Microcoelum

Origin. South America, Canary Islands.

Description. Microcoelum is a large, showy palm with bright green, feathery leaves up to 120 cm long. Each leaf consists of 20 - 30 long, glossy segments. The petioles are long and have short bristles. When grown indoors, this palm forms a short but very thick brown trunk with remnants of old, dead leaves. The inflorescence is a hanging panicle consisting of many small, inconspicuous flowers. After flowering, round, small edible fruits are formed that resemble a coconut.

Height. In the natural environment it can grow up to 2 m in height, in a pot it rarely exceeds 1.20 m, it grows slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The optimal range for this palm is 18 - 27° C., the minimum permissible temperature is 16° C. In other words, normal room temperature throughout the year is suitable.

Lighting

Microcoelum will look healthier and lush when grown in bright, indirect light year-round. Direct sunlight can cause brown burns on the leaves.

Care

The palm can be placed outdoors during warmer months. Remove yellow or damaged leaves. Wipe healthy foliage with a damp sponge to remove dust.

Substrate

Well-drained soil with a sufficient content of coarse river sand and a neutral or slightly acidic pH in the range of 6.1 - 6.5. A mixture based on peat with the addition of leaf humus, sphagnum moss, pine bark, fallen pine needles and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. The substrate must allow water and air to pass through well.

Feeding

Feed the palm tree monthly, in spring and summer. Do not fertilize in autumn and winter. Reacts well to organic fertilizers.

Purpose

An impressive look that is suitable for large spaces - winter gardens and greenhouses. It is used for greening halls and offices.

Flowering time

It occurs extremely rarely in indoor culture.

Air humidity

Moderate to high. Use a tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity or a room humidifier, especially in winter when the heating is turned on in homes.

Soil moisture

Water generously until the soil is completely soaked, but allow the top layer of soil, about 1 cm thick, to dry before the next watering. In autumn-winter, when the plant is resting, water until a layer 2-3 cm thick dries.

Transfer

In spring and only if necessary. Adult microcoelums are replanted on average once every 3 years, for large specimens the top layer of soil is changed annually. When replanting, try not to disturb the root system unnecessarily - it is very delicate, with many small roots. After planting, compact the soil slightly to remove air pockets.

Reproduction

Often propagated by seeds, but this process takes a long time - up to 6 years. If you still decide to take this adventure, sow the seeds in the spring in nutritious soil and put the pots with crops in a warm place with a temperature of about 27 ° C, cover the crops with a transparent cap or glass. The first shoots will appear in 2 - 3 months.

Pests and diseases

Leaves turn yellow when there is a lack of moisture in the soil or air. When overwatered, root rot occurs.

The main pests are mealybugs and spider mites.

Note

This palm lasts a long time indoors with good care.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.