pindo palm not bearing fruit.

Question

Hi, my father’s Pindo palm bore fruit for many years, then stopped. This summer there was only one bloom and very little fruit (first time fruiting in two years). It looks healthy, nice leaves etc. It’s located in Mississippi, well over 15 years old. It is located in an area with pine trees; pine straw. Any ideas?

Answer 1

It could, very well, be that your soil is becoming too acidic for the palm. This will lock out phosphorus and potassium, which will be what is responsible for letting your tree bear flowers.

I would test your soil to see what is going on first. Likely the pine needles are making the soil too acidic, but it could be a genuine deficiency. You will be aiming for a pH of 5.8 to 7.

If the pH is too low, then Dolomitic lime will fix it right up. Just a handful will be plenty.

If it is a deficiency of potassium and phosphorus, then you can add potassium phosphate, or any other bloom booster to the soil.

Here is an article that will help you with the general care of the palms: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pindo-palm/growing-pindo-palm-trees.htm