Rhopalostylis

Family. Arecaceae.

Origin. New Zealand.

Description. Rhopalostylis is a large, attractive palm tree with a thin, slender trunk. The trunk is green and bears horizontal rings left by fallen old leaves. At the top of the trunk there is a light green thickening, which can be 2 times larger than the trunk diameter. Palms are characterized by a lush crown consisting of pinnate, fan-shaped, green leaves. Unlike most of its relatives, the leaves of this species are located almost vertically. The leaf petioles are bare. The leaf segments are linear, with one longitudinal vein, up to 1 m long. Each leaf can reach a length of 3 - 4 m. In summer, long, up to 80 cm, branched inflorescences appear under the thickening of the stem - panicles with many small, pink flowers. After flowering, small, round, red fruits are formed.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 12 m, grows slowly. Young specimens are kept in indoor culture.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant, normal room temperature is suitable in spring and summer. During the winter months, the dormant period should take place in a cool place at a temperature of 10 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

The palm needs bright light all year round, perhaps a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Most growth usually occurs in the summer months, and adequate light during this period causes the tree to produce large, intensely colored leaves.

Care

Representatives of this genus are easy to grow as houseplants. In the wild, rhopalostylis is adapted to a wide range of conditions - a wide range of temperatures and humidity. The plant will feel better if taken outside in the summer. Remove dead leaves at the base of the crown in a timely manner. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time so that the palm can breathe.

Substrate

With leaf humus and peat. For best drainage, place a large amount of clay pot shards at the bottom of the pot. 

Feeding

Feed with liquid fertilizer every two weeks during active growth. Slow-release fertilizer can be used during summer growth.

Purpose

An excellent plant for landscaping large and bright office spaces and hotel lobbies.

Flowering time

It blooms extremely rarely in cultivation.

Air humidity

Tolerates fairly dry air, but will look more lush if you place a tub of palm tree on a tray of damp pebbles.

Soil moisture

During active growth, water deeply and often to keep the soil moist, especially if the Rhopalostylis is close to a sunny window; but do not allow water to stagnate in the pot. During the dormant period, water more sparingly, enough to keep the soil moist, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.

Transfer

In the spring. It likes tight containers, so transplant into pots one size larger when light roots appear in large numbers on the surface of the soil - no more than once every two to three years. For large specimens, the top layer of soil is changed.

Reproduction

By seeds, in the spring, but this is a long process.

Pests and diseases

Root rot. Pests are rare; mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects sometimes appear.