Seminoles used the heart of the cabbage palm as food in centuries past. They also used its fronds as brooms and its trunks as water pilings. Today, these trees serve Florida homeowners as decorative elements in their landscapes.
The cabbage palm, also known as the sable palm, is a Florida favorite. Prized for its affordability and versatility, the tree can grow in both seawater and freshwater conditions. Soils of varying pH levels, salt content and densities can host them. With minimal care, cabbage palms can give you many years of gorgeous scenery outside your window.
If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. Cabbage palms, once established, are hardy and low-maintenance. Here are some tips:
- When you transplant a cabbage palm, water it frequently. It will need far less when established. In fact, it is quite drought-resistant.
- Take a soil sample to measure the pH. You can find testing kits at nearly any home or box store. If the pH is above 7.90, add some fertilizer to the soil. Ask your local nursery or residential lawn care professional about the proper soil amendments.
- When you see yellow or brown fronds on your tree, prune them away to reduce insect activity. Other than that, cabbage palms do not require extensive care.
- Look out for palm weevils (1 to 1.5 inches, red or black) when your tree is young. When the tree matures, look for cabbage palm caterpillars (pink with tiny spines). If you notice these insects, contact a Brevard County pest control service like Slug-A-Bug for help eradicating them.
Cabbage palms make excellent additions to yards and they provide cool shade. With a little simple care, yours can thrive for a long, long time.