Trithrinax

Family. Arecaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina.

Description. Trithrinax is an evergreen palm with a thick, powerful trunk, densely covered with the remains of old leaves. At the top of the trunk there is a lush crown consisting of large, up to 80 cm in diameter, fan leaves. The leaf petioles have sparse spines. The leaf segments are dark green or silvery green and very tough. During the flowering period, spectacular large inflorescences with many small yellow flowers appear in the crown. After flowering, the palm bears fruit with small oblong berries.

Height. In nature it reaches a height of 6-7 m; young specimens are kept in indoor culture.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Trithrinax can be kept at normal room temperature all year round, but in the fall it is better to move it to a cool room with a temperature of about 15 ° C so that the plant slows down its growth in low light conditions.

Lighting

In the morning and evening, this palm tree will happily bathe in sunlight; on hot days it will require shading from direct rays. In autumn and winter, lighting should be as high as possible.

Care

To maintain neatness, remove old yellow leaves by trimming them off at the base.

Substrate

Prefers well-drained soils and can grow in poor soil with a neutral pH ranging from 6.6 to 7.5. 

Feeding

Fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer monthly from spring to fall. 

Purpose

Looks great in the landscaping of large and bright rooms - hotel lobbies and offices.

Flowering time

Does not bloom in pots. 

Air humidity

Humidity should be around 50% on average, and the tree should be kept in a well-ventilated area with constant air circulation. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature. Spraying should be done in the morning so that the moisture evaporates from the plants before dark.

Soil moisture

During the growth period, the top layer of soil is dried to a depth of about 3 - 5 cm. During the dormant period, the frequency of watering is reduced in accordance with the room temperature. When keeping it cool, just try to protect the earthen ball from drying out.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in spring, at the first signs of new growth. Young trithrinax are transplanted once every 2 years, for large trees the top layer of soil 5-7 cm thick is replaced annually with fresh substrate.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring. It takes many years to grow a palm tree and it is better to buy a young plant in a store.

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 of the plant are mealybugs and spider mites.

Note

The hard leaves are used to weave hats. Alcoholic drinks are made from the fruits of trithrinax.