for Thick Green Grass

Final Thoughts on the Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees

Palms are beautiful additions to any landscape, but they require regular care and attention in order to stay healthy. Fortunately, feeding palms correctly is relatively easy once you know the basics about palm fertilizer. By following the aforementioned guidelines for fertilizing and knowing the best fertilizer for palm trees in your area, you can be sure that it’s getting everything it needs to grow strong and lush year after year.

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