Trachycarpus

Family. Arecaceae.

Origin. Southeast Asia.

Description. Trachycarpus is a tall fan palm with a thin vertical trunk covered with the remains of old leaves. At the top of the trunk, a lush crown of green, fan-shaped leaves with a diameter of 60 - 80 cm is formed. The leaves are located on long petioles, from 60 to 100 cm, covered with thorns. Small trees often have basal leaves, but with age they form a vertical trunk. Young leaves are covered with light gray pubescence. Leaf segments are rigid, up to 30 cm long. Trachycarpus is a dioecious plant - male and female flowers are located on different specimens. During the flowering period, drooping large inflorescences appear under the crown - panicles up to 1 m long, with many yellow or green flowers. After flowering, female specimens form small, round berries about 1 cm in diameter.

Height. This palm can reach 12 - 20 m in nature. When grown indoors it reaches 2 - 3 m, but grows slowly.

Home care

Reproduction - growing from seeds 

Seeds, in spring. The germination period is long - up to 1 year, palm trees develop slowly and the whole process will take a long period of time. 

How to care 

The tree  acclimatizes well indoors and is one of the most unpretentious palm trees. Place plants outdoors in spring and summer, sheltered from wind and rain. Trim off any yellowing old leaves that appear under the canopy at the base. Wipe large leaves with a damp sponge from time to time to remove dust. Trachycarpus does not like sudden changes in living conditions - acclimatize to all changes gradually. 

Soil 

Well-drained soil with a sufficient content of coarse river sand and a neutral or slightly acidic pH. 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.

Plant diseases and pests 

The tips of the leaves turn yellow and dry out when there is insufficient air humidity. Plants rot if overwatered during the fall and winter. Chlorosis when watering with untreated tap water.

Of the harmful insects, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips can pose a certain danger.

Transplantation

Young specimens are replanted every 2-3 years into larger pots. For large tub trachycarpus, which are difficult to replant, the top layer of soil is replaced annually with a fresh mixture.

Fertilizer 

During active growth, feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. 

Flowering time

In indoor culture, flowering rarely occurs. 

Temperature

The optimal temperature range throughout the year is between 18 - 24 ° C. If possible, provide a cool rest period at a temperature of 7 - 10 ° C. 

Lighting

Brightly lit location. Plants should receive direct sunlight for 3 to 4 hours daily, morning and evening. In autumn and winter, maximum possible lighting. 

Spraying 

At least 50 percent relative humidity. Spray the leaves with softened water at room temperature or place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. Use a room humidifier if necessary. Palms prefer ventilated rooms with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts.

Watering

Water thoroughly, thoroughly soaking the soil. In spring and summer, dry the top layer of the substrate to a depth of 3 - 7 cm between waterings. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering will depend on the room temperature. If the trachycarpus spends its dormant period in the cool, reduce watering to a minimum, protecting the soil from drying out completely. For watering, use softened bottled or rain water. 

Purpose

An elegant palm tree for bright and spacious rooms. 

Varieties:

Trachycarpus fortunei

In their natural habitat, these are tall, slender palm trees, reaching 12 - 20 m. The trunks are very strong and retain the remains of fallen leaves until the end of their lives. The lush crown is formed by hard, green, fan-shaped leaves. Leaf segments are glossy, with longitudinal venation. The leaf petioles are long and thin. Drooping branched inflorescences reach a length of 60 cm and consist of many small yellowish flowers. Over time, the flowers turn into round black berries. 

Trachycarpus wagnerianus

A spectacular fan palm that looks extremely attractive even at a young age. In the natural environment, adult plants reach a height of 9 m and have ringed trunks with remnants of old fallen leaves. Leaf segments are dark green, hard, glossy, leaf petioles are thin, hard. During the summer months, the palm adorns itself with drooping inflorescences of many yellow flowers, and then with rounded small black berries.

Trachycarpus martianus​

Single slender palm trees with thin trunks. The trunks of adult plants are smooth, covered with silvery-brownish bark. The leaves are glossy, fan-shaped, dark green, consisting of many linear segments. The leaf petioles are thin, hard, and straight. The inflorescences are large, drooping, and are often located under the crown. The flowers are yellow or golden orange.