Chinese Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

The Chinese palm is one of those that best resists the cold

The chinese palm tree It is one of those that best resists cold and frost, but it is also so adaptable that today it is grown in practically all temperate and warm regions of the world. Because it has a very thin trunk, it does not take up much space, so it can be had in small gardens without problems.

Even so, you have to know that for it to be well it is necessary to provide a series of care They are not difficult, but they are essential for you to enjoy good health. Let’s see what they are.

Origin and characteristics

Chinese palm can be planted in groups

Our protagonist is a palm native to central and eastern China whose scientific name is Trachycarpus fortunei. It is popularly known as the palm tree or Chinese palm tree. It reaches a height of up to 12 meters, with a very thin trunk about 30cm thick (with both hands you can hug him well). Its crown is composed of palmate leaves, with a blade 50cm long by 75cm wide, with petioles whose margins are serrated.

The flowers are grouped in interfoliar inflorescences, and are yellow. The fruits measure 1cm, have a rounded shape and a bluish color. These contain a single seed.

What are their cares?

The trunk of the Chinese palm tree is thin

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

It is important that it is outside, either in full sun or in semi-shade. Indoors it can be, but it is only in an interior patio or in a room where a lot of natural light enters.

Irrigation

The frequency of watering will vary depending on the weather and location, but in principle you have to water it 2-3 times a week in summer and every 4-5 days the rest of the year. Of course, you must be aware of the weather and the forecasts, since if for example there are rain warnings for the next day, no matter how much you have an irrigation ‘today’ it will always be better to wait for ‘tomorrow’ to see if Does it really rain or not.

This is especially necessary if you have the palm tree in a pot, since when it is grown in a container it is somewhat less tolerant to excess water.

Earth

  • Flower pot: universal growing medium (for sale here!) mixed with 30% perlite (you can get it here!).
  • the garden: fertile, with good drainage. It grows well in calcareous soils, but it is preferable to plant it in one that is slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).

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Bat guano powder, ideal for your Chinese palm tree

From early spring to late summer It has to be paid with ecological fertilizersLike guano (you can get it here!). You can also pay it with specific fertilizers for palm trees (like this one from here!). Follow the directions specified on the package to avoid the risk of overdose.

Multiplication

The Chinese palm tree multiplies by seeds in spring-summer. The way to proceed is as follows:

  1. First you have to take the seeds and put them in a glass of water for 24 hours.
  2. Then, the next day, sow them in a pot of about 10,5 cm in diameter with universal cultivation substrate, putting no more than two in it, and water.
  3. Then cover them with a thin layer of substrate so that they are not exposed directly to the sun.
  4. Finally, place the pot outside, in semi-shade.

Another option is to sow them in transparent plastic bags with hermetic closure with vermiculite (available here) that will be moistened with water previously in spring. It can be hung on the stall you have in the garden or on the balcony so that with the heat they can germinate faster. Of course, you should open the bag 2-3 times a week so that the air is renewed and, also, to re-moisten the vermiculite each time it dries.

Thus, while if you choose to plant them in pots the seeds will germinate in 2-3 monthsIn the event that you choose to do it in the bag, it may take 4 or 8 weeks.

Pests

It is a very resistant plant, but if the growing conditions are not suitable, or if you live in an area where certain pests are very common, it can be attacked by:

  • Mealybugs: they can be cottony or limpet-like. You will find them in the most tender leaves, from which they will suck the sap. You can remove them by hand, with a brush soaked in water, or with an anti-mealybug insecticide.
  • Red weevil: it is a weevil (similar to a beetle, but thinner) whose larvae dig galleries in the bud, causing the leaves to fall even when green. In areas where this pest already exists, preventive treatments must be carried out throughout the warm season with Imidacloprid, or with these other remedies.
  • he is the archon: it is a moth whose larvae dig galleries inside the trunk, and also make holes in the leaves that have not yet emerged (when they finally open, a series of fan-shaped holes can easily be seen). Like the weevil, if it is already in your area you should do preventive treatments during the warm months with Imidacloprid or with the remedies from the previous link. You have more information about this insect here!.

Pruning

Don’t need it. You just have to remove the dry leaves in autumn or late winter.

Rusticity

It easily withstands frosts of up to -17ºCas well as excessive heat of up to 40ºC as long as you have a regular supply of water.

Trachycarpus fortunei, a palm tree that resists cold well

What did you think of the Chinese palm tree? You have someone?

Chinese Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

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