King palm tree is one of the most popular palm trees in the world. It is native to parts of Africa, Asia, and Madagascar. King palm tree grows to a height of 20-40 m and has a trunk diameter of 0.6-1.2 m. The leaves are palmate, with 5-7 lobes, and the flowers are yellow or white. The fruit is a black drupe, which contains a single seed.
Related plant:
Ilex Golden King
Related plant:
Crimson King Maple
About soil condition, king palm tree need a well-drained, fertile soil mix. The tree will grow in both full sun and part shade, but it will produce more fruit in full sun. You can improve drainage in your garden by adding organic matter to the soil before planting the tree.
Like the other palm trees, king palms need full sun to thrive. In fact, they are one of the few palms that can tolerate direct sun for long periods of time. If you live in a hot climate, king palms are a good choice for adding some shade to your yard.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for a king palm tree is one that is warm and humid. This type of tree does not do well in cold or dry climates. If the temperature drops below freezing, the tree will die. In hot, dry climates, the tree will not thrive and will eventually die.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. The leaves of this plant can start to turn brown and drop off if the humidity level drops below 50%. If the humidity level is too high (above 60%), the leaves may start to yellow and drop off as well.
For the fertilizer, this family of plant only need a little bit. In fact, too much can actually harm the tree. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended amount on the package. For the root system, they are not very aggressive and actually quite shallow. They do best in loose, well-draining soils.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your king palm tree. Pruning not only helps to keep your tree healthy, but also allows you to shape it to your desired form. When pruning your king palm tree, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to prune back any dead or dying leaves, as well as any leaves that are crowding or rubbing against other leaves. Also, be sure to prune away any suckers that are growing from the trunk or base of the tree.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The most common method of propagation for king palm trees is by seed. However, it is also possible to propagate these trees from cuttings. To propagate a king palm tree from seed, first collect the seeds from a ripe fruit. Then, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and water them regularly. Once the seedlings have reached a few inches in height, they can be transplanted into the ground. To propagate a king palm tree from cuttings, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy branch. Cut off the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly. Once the cutting has rooted and begun to grow, it can be transplanted into the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate information available is based on south Florida growth rates. South Florida has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and a rainfall of 50-70 inches per year. The king palm tree growth rate in south Florida is about 1-2 feet per year. However, the king palm tree growth rate can be much faster in other parts of the world with similar climates. For example, in Thailand the king palm tree growth rate has been recorded at up to 5 feet per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot and brown leaves. Root rot is caused by too much water and leads to the tree's roots becoming mushy and black. Brown leaves can be caused by a number of things, including lack of water, too much sun, or pests.
Source:
Palms & Cycads | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: PalmUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Palm | Texas Plant Disease Handbook
