Madagascar palm has only sprouted tiny little leaves this year.

Question

My 8′ tall Madagascar palm’s leaves have not fully sprouted this year. It always had a single head and last year after flowering it developed several nubs at the top. I thought it would develop several heads but only little leaves have sprouted from the nubs. I have had this plant for 6 years or so and for the first few years it was kept in a pot. I planted it in the ground 3 years ago and it took off and did very well. I live in So. Florida (zone 9B) and last winter was not very cold but it did loose it’s leaves as usual but now just little tiny leaves have popped out. I don’t know what is wrong with it. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

You are right at the edge of where they can be considered hardy. I would say that if the temperatures dipped down to 25 degrees or below, then this is to blame for a slow recovery.

Fertilization is necessary to good plant growth and health as well. This may be a need at this time.

This article is for growing these as a houseplant, but the same care will be necessary outdoors, for the most part: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/madagascar-palm/madagascar-palm-care.htm