What’s Growing on My Palm Tree? Understanding Epiphytic Growth in Florida
- Luke Kersey
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Have you noticed leafy ferns, soft green patches, or crusty growths forming on your palm tree’s trunk or crown? In Florida, these unusual guests are often epiphytes—plants that grow on the surface of other plants, especially in humid environments. While they might look strange or even concerning, most epiphytes are completely harmless to palm trees. Still, understanding what’s growing on your tree—and knowing when to take action—can help keep your landscape looking its best.
What Are Epiphytes and Why Are They on My Palm?
Epiphytes are a category of plants that grow on trees or other surfaces but don’t rely on them for nutrients. Unlike parasitic plants, epiphytes don’t damage their host. They simply use it as a structure to anchor themselves. In Florida’s climate—warm, humid, and often shady—epiphytes thrive on all sorts of surfaces, and palm trees are no exception.
The most common epiphytes found on palms include:
Resurrection ferns – small, leathery-leaved ferns that appear dried up in dry weather and spring back to life when it rains.
Lichens – slow-growing organisms made from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.
Mosses and algae – especially in areas with lots of rain or irrigation.
Palm trees, especially those with fibrous or textured trunks like the Sabal Palm or Canary Island Date Palm, provide a perfect spot for these organisms to settle. You'll most often see epiphytes on mature palms that have developed enough surface area or crown coverage to offer shade and moisture.
Do Epiphytes Harm the Tree?
In short: not usually. Epiphytes don’t invade the tree’s tissue or take any of its nutrients. Their roots simply cling to the outer surface of the trunk or fronds. In fact, their presence is often part of a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Lichens, for example, are known to grow best in areas with good air quality, and their presence is not typically a cause for concern.
That said, there are a few scenarios where epiphytic growth can become a problem or a warning sign:
Moisture retention: In Florida’s damp conditions, a buildup of moss or ferns can hold moisture against the trunk, which may promote decay or fungal development—especially if the palm is already stressed or damaged.
Crown clutter: When ferns grow in the crown or where fronds emerge, they may reduce airflow, trap organic debris, or lead to fungal growth in the most vulnerable part of the palm.
Hidden issues: Dense epiphyte coverage can make it harder to see pest infestations, trunk wounds, nutrient deficiencies, or rot.
Structural stress: In some cases, heavy fern or moss growth adds extra weight to the crown or lower fronds, which may be problematic during high winds or storm season.
In other words, while the epiphytes themselves don’t attack the tree, their presence may signal underlying issues or contribute to conditions that compromise the tree’s overall health.
When and Why to Remove Epiphytic Growth
There’s no rule saying you have to remove epiphytes—but there are plenty of valid reasons why you might want to. Some people appreciate the natural look and see ferns or lichens as part of a tree’s character. Others may prefer a cleaner appearance or worry about long-term health risks.
Here are some common reasons to consider removal:
You’re prepping for hurricane season and want to reduce canopy drag and weight.
You manage a vacation rental or HOA property and need sharp, clean landscaping for curb appeal.
You suspect your palm has a health issue, and the growth is preventing a full visual inspection.
You want to encourage airflow around the crownshaft to prevent fungus or rot in young frond growth.
Your palm has been over-irrigated, and you’re noticing excessive moisture-related growth on the trunk.
Epiphyte removal is usually a straightforward task. During routine palm maintenance or trimming, these plants can be gently removed by hand or brushed away with soft tools. In some cases, especially when growth is high in the crown or close to the growing point, it’s safest to let professionals handle the cleanup to avoid damaging the palm’s bud.
Keep an Eye on Sudden Growth
A palm tree that suddenly develops a lot of ferns, algae, or moss on the trunk might be signaling more than just a humid microclimate. If your tree is:
Shaded most of the day
Frequently overwatered or poorly drained
Growing slowly or showing signs of stress (yellowing, drooping fronds, or crown thinning)
…then epiphyte growth might be a symptom, not just a decoration. Certain conditions—like compacted soil, overly dense canopy, or declining health—create an ideal surface for these organisms to thrive.
That’s why it’s helpful to include epiphyte inspection as part of a broader palm health checkup. A professional arborist or palm specialist can identify whether the growth is normal, or if it’s part of a larger issue that needs to be addressed through improved drainage, fertilization, or trimming.
At The Palm Guys of St. Augustine, our palm health inspections include a full evaluation of trunk and crown conditions. If needed, we’ll safely remove epiphytes and offer practical guidance to reduce their return—while keeping your palms strong, clean, and photo-ready.
Let Us Help Your Palms Thrive
Epiphytic growth is a natural part of Florida’s tropical ecosystem—but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. While most cases are harmless, unchecked growth can conceal problems or contribute to stress in already vulnerable palms. If you're ever unsure about what's growing on your tree, it’s always better to take a closer look—or call in a professional to do it for you.
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At The Palm Guys of St. Augustine, our palm health inspections include a full evaluation of trunk and crown conditions. If needed, we’ll safely remove epiphytes and offer practical guidance to reduce their return—while keeping your palms strong, clean, and photo-ready.