Image – PACSOA
Normally when they talk about palm trees we immediately think of plants with more or less thin trunks and, above all, tall, 5, 7 or more meters. But there is one species that could well go unnoticed: the Minute Dypsis. It is so small that it can be kept in a pot throughout its life without any problem.
It is a very interesting plant for tropical and subtropical climates, but How do you take care of yourself?
Characteristics of the Dypsis minuta
Our protagonist is an endemic palm tree from Madagascar, where it lives in the rain forests at an altitude of between 200 and 550 meters. Grows to a maximum height of 50cmand is composed of about 5-8 bifid leaves (two leaflets) of green color that measure about 20cm in length, and a small stem or trunk of 30-40cm in height.
The flowers are very curious. They are like “little balls” yellowish-white at first and reddish later, emerging from a flower stalk, which emerges from the center of the plant. The seeds are small, 1cm, and hard.
Cultivation or care
Image – palmpedia
Would you like to have a copy? It is not easy to find for sale, and less on campus. However, the seeds can be obtained in an online store. If you finally succeed, these are your cares:
- Location: it must be protected from direct sun.
- Substratum: rich in organic matter and with good sewer system.
- Irrigation: frequent, but avoiding waterlogging. Therefore, it is advisable to water it every 2-3 days in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year.
- Transplant: every two years it is necessary to add new substrate.
- Subscriber: very important to pay with a specific product for palm trees, following the indications specified on the packaging.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring. Sow in a zip-lock bag filled with vermiculite.
- Rusticity: it is very sensitive to cold and frost. Temperatures below 10ºC affect it. You also need protection against heat (over 30ºC).
Have you heard of this plant?
