The Trachycarpus or palm plant is a popular potted houseplant. This plant is so versatile which makes it easy to take care of. so how to care for a potted palm plant?
it simply needs a lot of direct sunlight and therefore requires a lot of water. These are the most crucial elements to care for when you want to pot palm plants indoors or outdoor.
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what makes palm plant is so best for indoor plants?
This palm naturally grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas. The palm is also found in other parts of Asia. The plant belongs to the plant family Arecaceae (palm family). In English, the plant is also called the Chinese windmill palm or Chusan palm. This hardy palm is known for its fan-shaped leaves.
Watering potted palm plant
How much water does the palm need? If the plant is outside, it is useful to keep the soil moist. Especially in the summer. On hot days, especially if the palm is in a pot, a good splash of water is needed every day. The soil should absolutely not dry out in the summer. In winter it is better to keep the soil a little drier. This prevents frost damage because there is less water present that can freeze. If the palm is outside and the planter has drainage holes, the excess water will flow away.
If you put the plant indoors, it is better to keep the soil slightly moist during the winter. In the summer you can water the plant a little more, but make sure that the roots are not in a layer of water. This causes root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
The amount of water depends on several factors, such as humidity and the amount of light. That is why it is wise to start with smaller amounts of water per watering. Check the soil regularly by sticking your fingers into the soil up to two knuckles deep. If the soil is dry within 2 days, water a little more. If the soil is still very wet after 5 days, waterless at a time.
The water system for a potted palm plant
If you prepare the houseplant with Vulcastrat and a water meter, the watering rate changes. You give once a week. Lookout; the water slowly descends, so the water meter reacts with a delay. In winter you can water once every two weeks. We only recommend this system if you place the plant indoors.
Spraying a potted palm plant
We recommend spraying the Trachycarpus weekly. Regular spraying is desirable, especially in an indoor location. It works as a good way to remove dust and has a preventive effect against pests.
Light and heat
The Trachycarpus prefers a place with a lot of sunlight. If you put the plant outside, the palm can be in full sun. Just do not place this palm in the full wind, the leaf will die faster as a result. A site next to a fence or wall is ideal.
Protect the palm at night temperatures below -15 degrees. This can be done with a light hose or special winter covers for palms. It is important that the planter has a drainage hole, otherwise standing water will freeze, which can cause your planter to freeze to pieces.
If the Trachycarpus is indoors, then at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day is required. This means that it is best to place the Trachycarpus in front of a south-facing window. Make sure that the plant is no further than 2 meters in front of the window. Also, make sure that the window is higher and taller than the plant. A window on the east or west is also possible, just place the plant directly in front of the window.
how to repot an indoor palm plant
Especially outside it is important to take the largest possible pot for the Trachycarpus. The larger the root ball becomes, the better the palm can withstand low temperatures. In addition, there is more soil present which will retain moisture. This reduces the chance of dehydration. Use a planter that is twice the size of the root ball. For pots with drainage holes (only use outside), add a layer of hydro granules on the bottom.
Then a layer of palm soil or universal potting soil. Place the root ball on it and then you can fill the container with soil to the same height as the soil was before. Repot preferably in the spring. During that period, the roots recover fastest. It is recommended to repot this palm once every 3 years. It is also useful to replace the topsoil layer every year.
Trachycarpus can also be placed in the ground. Dig a deep hole, fill it first with a bag of hydro grains, then a layer of fresh soil and place the palm on top. Backfill the soil with fresh soil.
How to feed the palm plant?
Give the potted palm plant food in spring and summer. Use palm food for this. Always read the instructions for use on the packaging before use. Never dose more than the package indicates. It is better to give too little food than too much. Feeding in the autumn or winter is unnecessary and during this period additional feeding can even be harmful. We, therefore, advise against feeding the plants in the autumn and winter months.
Why do potted palm plants leave changes in color?
Discolored leaves
The lower leaves will eventually discolor and become unsightly. This is a natural process and cannot be prevented. If the palm develops black leaf tips, it is probably a sign of overwatering. In this case, water the Hemp Palm less.
Brown or yellow leaves are more likely a sign of too little water. Also, the transition from a shady location to a sunny location can temporarily cause yellow leaves. The new leaves will be more resistant to direct light.
how to do correct pruning for potted palm plants?
The lower leaves of these palms will become less beautiful over time. By bending them downwards, the leaves can easily be removed with pruning shears. Brown tips may be cut with scissors ( video ). You cannot prune the trunk, because of this the palm will die.
Can palm plants be propagated?
Trachycarpus palms can only be propagated by seed. However, this is a tricky process with no guarantee of success.
Does the palm plant flower?
The Trachycarpus can flower outdoors. Yellow racemes of flowers will appear at the bottom of the crown. It is wise to remove these flowers because the flowers cost the plant a lot of energy ( video ).
is palm plant toxic?
The Trachycarpus is not poisonous.
a common disease of palm plant
Aphids can occur with a Trachycarpus. Remove infected leaves and treat the palm with a pesticide if necessary. You can choose a chemical or a biological form of pest control.
Gardening is my passion and growing plants indoors has always been a stress relief for me. Grow a banana tree in my apartment once (although failed to produce bananas).
