Apply at intervals sufficient to protect new developing tissue. Apply all chemicals according to directions on the label. Palms that are planted too deep or in areas with poor aeration, such as water-logged soils, are the most susceptible. It is difficult to diagnose nutritional deficiencies by visual symptoms alone, since some symptoms overlap and may appear to be a disease. Some of the general deficiency symptoms are listed below.
Leaves appear to have an overall light green color.
This is a very serious and more widespread problem than nitrogen deficiency. Older leaves are affected first, and the deficiency often appears as yellow, orange or black spots. Edges of the leaves turn brown and become frizzled. Another very serious and common problem that begins on the older leaves. Yellow banding along the leaf margins is characteristic, with the center remaining green.