Mid-Winter Update with Pics!

(@wxman)

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Topic starter

For the first time since Christmas, our temperature has poked above freezing. Currently 34.2F outside. Decided to go take a look at my palms outside to see how they are doing. The boxes are kept warm with a space heater set on the low setting at 45F. Heater seems to run 20-30 seconds on, 5-10 minutes off. Electric bill seems unaffected. Much better protection method than Christmas lights and heat lamps running wild like I had last winter. No need to have palms at 60-65F when its 30F outside (but I needed that 30-35F gain for the 0F nights).

Took the lids off today for awhile to let the moisture escape. Here are some pictures.

Trachycarpus Fortunei:

Washingtonia Robusta:

Little over two months to go and they can be free again, maybe earlier for the trachy. This will be their third summer in the ground, so I'm hoping for a leap year! Last year the robusta put out 10 fronds and the trachy put out 6.

Posted : 14/01/2010 11:51 am

TerdalFarm

(@terdalfarm)

Posts: 2981

Famed Member

Your Trachy looks MUCH better than mine (I'll try to get a photo up soon, but it'll be sad).
My wife's Washy looks as good as yours--because it is in the dining room. 😆
--Erik

Posted : 14/01/2010 2:17 pm

Mark

(@mark)

Posts: 142

Estimable Member

Those look great Wxman!

Good job!

Nice to finally have a break from the cold. 🙄

Mark

Posted : 14/01/2010 9:59 pm

TerdalFarm

(@terdalfarm)

Posts: 2981

Famed Member

Here is why you went to the trouble to heat your Trachy:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eJoixlceDucQoov2xpEBPg?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" http://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/PalmsInJanuary2010?feat=embedwebsit e">Palms in January 2010</a></td></tr></table>

I just wrapped the trunk well. Although it "only" got down to 3 oF, it suffered lots of wind. If it makes it, I may follow your example for next winter.
--Erik

Posted : 15/01/2010 10:55 pm

lucky1

(@lucky1)

Posts: 11322

Illustrious Member

Great results.

So you figure the space heater is cheaper than Christmas lights?
I haven't got my elec bill yet, was wondering about that.

10 fronds! 6 fronds! Gotta be a record.

Have any of your palm seeds popped yet?
Barb

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 16/01/2010 12:11 am

wxman

(@wxman)

Posts: 574

Prominent Member

Topic starter

Great results.

So you figure the space heater is cheaper than Christmas lights?
I haven't got my elec bill yet, was wondering about that.

10 fronds! 6 fronds! Gotta be a record.

Have any of your palm seeds popped yet?
Barb

Seeds all rotted. I think I must stick to plants! And yes space heaters I think are cheaper because they aren't on 24/7 like lights are.

Posted : 16/01/2010 11:08 am

lucky1

(@lucky1)

Posts: 11322

Illustrious Member

Seeds all rotted

Damn!

space heaters I think are cheaper because they aren't on 24/7 like lights are

Twenty 5 watt bulbs is only 100 watts.
My space heater is 1200 watts.

Don't know how long heater is on, guess I'll find out when bill comes! 😐
Barb

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 16/01/2010 12:35 pm

ScottyON

(@scottyon)

Posts: 336

Reputable Member

So far my heating bill has gone up about $5 per month to heat my palm hut. The heater stays on for about 10 minutes then shuts off for over a half an hour. During the day, if it's sunny it barely runs at all. I am really loving this method of protection!

Posted : 16/01/2010 1:33 pm

TerdalFarm

(@terdalfarm)

Posts: 2981

Famed Member

That is much less expensive than treating palms like annuals, which I sometimes feel I am doing (e.g., the two nice Washy's I killed last year).

Posted : 16/01/2010 1:56 pm

lucky1

(@lucky1)

Posts: 11322

Illustrious Member

The thermostat will keep enclosure from overheating.
Love the heater!
Barb