Foxtail Palm pests diseases deficiencies
Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) in south Florida suffer from pest, diseases, and deficiencies but can very simply be treated for most of them.
Insect Pests of Foxtail Palms
Mealybugs
Banana moth larvae and grubs
Whiteflies
Ambrosia beetles
Most of these pests can be controlled with a simple root drench with the active ingredient Imidacloprid made to the base of the truck once per year. With a products like Dominion 2L.
Disease of Foxtail Palms
Leaf spots from Anthracnose (Colletorichum), Diplodia, Exserohilum, Petalotiopsis, and Phomopsis. Do appear on the foliage of the Foxtail Palm. If treated at the first sign with the least environmental impact with a copper fungicide such as CuPro 5000 or a foliar systemic spray of Heritage or Cleary 3336. Palms may be to tall to spray with any handheld sprayer so a professional who has the right equipment may need to apply it. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and proper irrigation, can help reduce the likelihood of fungal infections and keep the Foxtail Palm healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to monitor for common pests other palms experience, such as spider mites, scale insects, or mealybugs, as they can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases. Timely action and preventive care can ensure the longevity and vibrancy of these beautiful palms in the landscape.
Ganoderma butt rot caused by Ganoderma zonatum is a deadly disease that has no treatment or cure, it is apparent by a conch like shell on the side of the trunk of a dead or dyeing foxtail palm.
Nutritional Deficiencies of Foxtail Palms
Foxtail Palms will suffer from severe deficiencies and chlorosis the inability to produce chlorophyll. From boron to potassium, these problems can be avoided by fertilizing foxtail palms every 3 to 4 months with a Florida Palm Special Fertilizer 8-2-12 with up to 5 pounds per palm spread out over the root system 1 foot away from the trunk, avoid band fertilizer applications like a belt around the palm.
Palms that have severe deficiencies may take up to a year or more to recover, waiting to fertilizer may cause the palm to go into severe where it is impossible to recover from decline.
Also avoid direct irrigation of the roots and truck as this can cause root and trunk rotting.
