Properly watering your plants and trees can be a challenge in South Florida. For us, the rainy season lasts from May to October and averages 43 inches of rain. The dry season lasts from November to April and averages only 14 inches of rain. We also have mostly sandy soil that doesn’t hold much water, and in the winter, winds make the soil even drier. Plus, most South Florida neighborhoods have rules about how much water can be used, and you have a recipe for a watering disaster.
Most often, we see trees dying from underwatering. But, surprisingly, many also die from being overwatered. There are times when it’s hard to tell if a tree is too wet or too dry because many of the signs are the same.
Palm trees are a classic symbol of tropical landscapes and warm weather With their majestic trunks and large, dramatic fronds, palm trees add an essence of paradise to any garden However, despite their resilient nature, palm trees are still vulnerable to common gardening problems like overwatering.
Overwatering is one of the most preventable causes of death for potted palm trees. Too much moisture around the roots suffocates them, leading to root rot and other harmful fungal diseases. The good news is overwatered palm trees can recover if caught early and proper corrective actions are taken.
In this article, you’ll learn the tell-tale signs of an overwatered palm tree, as well as solutions for reviving your prized tropical plant.
Signs Your Palm Tree is Getting Too Much Water
It can be tricky at first to diagnose whether your palm tree is being overwatered or underwatered. However, there are a few key symptoms that point specifically to overwatering. Watch out for these signs:
-
Yellowing or brown leaves – Healthy palm leaves are a vibrant green. If the older leaves begin to yellow or brown and fall off, it likely indicates root damage from overwatering. The plant cannot take in nutrients effectively.
-
Black spots on leaves and leaf stems – Excess moisture creates the perfect damp environment for fungal disease to take hold. Black or brown spots on fronds point to fungus.
-
Drooping leads or canopy – An overwatered palm tree will begin to lose its shape. The fronds and canopy will hang low and limp, lacking strength or structure.
-
Blackened roots – Root rot from overwatering causes roots to turn black/brown and mushy. They may even start falling off the plant.
-
Browning – Underwatering causes crisp, brown leaf edges. But overwatering leads to entire leaves rapidly browning or spotting brown and yellow.
-
Pest infestations – Too much moisture attracts pests like fungus gnats or mealybugs. Watch for small flies, white patches, webbing etc.
-
Mold growth – Excess water causes gray/white fungal mold to grow on the surface of potting soil.
-
Consistently moist soil – The soil of an overwatered palm stays soggy for too long. Examine it carefully before adding more water.
How to Revive an Overwatered Palm Tree
If caught early, an overwatered palm tree can make a full recovery. Follow these tips to nurse your plant back to health:
Stop watering immediately – Do not add any more water until the soil has had time to dry out. Give the roots a chance to recover.
Check roots – Carefully remove the tree and inspect the root system. Look for blackened, mushy roots. Remove any that easily slide off.
Repot in fresh soil – Discard old wet soil and any rotten roots. Repot in a sterile pot with new, well-draining soil.
Treat with fungicide – Apply a food-safe fungicide to help remove harmful fungus from affected areas.
Trim damaged fronds – Prune off any dead or diseased leaves to reduce stress on the plant.
Move to a shady spot – Avoid direct sunlight which may further dry out the struggling plant. Give it bright, indirect light.
Mist leaves – Misting is safer than watering at the roots. It increases humidity around the plant.
Wait to fertilize – Only add fertilizer once the palm shows new growth, to avoid shock.
Check soil dryness – Before watering again, test the soil moisture. Wait until the top few inches are fully dry.
Water lightly – When you do water again, gradually return to a light watering routine. Soak thoroughly then wait for it to dry.
Preventing Overwatering
The best cure is prevention when it comes to overwatering palm trees. Follow these simple rules to keep your plants hydrated and happy:
-
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry
-
Use filtered or distilled water rather than tap
-
Always provide good drainage in containers
-
Never allow pots to sit in water
-
Water early morning instead of night
-
Add sand, pebbles or perlite to improve drainage
-
Water slowly and deeply to saturate the entire root zone
-
Use saucers under pots to collect excess water
-
Consider a moisture meter to check wetness before adding water
With diligent care and treatment, an overwatered palm tree can bounce back better than ever. Just be patient during the recovery process. Reduce watering, address fungal issues, and provide your palm tree with the bright, indirect light it craves.
