Hi, Smalldog, welcome to NGA!
I'm sorry I can't help, but I know some questions that people will ask.
1. Where outside? What kind of climate? The likely problems could be different in Alaska and Texas.
2. How does that narrow bed drain?
Open bottom onto sandy soil, open bottom onto dense clay, or enclosed concrete box with no drain holes?
Back when they first said you were over-watering it, did you push finger into the soil several inches to see how deep you had to go to reach damp soil?
How deep is the root zone? I'm wondering if it might just plain need a bigger root zone.
3. Is that just mulch we see, or is all the soil in that bed nice and loose and chunky?
I would ask about the soil, but I assume it's heavily amended. Have you had it tested for pH and nutrients? You might equally likely find "very low Nitrogen" or "excessive nutrients and salts".
4. Before you added magnesium sulfate, how were you fertilizing it?
5. You mentioned pines that overhang, and it looks like it is right up against the house, and you did say "mostly shade".
But this is one place where knowing where you live would be a big help. If you live in Texas or Nevada or New Mexico and say "mostly shade", that's a lot more light than what the coastal Pacific Northwest would call "mostly shade".
6. Is it a Sago palm?
Cycas revoluta ?
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
If that's it, I see:
"Xeriscapic", "Tolerates dry shade"
"Prefers to be under-potted"
- Suitable in 1 gallon
- Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
- Needs excellent drainage in pots
Can you offer any advice?
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