If the spots on the leaves are very, very small and kind of look like pepper, this to me sounds like spider mites. Do you see any spider webs around the leaves? Especially on the underside of the leaves? If that's the case, you can find many sprays that will deal with spider mite. In fact you can make your own if you like. There are many different recipes out there, but it basically consists of water, rubbing alcohol and dishwasher soap. As you can tell from those ingredients, there are sprays available that do not require harsh chemicals to help mitigate the problem. I hope this is helpful information. Let me know if you have any further questions. Cheers...Dr. Robby

You could probably use a neem oil spray to help prevent further infection.

Hey Kathleen...What color are those spots? If they are black or brown, I would say that it is likely a disease problem. If that's the case, I would remove the affected leaves as you don't want the disease to spread. Also, removing some leaves will increase the airflow around the plant (I'm talking specifically about your coneflower). Increasing airflow around the plant will generally decrease the relative humidity around the plant. Disease-causing agents, especially fungi, thrive in moist conditions. That increased airflow will decrease the rate of infection.

Hey Mark...I assume you are talking about Tabebuia rosea? I will add that to the database. Thanks for the suggestion! Cheers...Dr. Robby

Having said all this, I would still look into the plant return solution with the garden retailer where you purchased the palms. I know this may be a pain, but when a plant is stunted early on its development it may never look as good as a plant that was not stunted. I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions. Cheers...Dr. Robby

If you do think that over-fertilization is the problem, this is generally a simple fix. All you would have to do is irrigate with water that is not impregnated with fertilizer. Eventually the soil in which the palms are sitting will be leached of the excess fertilizer and the palms should start growing normally again.

Over-fertilizing may be the problem, but it could also be a disease issue. It honestly is difficult to tell because the symptoms from too much fertilizer and pathogen infection may be the same.

So, how quickly after you planted these palms did you notice that they started to look funky? You mentioned that you used a root stimulator when you planted. Basically this is a high phosphorus fertilizer. It is possible that the 4 palms that aren't doing so hot got too much fertilizer to begin with. If that is the case, the leaves will start to brown and die off. Adding more fertilizer will just exacerbate the problem. (this is of course if too much fertilizer was the problem to begin with)

Hey Christina...If you just bought the palms you might be able to get a refund if you deem them as dead. Many garden retailers have these policies that if the plant dies within a given amount of time you can simply get refunded or replacements. = )

That's awesome, Jim! It's always a pleasure to see our product helping out a fellow EasyBloomer! Be sure to check in with us if you have any questions. Also, I hope those tomatoes taste good this year. :) Cheers...Dr. Robby