Hemp palms generally tolerate temperatures down to minus 20 degrees. Careful winter protection is a prerequisite. Nevertheless, it can happen that the plant gets frost damage.
Mulch protects hemp palms from freezing in winter[/caption] There is nothing worse for a gardener than when his beloved plants do not survive the winter. Although hemp palms are quite hardy with the right protection, it can happen that the leaves freeze in the cold winter or even the heart of the palm is damaged.
Often the damage looks worse than it actually is. In most cases the palm can still be saved.
Detect and treat possible frost damage
Frozen leaves on the hemp palm tree
Moisture combined with cold is more of a problem for the hemp palm than low temperatures alone. The leaf fronds in particular freeze quickly. As little as -10° Celsius are enough for the leaves to suffer frost damage. You can see this visually by the so-called "glazing", which are dark spots on the leaves. Frozen leaves turn completely brown and die, but the palm is not lost.
As long as no moisture penetrates the heart of the palm, the plant will recover well in spring. Green leaves that are still present contribute to regeneration through photosynthesis. Leave the frozen leaves where they are for the time being, only cut off the affected palm fronds in the spring. With rising temperatures, the palm develops new shoots.
Hemp palms in tubs should spend the winter in a cool and dry room. If this is not possible, provide appropriate winter protection.
» Important: Avoid constantly changing location - either the palm stays well wrapped up outside, or it spends the winter months completely inside. Out - in, depending on the outside temperature, is the worst choice.
Damaged Palm Heart
Hemp palms outdoors are at risk during long cold spells with deep ground frost. Proper winter protection is particularly important here. It is not only the heart of the palm that suffers from the cold, but itthere is a risk of fungal infections when the hemp palm is exposed to the interaction of cold and wet. Only chemicals help against fungal infections, but with the disadvantage that chemical fungicides generally weaken the resistance of the hemp palm.
Furthermore, moisture under the winter protection leads to the formation of rot, which permanently damages the heart of the palm. You can often not prevent the complete death of a hemp palm tree affected by fungi or rot - the only thing that helps here is if you pack the next specimen better.
Prevent Frost Damage
Packing up before the hemp palm suffers is the best protection against frost and winter damage. Cover the soil around the root with a layer of bark mulch and, if possible, manure. Protect the trunk with straw, jute wrapping or bubble wrap.
» Caution: Cut holes in the foil to allow moisture to evaporate. Above the trunk, stuff the spaces between the individual branches with straw, this is the best way to protect the heart of the hemp palm. Tie the top of the leaf together and also wrap it in a warm but air-permeable wrapper.