Test Run: KeyPlex H/G

It's always fun going to trade shows and seeing the latest and greatest products suppliers have to offer. After hearing about and reading up on KeyPlex H/G (Home & Garden) at this year's Landscape Show in Orlando, I knew I wanted to try it out. According to product information, the chelated micronutrient and protein-based formula geared to home gardeners is an ideal supplement to a fertilizer program and can be applied to a host of plant material including flowering annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and nuts, and veggies. Similar to KeyPlex's other line of products, H/G works by triggering a plant's natural defense mechanism, protecting it from disease and spurring new growth.

When I inquired about the efficacy of the product, Rich Johnston of KeyPlex Direct said, "Try it on anything that's green and grows." Hmmm. I had several plants at home in need of some TLC. So, I decided to take him up on the challenge.

Instead of trying the product on several different plants, I wanted to focus on one plant and take it from there. A pygmy date palm in my front yard was to be the test subject. Despite being on the heels of an average rainy season, the palm had recently started to droop and was displaying browning in the bulk of its fronds. Although the browning was heaviest on the lower leaves, some discoloration had found its way up into the canopy. Yep, this was going to be a good test.

Before applying the product for the first time, I pruned off all the fronds that were completely brown and had no green in them at all. Next it was time to read the directions, lock, load, aim and fire. For sickly looking plants, applying the product directly to the leaves until the point of runoff is recommended for those using the hose-end sprayer method.

About of minute or two of spraying took care of the initial foliar application of this diminutive specimen. The directions call for this same application process once a week until good color and "vigor" is back. Then it scales it back to once every 3-4 weeks for maintenance purposes.

My Impressions And Observations:

The environmentally friendly angle of the product is certainly of value and attractive to the end user. I liked the convenient hose-end sprayer, the lack of odor, and not having to wear gloves or a mask for protection during application.

After five consecutive weeks of applications, I have noticed marked improvement. New leaves have emerged and there are no signs of browning on them. I'd like to see a little more pop, however, before I say we've reached the point of vigorous. But I think we are getting there.

With that, my 32 oz. bottle has run its course. Luckily, I have a second bottle I will continue treatment with on this palm and then try on another candidate.

Stay tuned to see how things progress.