What pot size for Golden Cane Palm - Dypsis?

[Pete112]

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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[Pete112]

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

[JacobZ]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[MitchellMc]

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