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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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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
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
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?
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
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?
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
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
