Palm trees

Since the conditions of the various species and genera of palm trees have many similarities, it is logical to consider them as a single group, noting in individual characteristics only certain features that distinguish these genera or species from other palms.

Natural climatic conditions( for most palms) are the tropics of Africa. Some species acclimatized in subtropical zones, so the subtropics became their secondary homeland, but the original conditions left their mark on the genetic level, so adapting palms to tropical conditions will never be a mistake. Palms are mostly trees, usually not branching, with a columnar trunk, but there are also non-stems. Most often their leaves are hard, leathery, fan-like or pinnate, flowers * in most cases, small and decorative values ​​do not represent. At home, palm trees have been grown since the nineteenth century.

Demand for moisture: in the spring and summer - abundant, but rare watering, in the period of relative rest - moderate, overdrying should not be allowed in any case. If overdrying leads to yellowing of the leaves, such leaves should be cut, but so that the strip remains dry over the living tissue. Spraying is desirable in summer, in winter it is enough to wash once a month and even less often. It is also desirable to increase the atmospheric humidity: if under normal watering the palm leaves start to turn yellow, the reason is hidden, most likely, in the dryness of the air.

Temperature regime: for palm trees temperatures from 16 to 22 ° C are optimal, small deviations are tolerated by many cultural forms without harm.

Light mode: photophilous plants.

Requirement for soil: there are different options, however, for young plants, a land mixture of sod, leaf and humus and sand in a ratio of 2: 2: 2: 1 is optimal, as the palm grows, the share of sod land is increased.

Reproduction: by seeds, which are sown in a special earth mix of peat, sand and chopped moss( sphagnum) and grown on heating.

Features: it is recommended to turn to light. Young specimens are transplanted annually, old ones - every 2 to 3 years, larger, kadon specimens - every 5 to 6 years. Containers for palm trees should be more high than wide.

In the individual characteristics of genera and palm species, only those features and requirements that are deviations from the general rules for the care of palms will be given.