Palm Tree Care: How to Care for Palm Trees in Winter

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

The windmill palms are very tough. I’ve had great success with them, over a decade in the ground here in the Philly area. Other great cold hardy species are the needle palm and Sabal Minor.

[@perrinmontenegro]

Than you!

[@greensideupgardengifts2165]

Happy to help!

[@erickmcgraw]

I made a terrible mistake by experimentation: I live in WV (zone 5/6). I stuck a date pit in a old pot of dirt in the dead of winter 2015. Now I have a date palm that is close to six feet and growing like a weed on steroids! I keep it in the house from November to March and then it lives on the deck during the summer. I don't have the heart to just let it die. I've been looking for a business to take it but everyone seems to look at palms as some sort of high maintenance plant. My ceilings are only 8 feet and it's becoming heavier by the day, not to mention the stress of repotting every 3-4 years. Any ideas?

[@greensideupgardengifts2165]

Wow, that's quite an impressive plant journey! It sounds like your date palm has really thrived despite the challenging conditions! As for ideas to help manage it, here are a few options: 1. **Pruning the Palm**: While date palms can grow tall, they can also be pruned back to some extent. You might consider trimming the top of the plant to keep it within a manageable size. Keep in mind that palms only grow from the top, so this won’t stop it from growing entirely, but it might help to keep it from getting too top-heavy. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. 2. **Finding a New Home for It**: You could reach out to local botanical gardens, public spaces, or even restaurants that might be interested in a large, established palm. Many businesses and establishments with high ceilings or atriums are more than happy to take in a plant that provides an impressive look. They might even be willing to care for it at no cost, or with minimal maintenance. 3. **Repotting**: Since you're already repotting it every 3-4 years, maybe consider moving it into a slightly larger pot, but one that will help limit its growth. Sometimes, choosing a pot that's just a bit snugger can help control root growth and slow down the plant’s upward growth, though this won’t stop it entirely. 4. **Donate or Sell It**: If it’s becoming too unwieldy for your space, try reaching out to local plant enthusiasts or online communities (like Facebook plant groups or Craigslist). Someone with a large enough space or greenhouse might be excited to take it off your hands. Ultimately, you don't have to let it "die," but rather find a solution that works for both you and the plant! If you really want to keep it, a little pruning and managing its growth might help you strike the balance. Good luck!

[@Ghost-dz4fl]

why is cotton a bad idea?

[@greensideupgardengifts2165]

Cotton will not hold in heat.

[@Ghost-dz4fl]

@@greensideupgardengifts2165 Oh! I live in Washingtn state and when it dips real low i pile dry leaves onto my more tender palms and wrap them in whatever/ usually fleece cotton mix. ill phase into fleece!