Butia

Family. Arecaceae or Palms.

Origin. South America.

Description. Butia is an evergreen, slow-growing, beautiful palm with blue-green to gray-green branches that hang down beautifully. The most frost-resistant among cirrus palms. The leaves are large, fan-shaped, forming a lush bluish-gray crown-dome, with thin oblong-lanceolate leaves up to 50 cm long. Petioles are 1-3 m long, thorned with sharp thorns. The flowers are yellow, on short branched inflorescences up to 1.5 m long, appearing at the base of the leaves. The fruits are sweet, edible, yellow-orange. The trunk is thick, up to 50 cm in diameter, strong, covered with the remains of old fallen leaves.

Height. Up to 6 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the warm period, normal room temperature is suitable, wintering in a bright place at 8 - 12 ° C. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds. To increase germination, the surface of the seeds is scratched with a file and soaked in warm water. Interestingly, the seeds germinate at different times - it can take up to 2 years to form the first shoots.

Growing conditions - lighting

Grows best in full sun.

How to care

A fairly hardy palm - quite suitable for growing as a houseplant, give it enough space to grow. In warm weather, it is advisable to take it out into the fresh air. 

Soil 

Butia tolerates a wide range of soils as long as it has adequate drainage. It will grow best in slightly acidic or neutral soil.

Feeding

In summer, feed every 14 days.

Flowering time

Late spring, rarely blooms in cultivation.

Air humidity

No special requirements.

Watering butia

Reacts well to constantly moist soil in hot weather. In winter, water moderately but regularly. 

Transfer

As it grows and develops into larger pots in the spring.

Pests and diseases

Among the harmful insects, plants can be attacked by spider mites, scale insects, and thrips.

Note

The fruits of the indoor butia are often used to make jelly and alcoholic drinks.