New soil sprouting different seedlings than original plant - Ask Extension
Hi there!
I needed to repot my areca palm in a larger pot, so I used an unopened bag of soil that my neighbor gave me (Gardenscape All-Purpose potti...
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New soil sprouting different seedlings than original plant #315865
Asked April 24, 2016, 12:29 AM EDT
Hi there!
I needed to repot my areca palm in a larger pot, so I used an unopened bag of soil that my neighbor gave me (Gardenscape All-Purpose potting soil: http://www.gardenscapeinc.com/products/soils.htm). It's been 2 weeks since repotting, and the palm is doing fine. However, I noticed about a dozen new little sprouts growing in the soil around the palm (see attached photo). I'm not sure what these are, and am wondering how they will affect my palm. Are they weeds? Stowaway seeds from the soil? Should I repot in a different soil, and if so, do you recommend a specific type of potting soil for areca palms? Thanks in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
New York County New York
Expert Response
The sprouts look like weed seedlings. They most likely blew into the soil. Simply remove them. Monitor the plant and make sure the potting soil drains well and the container has holes for good drainage. Otherwise you may be dealing with root rots. See the attachae link for care of palms indoors. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/houseplants/growing-palms-indoors/
If the potting soil holds too much moisture you may need to repot using a soilless potting mixture, a mix of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. See more http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG60_IPM%20Houseplan...
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If the potting soil holds too much moisture you may need to repot using a soilless potting mixture, a mix of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. See more http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG60_IPM%20Houseplan...
mh