Brahea

Family. Arecaceae or palms.

Origin. Southwest America - Mexico, grows in dry forests, usually on limestone soils.

Description. Brahea is one of the most hardy fan palms, ideal for landscaping, grows slowly when young and is used as a houseplant. A stunningly beautiful evergreen palm, grows up to 12 m in height, has a leafless, ringed, powerful, thick, shaggy gray-brown trunk with traces of dead old leaves. The root system is large and penetrates to a considerable depth. The leaves form a dense crown, up to 1 m long, slightly curved from pale blue to blue-gray, in some species pale green to almost white with a waxy coating on the petioles, covered with dark curved thorns. The flowers are creamy white to yellow, bisexual, male and female flowers are on one long inflorescence - up to 4 meters. The palm bears brown berries with one seed inside.

Height. From 50 cm to 1.8 m in a pot.

Care at home

Temperature for indoor plants

Can tolerate frosts down to -8°C or lower if kept in dry soil. 

Lighting

Does not like partial shade, is very light-loving, and is shaded only on very hot summer days.

Reproduction

Most often propagated by seeds. Germination of fresh seeds usually lasts 3-4 months at a temperature of 25°C. Before sowing, the seeds are pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water, this will reduce the germination time. Seedlings are grown in a greenhouse for at least the first three years. They are planted in a permanent place in late spring or early summer.

Substrate

Prefers well-drained soils and can grow in poor soil. Adding lime to the soil promotes growth.

Feeding

During the period of active growth - in spring and summer, 2 times a month.

Flowering time

Early summer, spring.

Air humidity

It is easy to grow in a sufficiently dry atmosphere and usually does not need additional moisture. If the weather is hot, the leaves can be sprayed with warm filtered or bottled water in the morning. Instead of spraying, you can place a room humidifier next to the palm tree - it will help cope with the invasion of many harmful insects.

Watering

Brahea tolerates drought well - allow the top layer of soil to dry out between heavy waterings.

Transfer

Tolerates transplants well. Although the thick, fleshy roots are easily damaged, new roots usually grow back quickly. Replant in the spring approximately once every 2 years. 

Pests and diseases

With proper care and suitable conditions, it rarely gets sick.

Among the harmful insects that can annoy a palm tree are spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects.

Note

Braheas tolerate wintering well in cool conditions, and with proper care they grow for 10 years or more. They should not be taken outdoors before July.