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What pot size for Golden Cane Palm - Dypsis?

Hi there!

I purchased a palm tree that is around 2-2.5m high. I am looking to grow this at around 3.5-4m to be used as a privacy screen for a neighbours window.

The pot seems a bit small for the plant. Should I increase the pot size? If so, any recommendations on what size to get?

Also, can I use this potting mix or it is best to buy one better for palm trees? https://rockypoint.com.au/product/grow-more-premium-potting-mix-50l/

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EricL

Hello @Pete112

Thanks for sharing your question about your golden cane palm.

That’s a beautiful palm you’ve picked up, and it already has a good head start for screening. Given its height and your goal to get it up to around 3.5–4 metres, the pot will definitely need an upgrade for strong root development and stability.

At the moment, your palm is in what looks like a nursery pot that’s too small for its height. For a palm of 2–2.5 metres, you should move it into at least a 50–75 litre pot straight away. This will give the roots more space and help anchor the plant so it doesn’t topple as it grows taller. If you want to keep it in a pot long-term, you’ll likely need to eventually go up to 100 litres or more, depending on the palm species and growth rate. I propose having a look at the All Set 65L Black Recycled Rope Bucket or the Tuscan Path 60cm White Harper Bowl.

Palms do best in a free-draining but nutrient-rich soil mix. Use a high-quality premium potting mix such as the Seasol 25L Advanced Potting Mix or Scotts Osmocote 50L Premium Plus Superior Potting Mix. These mixes usually have added controlled-release fertiliser and wetting agents. To improve aeration and drainage, you can mix in about 20–30 percent coarse sand or perlite. Avoid heavy garden soil, as it compacts too much in pots.

When you transplant, be gentle with the root ball, as palms don’t like too much root disturbance. Place the palm at the same depth it was in the original pot and fill around it with the new mix, firming lightly without compacting it too much. After potting, water deeply so the soil settles around the roots. Position it where it gets good light but is somewhat sheltered from strong wind until it re-establishes.

Use a slow-release fertiliser formulated for palms, applied every few months during the growing season. You can supplement with a liquid feed every few weeks for an extra boost. Make sure the pot drains well, as palms dislike “wet feet”.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57318#Comment_57318

Thanks for the reply Eric! This is great information for someone who is new to gardening like myself.

Few questions:
1. Are you suggesting to go to 65L, then jumping to 100L after a couple of years or go straight into 100L? I'm concerned about the growth if I plant into the ground as few forums suggest that it may grow extremely large.

2. Do I need to remove the old soil before planting into it's new pot and soil mix?

3. Do you have recommendations for slow-release fertiliser, and when is the growing season? I am based in NSW

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90962#Comment_90962

Hi @Pete112,

You can certainly go straight into a 100L pot if you’re comfortable handling it now. That way, you won’t need to repot again for a long time, and it will give the palm plenty of space for root growth and stability as it gets taller. A 65L will still work as the next step, but you’ll likely find yourself upsizing again within a couple of years. Keeping it in a pot is a good idea if you want to manage its size, as golden cane palms can spread into large clumps once planted in the ground.

When transplanting, there’s no need to remove all of the old soil. Palms don’t like too much root disturbance. Gently loosen the edges of the root ball if it’s tightly bound, then place it in the new pot and backfill with fresh premium potting mix. This way, the plant keeps the familiar soil around its roots while still benefiting from the new, nutrient-rich mix.

For feeding, look for a slow-release fertiliser specifically formulated for palms and ferns, such as Scotts Osmocote 1kg Pots Planters And Indoors Controlled Release Fertiliser. Apply this every few months, and you can also supplement with a liquid fertiliser during the warmer months for an extra boost. The main growing season in NSW is spring through early autumn, so that’s the best time to fertilise and encourage healthy growth.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111432#Comment_111432

I've just purchased the rope bucket and noticed there is no drain holes in it. Would you recommend I drill some hole at the bottom? If so, how big in mm should the holes be and where should I drill it?

