Best fertilizer for golden cane palms + Tips for fast growth

The best fertilizer for golden cane palms are a natural slow release organic fertilizer like pelleted chicken manure. You can also use a specialized slow release palm food once a year at the beginning of spring. Improve the soil before planting a new golden cane palm with aged cow manure and compost.

Golden cane palms are easy to care for and with some slow release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer each month in the growing season they will can grow up to around 1 foot per year.

This article will explore everything you need to know about how to fertilize golden cane palms before planting and during the growth season.

Best slow release fertilizer for golden cane palms

Slow release fertilizer is the easiest way to fertilize your golden cane palms each year. Simply add this fertilizer at the start of spring and your palms will happily grow throughout the rest of the year.

Pelleted chicken manure

Pelleted chicken manure is the best organic slow release fertilizer for golden cane palms. Chicken manure pellets can also contain seaweed extract and minerals for an extra boost of nutrients. Golden cane palms will get a range of nutrients and minerals including nitrogen, calcium and magnesium.

These will support new leaf growth, strong stems and a strong root system

Specialized palm food

Slow release fertilizer that is specially made for palms is another great option. These are usually synthetic but will be balanced to deliver exactly what the palm needs. Look out for these at your garden center.

These slow release fertilizers will deliver nutrients over the spring growing season. These slow release fertilizers are the best way to feed your palms without worrying about adding any extra nutrients throughout the year.

These synthetic fertilizers offer similar benefit to an organic slow release fertilizer and their results will be similar.

Best liquid fertilizer for golden cane palms

Liquid fertilizer can be used for golden cane palms to deliver nutrients quickly to the palm. This will need to be added every month over spring to feed the palm.

Liquid fertilizers can include a natural mix like fish emulsion or other organic liquid fertilizers that are made from natural ingredients including manures.

These liquid fertilizers can be added to a watering can and fed to your palms on the soil and leaves. You can also add some liquid seaweed solution to the watering can at the same time. This will help to strengthen the roots of the palm and can help to improve the soil.

Best soil improver for golden cane palms

Improving the soil before you plant your golden cane palms is the best way to add nutrients to the soil. Dig through some aged cow manure and compost which are both mild fertilizers. These will lighten the soil and improve drainage at the same time.

Adding organic matter to the soil will also help to feed soil bacteria and worms which will break down the material and release the nutrients into the soil. This will make it easier for the plants to absorb the nutrients.

Best time to fertilize golden cane palms

The best time to fertilize golden cane palms is at the beginning of spring. As soon as the frosts pass feed your palm with some liquid or slow release fertilizer. They will be ready to grow new leaves and stems after their dormant period over the winter.

You will not need to fertilize the palms again throughout the year as they are fairly low maintenance. Just remove old palm fronds once they turn brown and have finished growing. The palm will replace them with new fronds that grow up from the center of the plant.

Why is my golden cane palm turning yellow?

Golden cane palms will naturally grow yellow stems as they grow older and are exposed to more light. Golden cane palms will have multiple stems like bamboo which can become bright yellow over time.

My golden cane palms started out with greener stems when they were smaller which then grew yellow. A palm that is fertilized well in spring should grow healthy with green leaves and yellow stems.

A palm that is lacking nitrogen, is too dry or is affected by pests can grow yellow leaves. Add liquid nitrogen fertilizer, water well and trim off any damaged leaves to help the palm to recover.

How do you take care of golden cane palms?

Golden cane palms are easy to care for. Start by improving the soil before you plant a new palm. You can also use a good quality potting soil and plant them in a pot. Water the palm well for the first week. Palms like to dry out between watering so only water 2 times per week to avoid root rot.

Do golden cane palms need lots of water?

Golden cane palms are drought tolerant so will survive well in warmer weather once they have established. They will grow best with some extra water over summer. I have found that watering twice per week over summer is all they need.

If you live in an area that gets regular spring rain they may not need watering at all over this time. I also water them fairly minimally over winter as the soil will stay wet for quite a long time.

Best fertilizer for golden cane palms | Summary

The best fertilizer for golden cane palms includes chicken manure pellets, specialized slow release palm fertilizer or liquid fertilizers. You can mix together liquid fish emulsion and seaweed in a watering can and add this to the palm each month. You will have a happy palm and a great feature in your garden.