Chamaerops

Family. Arecaceae or Palms.

Homeland of the plant. Mediterranean.

Description. Chamaerops is a low palm tree with a strong and thick trunk. The trunk bears petioles of fallen leaves. The leaves are fan-shaped, green, blue-green, up to 60 cm in diameter, and consist of many linear, hard segments. The petioles of the leaves are covered with thorns, 40 - 60 cm long. The flowers are small, yellow, collected in hanging branched inflorescences located under the crown of the tree. Small round fruits are formed only by female plants.

Height. It grows slowly and in indoor conditions rarely exceeds 120 cm in height.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

You can keep chamaerops at normal room temperature in the range of 20 - 25 ° C all year round. The plant will appreciate a drop in temperature at night to 10 - 15 ° C. If possible, in the fall, put the palm tree into a dormant state, reducing watering, stopping fertilizing and lowering the temperature to 5 - 10 ° C.

Reproduction

Sometimes basal shoots or root suckers are formed, which can be separated and planted in individual containers. Seeds can be sown in the spring, but this process, although interesting, takes several years.

Growing at home 

Chamaerops is very undemanding compared to other members of the family. Cut off yellow leaves at the base of the crown. In the summer months, take the trees outside, placing them in a place protected from direct sunlight and precipitation.

Transplant 

Transplantation is carried out only if necessary, in the spring. These palms are very sensitive to damage to the root system - transshipment is used. As they grow, young specimens are planted in larger pots; in large tubs, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil every year.

Soil 

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. 

Diseases and pests

Chlorosis when watering with tap water. Of the harmful insects, the main danger will be spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and mealybugs.

Lighting

Chamaerops prefers brightly lit places with access to direct sunlight for 3 to 4 hours daily, morning and evening. When grown in partial shade, the palm tree becomes elongated, its crown thins, and overall development slows down. The container with the plant is rotated around its own axis by ¼ turn every week so that the crown is symmetrical. 

Feeding

Fertilize every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer. Stop feeding in autumn and resume only when new growth begins in spring.

Purpose

An attractive species for placement in a winter garden, where the palm will have enough sunlight and space to develop.

Flowering time

Unfortunately, flowering does not occur in indoor conditions.

Air humidity

It can be content with the usual atmosphere of a living space, but it is advisable to increase the air humidity using a tray with wet pebbles or a room humidifier. It is possible to spray with water at room temperature. Chamaerops will appreciate ventilated rooms with a good flow of fresh air.

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the spring and summer. Drain excess moisture from the tray immediately after watering. In the fall, adjust the frequency of watering depending on the air temperature. If the tree is kept in a cool room during the winter months, water very moderately, not allowing the soil to dry out completely. It is advisable to use soft water for watering.

Note

With proper care, chamaerops will delight you with its greenery for many years. The thorns located on the leaf petioles can injure your hands.