Symptoms of Severe Underwatering
If water stress becomes too severe, your plants and trees can’t recover. The wilting point, also called the permanent wilting point, is the point at which roots can no longer take in any more water. At the permanent wilting point, leaf and branch cells become so damaged that they die. After that point, watering does no good.
Proper Tree Watering Practices
There is a bit of a science when it comes to watering trees. First, it is essential to understand that each tree species is different. Even among trees of the same species, each one can have different watering needs based on its age, health, and location.
Keep in mind that many neighborhoods and communities have strict water restrictions. If you live in one of these areas, adjust your watering schedule accordingly. It might also mean having fewer trees on your property or selecting drought-tolerant species.
- Water correctly. It’s better to water trees and palms less often and over a longer period of time than it is to water shrubs, perennials, and grass.
- Don’t water near the trunk. Instead, put most of the water around the roots and just beyond them. This will encourage the roots to reach outwards.
- Check soil moisture before watering. The ground around your tree (under the mulch) should be damp but not drenched between waterings.
- Keep an eye on the weather. If it’s really hot, you might need to water your plants more often or give them more water. If it’s going to rain this week, turn off any irrigation systems. You don’t want your trees to drown! It’s easiest to do this if your irrigation system has a rain gauge that turns it off by itself if it rains. Snowbirds who aren’t here year-round will especially appreciate this!.
- Even plants, shrubs, and trees that are xeriscape or Florida-friendly need water. Just because they can handle drought doesn’t mean they should never be watered!
- Water in the morning. When you water at night, fungi can grow, and when you water during the day, water evaporates and leaves the plant.
- Adjust your irrigation as the seasons change.
- Treat mulch like it’s your tree’s best friend. To keep the soil’s moisture level high, put organic mulch around your trees. This gives the trees more oxygen. Also, plants can’t grow around the tree and compete with it for water and food.
- Know how much water your trees need. As an example, a palm or red maple needs a lot more water than a common crape myrtle. Check out this South Florida Water Management District guide on waterwise trees for information on how much water different trees in the area need.
- For at least two years after planting, trees that have just been planted need extra care. This means watering it more often and keeping a close eye on it to make sure it can grow strong roots. You might have to water by hand in places where water is limited. For more information on how to water new trees, check out this page from the University of Florida.
ASK US ANYTHING – Overwatering, Palm Tree Trimming, and How to Protect From Heat and Frost
FAQ
How to fix an overwatered palm?
How to tell if a tree is overwatered or underwatered?
How often should I water my palm tree?
What does a sick palm tree look like?
How do you know if a palm tree is overwatered?
The most obvious symptom of an overwatered palm plant is pale and droopy leaves. This is caused by too much water in the soil, which prevents the roots from getting enough oxygen to keep the tree healthy. When a palm tree is overwatered, the roots cannot absorb nutrients from the soil and eventually become waterlogged.
How do you save an overwatered palm tree?
To save an overwatered palm tree, you must stop watering it immediately and evaluate the situation. Carefully take your palm tree out of its container to examine the roots for rot. Trim away damaged portion of the roots, treat with a fungicide and repot with fresh soil. Underwatered vs Overwatered Palm Tree? How often should you water a palm tree?
What happens if you overwater a palm tree?
Palm trees are known for their lush, vibrant green canopy. But overwatering these trees will bring on unsightly discoloration. This is known as chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow because of nutrient deficiencies brought upon by overwatering. Remember, overwatering suffocates roots and stops them from working properly.
Why is my palm tree drooping?
An overwatered palm tree is a common problem for many gardeners, but it can be easily avoided. The most obvious symptom of an overwatered palm plant is pale and droopy leaves. This is caused by too much water in the soil, which prevents the roots from getting enough oxygen to keep the tree healthy.
How do you repot an overwatered palm tree?
To help improve the drainage of the potting soil, repot your indoor palm tree in a container slightly larger than the one it was in previously. Fill the new container with loose, well-draining soil and carefully repot the overwatered palm tree.
What happens when you overwater an areca palm?
When you water an areca palm, make sure the soil is thoroughly and evenly damp. If overwatered, areca palm roots will start rotting, making them unable to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. You’ll notice brown leaves on your areca palm (starting from the tips). If not fixed, overwatering will lead to the death of your areca palm.