How to Use Epsom Salt on Palm Trees + 7 Benefits

A palm tree kept inside your home gifts you with an upgrade in oxygen levels and air quality. Outside, they serve as striking natural decor that also contribute to oxygen and provides you with shade. They’re relatively low maintenance and easy to grow in the right environments. If you have or plan to have a palm tree indoors or outdoors, you should know how to give them the best chance at thriving. Discover how to use Epsom salt on palm trees. Plus, learn the top seven benefits you can enjoy when you start using this magical fertilizer.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, more formally known as magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound. It includes magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It resembles your typical table salt (only with larger granules) but its an entirely different chemical compound. Humans benefit from its use, and palm trees can, too.

One of the most common issues palm trees face is when the leaves turn yellow. You may be fertilizing with a slow-release formula that covers most issues, but when you need to help a palm tree ASAP, Epsom salt can save the day.

Keep in mind, however, that Epsom salt should not be the only remedy you use for your palm trees. They also need essential minerals, including phosphorus, manganese, nitrogen, iron, and potassium. You must also be mindful of how much Epsom salt you use. Too much of it can do the opposite of what you intend and seriously damage your plants.

How to Use Epsom Salt on Palm Trees

There are myriad palm tree types and they occur naturally in tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the globe. Climate plays a major role in the distribution of palms and soil plays a major role in the health of these plants as well. How you use Epsom salt on palm trees differs depending on the location of your trees.

Indoors

For one tablespoon of Epsom salt, you need a full gallon of water to dissolve it thoroughly. You don’t need to do this process more than three times per year. When you have prepared your mixture using a mixing stick, you can pour it into your potted palm plants. Be gradual as you let the water soak the soil. Some of it will drain out — that’s okay.

Outdoors

When you have palm trees outdoors, they are usually significantly larger, which means they need significantly more Epsom salt. For example, if you have a palm tree that has grown eight to 10 feet tall, you’re going to need two pounds of Epsom salt. Instead of trying to dissolve two pounds of Epsom salt into a massive water container, just sprinkle it over the palm tree’s root system, evenly spreading it out. Then, water the area thoroughly to help the Epsom salt dissolve, which allows your palm tree to absorb it.

7 Benefits of Using Epsom Salt on Palm Trees

1. Magnesium Infusion

When you fertilize your palm trees with water-soluble Epsom salt, you’re delivering a much-needed magnesium infusion, and palm trees need magnesium to flourish.

2. Chlorophyll Development

Magnesium precedes the proper development of chlorophyll, which is what gives palm trees their beautiful green color. When you see yellow leaves, the chlorophyll isn’t developing properly, which is likely due to a magnesium deficiency.

3. Increase in Foliage

Palm trees benefit from Epsom salt primarily through magnesium, which feeds them what they need to grow lush foliage. A palm tree that isn’t properly fertilized lacks fullness.

4. Prevents Leaf Curling

If your palm tree leaves are curling, Epsom salt can help to restore your palm tree to a healthy state. It can help to prevent this unsightly curling altogether when used properly.

5. pH Neutralization

Epsom salt also works to neutralize the pH in the soil where your palm tree is planted. But be careful if you’re working with soil that’s salty. It’s not a good idea to add more salt in these cases because you’ll inhibit your palm tree’s ability to absorb water.

6. Transplant Shock Treatment

When you move your palm tree from one location to another, it’s possible it may experience transplant shock. With Epsom salt, you can help to treat the various stresses your tree goes through, easing the symptoms of transplant shock.

7. Deters Pests

One of the bonus benefits you get from using Epsom salt is that it helps to deter pests!