Syagrus

Family. Arecaceae.

Origin. Tropical regions of Brazil.

Description. Syagrus are graceful palms with thin trunks bearing remnants of old leaves. The leaves are slightly drooping, dark green, on long petioles, complex, pinnate. Leaf segments are linear, 40 - 50 cm long, glossy. The underside of the leaf blades is painted in lighter colors. During the flowering period, an impressively sized branched inflorescence up to 1.5 m long appears under the crown, with many small cream or white flowers. The fruits are round berries with a diameter of about 2 cm, turning orange when ripe.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 7-10 m in height, grows slowly, young seedlings are left in culture.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, the temperature should be around 20 - 25° C. In the winter months, the temperature should not fall below 15° C.

Lighting

A place brightly lit by the sun's rays with light shading on a summer afternoon. Syagrus can be grown in partial shade, but its development will be slowed down in such conditions. 

Care

Trim old, drying branches at the base with a sharp, sterile tool.

Substrate

Adapts fairly easily to a variety of soil types, although neutral to slightly acidic soils with good drainage and sufficient organic matter are preferred. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with a balanced fertilizer in half the concentration monthly.

Purpose

Palm trees grown indoors add airiness and elegance to the interior.

Flowering time

Does not bloom indoors.

Air humidity

It tolerates any air humidity, but in the warm season it is better to spray regularly. 

Soil moisture

Water deeply in the summer, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Drain off excess moisture that has accumulated in the pan after watering. In winter, the substrate can dry out to 1/3 of its depth. The plant is more tolerant of drought than waterlogging. Like other types of palm trees, syagrus should be watered with soft water, as it does not tolerate high levels of fluorine, chlorine and other chemicals in water. 

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in spring as needed. Individuals that have completely filled the soil mixture are transplanted into larger pots. For large tub specimens, only the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil.

Reproduction

It reproduces quite well by seeds, but this process will take a lot of time - only the germination period takes 3 - 4 months. Sometimes daughter shoots form near the mother plant - they are planted in separate containers. 

Pests and diseases

The leaves turn yellow both with waterlogging and prolonged drought. Lack of nutrients can also cause some of the foliage to turn yellow. The tips of the leaves dry out when there is insufficient air humidity.

Harmful insects sometimes include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.