Tropical Palm Care Guide: Keep Your Palms Thriving All Summer (May-October)
Expert care tips to maximize the beauty and health of your tropical palms throughout the NY & NJ growing season. Simple maintenance strategies for stunning results from spring through fall.
GO Palm Trees Expert Team
Published January 2026 • 20+ Years Growing Tropicals
Planting & Initial Setup (May)
Late spring (mid-May after last frost) is the perfect time to install your tropical palms. At this point, soil temperatures are warm and days are getting longer - ideal conditions for palms to establish quickly and start showing off their beauty.
Planting Essentials:
Location Choice
- • Full sun to part shade - most tropical palms love sun but tolerate some afternoon shade
- • Protected from strong winds - near buildings, fences, or existing plantings
- • Visible from main viewing areas - pool, patio, entryway
- • Good drainage - avoid standing water spots
Container vs. Ground Planting
Containers (Most Popular): Easier to move, better control over soil and drainage, simpler end-of-season disposal. Use large containers (20-30 gallon minimum) with drainage holes.
In-Ground: Creates more permanent look, palms establish faster, less watering needed. Fine for annual replacement - just dig up root ball in fall.
Soil & Planting Depth
- • Use quality potting mix or amend garden soil with compost and perlite
- • Plant at SAME depth as container - never deeper!
- • Water immediately after planting to settle soil
- • Add 2-3 inches of mulch (keep away from trunk)
Watering: The Most Critical Factor
Consistent moisture is THE key to gorgeous tropical palms. Unlike cold-hardy palms that tolerate some drought, tropical varieties need regular watering throughout the entire season.
Monthly Watering Guide:
May: Establishment Phase
Frequency: Every 2-3 days (daily if
hot/windy)
Amount: Deep soaking until water drains from
bottom
Goal: Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)
while roots establish
June-August: Peak Growing Season
Container Palms: Daily during heat waves, every
2-3 days otherwise
In-Ground Palms: 2-3 times per week
Check soil 2-3 inches down: Should feel like a
wrung-out sponge
Heat Wave Tip: Water in early morning to reduce
evaporation
September-October: Winding Down
Frequency: Every 3-4 days as temperatures
cool
Amount: Reduce slightly as growth slows
Watch weather: Reduce watering if fall brings
rain
Common Watering Mistakes
- ❌ Letting containers dry out completely - causes immediate stress and brown tips
- ❌ Light, frequent sprinkles - encourages shallow roots, doesn't penetrate deep enough
- ❌ Watering at midday - most water evaporates before reaching roots
- ✅ Instead: Deep, thorough watering in early morning or evening
Fertilizing Schedule for Maximum Beauty
Tropical palms are heavy feeders during the growing season. Regular fertilization produces lush, vibrant fronds and that deep green color customers love.
Fertilizer Application Schedule:
Late May: Initial Feeding
2-3 weeks after planting, apply balanced palm fertilizer (8-2-12 or similar). Promotes root development and new frond production.
Mid-July: Peak Season Boost
Second application during active growth. This is when palms produce their most dramatic growth.
Late August: Final Feeding
Last application to maintain color and health through September-October. No need to fertilize after this since season is ending.
Fertilizer
Options:
• Slow-release granular palm fertilizer (easiest - apply 3x per
season)
• Liquid palm fertilizer (more frequent but faster results - every
2-3 weeks)
• Look for products with magnesium & manganese to prevent
yellowing
Maintenance & Grooming
Frond Pruning
- • Only remove completely brown/dead fronds
- • Never remove green fronds (even if tips are brown)
- • Don't prune more than 2-3 fronds per month
- • Cut close to trunk but don't damage it
Pest Management
- • Spider mites: Spray with water or insecticidal soap
- • Scale: Remove by hand or use horticultural oil
- • Regular inspection prevents major infestations
- • Most issues resolve with consistent care
Cleanup
- • Wipe dust off fronds monthly for better appearance
- • Remove fallen debris from crown
- • Keep mulch refreshed and pulled back from trunk
- • Rinse foliage occasionally to remove dust
Storm Protection
- • Move container palms to sheltered areas before storms
- • Stake tall palms if in exposed locations
- • Trim dead fronds before hurricane season
- • Some frond damage is normal after storms
Companion Planting for Stunning Displays
Palms look even more spectacular when paired with complementary tropical plants. Layer different heights, colors, and textures for professional-looking designs.
GO Palm Trees Recommended Combinations:
The Classic Trio
Christmas Palm (tall focal point) +
Red Sisters Cordyline (mid-height burgundy accent)
+ Croton Petras (low color punch)
This combination delivers height variation and incredible color
from green to red to yellow/orange.
The Jungle Look
Spindle or Bottle Palm (architectural centerpiece)
+
Giant Alocasia (massive elephant ear leaves) +
Red Bananas (red-backed tropical foliage)
Creates dramatic scale with enormous leaves. Perfect for pool
areas or large patios.
The Flowering Paradise
Roebelenii Palm (elegant backdrop) +
Mandevillas (climbing flowering vines on trellis)
+ Canna Lilies (bold flowers at base)
Combines palm elegance with continuous colorful blooms all
season.
End of Season (October)
As temperatures drop in October, tropical palms naturally slow their growth. Most customers enjoy their palms through early October, then let them go as first frosts arrive.
Your Options in Fall:
Option 1: The Annual Replacement Approach (Most Popular)
Let palms naturally decline with first frost. Dispose of them and start fresh next May with new, vibrant specimens. This is what 80%+ of our repeat customers do - it's simply easier and looks better!
Option 2: Attempt Indoor Overwintering (Advanced)
Move containers indoors to bright, warm location (65°F+). Requires greenhouse space or large south-facing windows, humidity management, and pest control. Palms often look stressed by spring and need months to recover.
Ready for Your Best Palm Season Yet?
Visit GO Palm Trees this spring to select from our full inventory of tropical palms and complementary plants. Our team will help you design the perfect tropical display for your property. Many customers pre-order in April to ensure they get their favorite varieties!