MitchellMc

Yes, about a dozen 10mm holes would allow good drainage @Pete112. I just run them around the rings. Eight around the larger ring and four around the inner.

Mitchell

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57354#Comment_57354

Thanks for all your help! I am getting a little nervous its my first golden cane I've purchased.

I've noticed some spots on my plant. Is this normal?

Also, I've noticed one of the leaf has torn/trimmed. Is there a way this can be regrown?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91002#Comment_91002

Hi @Pete112,

The speckling you can see on the lower trunk looks pretty normal for a Golden Cane Palm, and nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on your watering, as they prefer the soil to be kept lightly moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top couple of centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch. In warmer weather, this might be a few times a week, while in cooler months, you’ll find you can cut back.

As for the torn frond, what you’ve highlighted looks more like the central shoot/spike that eventually splits into fronds.

Mitchell

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111453#Comment_111453

How much water would you recommended when the soil feels dry? Would a 25L pour be OK, or should I pour about 50L of water to get the quantity of the 65L bucket.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123155#Comment_123155

Hi @Pete112,

50L would actually be far too much for your 65L pot. A much better approach is to water gradually and evenly. Using a hose on a gentle “shower” setting for around 5 minutes should be plenty to moisten the soil down through the root zone without drowning it. After watering, let the top couple of centimetres dry out before the next soak. This way, you’ll keep the soil lightly moist, which is exactly what Golden Cane Palms prefer.

Mitchell

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130829#Comment_130829

Is this normal to see the leaves turn brown once I've changed my pot, or is my plant dying?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135572#Comment_135572

Hi @Pete112,

Browning leaves are usually a sign of stress, and repotting a plant is a pretty stressful situation for them.

I wouldn't be hugely concerned at this point, but it would certainly be a good idea to ensure your palm is getting plenty of water and giving it a quick boost in the form of some Seasol wouldn't hurt.

Allow me to tag @Noelle to see what she thinks.

Jacob

Noelle

Hi @Pete112

If you want to repot, then go up one pot size only - don't move the plant from its current size to one that's very large. Increasing pot sizes gradually will ensure the roots of the golden can remain healthy.

Any premium potting mix will be suitable - it needs to hold sufficient moisture to maintain vigor while allowing excess to drain away freely.

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57594#Comment_57594

I am confused. I was told to buy the 65L pot and I went with that recommendation, and spent extra to buy the soil to fill that huge bucket up (see the first few reply of this post by Bunnings team members).

What do you suggest I do now @Noelle / @JacobZ ? Do I need to discard the soil and buy a new pot, or buy some Seasol 600mL Concentrate?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91140#Comment_91140

Sorry about the confusion, @Pete112. The likely reason @Noelle has recommended only stepping up one pot size at a time is that when you put a small plant into a very large pot, there’s a lot of fresh mix around the roots that can stay wet for too long. Because the roots haven’t spread into it yet, this increases the risk of rot.

You can help reduce the risk by using a free-draining premium potting mix and ensuring the pot has good drainage holes, which you've done. Being careful not to overwater while the plant establishes itself is key. Over time, the roots will grow out and balance the soil volume.

My concern was that at some stage, likely relatively soon, the plant is going to be too large to be able to manage upsizing the pot.

I'm sure @Noelle will let us know whether this 65L pot is not suitable.

Mitchell

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111528#Comment_111528

65L is a large capacity and Jacob's comments are quite correct in that such a mass of potting mix can hold a lot of moisture that may sour or cause root rot prior to the palm's root system growing into it. It's really important to ensure drainage is good and you don't over-water. Since you have already repotted the palm, don't disturb it again as that could set it back considerably. Using Seasol or a similar seaweed extract to help the roots overcome transplant shock and settle into their new environment would be beneficial.

Pete112

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123207#Comment_123207

@Noelle how much Seasol should I mix with water for a 65L pot?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130867#Comment_130867

Hi @Pete112,

You'd mix 30mL of product with nine litres of water. Even 15mL with four and a half litres of water would be enough to distribute over the soil.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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