Euterpe

Family: Arecaceae or Palms.

Origin: Tropical regions of America.

Description. The genus Euterpe has about 60 species of slender, thin, often multi-stemmed palms. The trunk is covered with smooth green bark, on which are located the remains of old leaves. The upper part of the trunk under the crown has a thickening. The leaves are drooping, dark green, pinnate, consist of many hard, linear segments. The lower side of the segments is often painted in a lighter shade than the upper one. Inflorescences are branched drooping brushes with many small flowers of brown and purple color. Subsequently, in place of the flowers appear round berries up to 1.5 cm in diameter, as they ripen they become black.

Height.  In its natural environment it is a tree up to 20 m high. In indoor conditions it often does not exceed 2 m in height and grows quickly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Warm year-round maintenance at normal room temperature. Does not require a cool winter dormant period.

Lighting

Light shading is acceptable during hot summer daytime hours, but the rest of the time the palm tree can take sun baths. 

Care

Remove old leaves that will appear periodically. Euterpe does not like sudden changes in conditions - accustom the plants to any changes gradually. In the spring, take the pot out into the fresh air, and in the fall, bring it indoors.

Substrate

Based on peat with good drainage. 1 part loam, 1 part sphagnum or leaf soil, 1 part coarse sand and some organic matter, also add bone meal.

Feeding

Feed with water-soluble fertilizers with a high nitrogen content from spring to autumn 2 times a month. 

Purpose

A large plant that is worth placing in a spacious winter garden or a large hall.

Flowering time

Does not bloom indoors.

Air humidity

High. Use an ultrasonic humidifier, place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles, or simply spray the leaves with room temperature water. The palm likes well-ventilated rooms without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

The tree loves moisture, especially during the period of active growth. In spring and summer, water so that the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Drain excess water from the tray a few minutes after watering. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering in accordance with the temperature of the content. If you keep the palm warm during the winter months, it should also be watered regularly.

Transplantation

Young specimens are replanted each spring into a loose nutritious substrate, choosing a larger container. For large tub trees, the top 5-7 cm of soil is replaced with fresh substrate annually.

Reproduction

By seeds. The percentage of seed germination decreases sharply over time. Before sowing, seeds are soaked in warm water for a day. Germination occurs within 1 - 2.5 months.

Pests and diseases

The tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown when there is insufficient air humidity.

The main pests of palm trees are spider mites and mealybugs.

Note

The fruits of this palm are edible and are used both fresh and in drinks. The apical buds of euterpe contain a large amount of antioxidants. All kinds of souvenirs, hats, and mats are woven from the leaves of the plant. Euterpe can live a long time in indoor conditions with good care.