Indoor palm: types and care

Palm - an ancient family of plants. Its various species have taken root in the tropics, subtropics and equatorial forests. These are coconut, olive, peach, ginger, date and other palm trees. Among the fruits that grow on them are coconuts, dates, stone fruits, sereno. In total, the family has more than 3,000 individual species. About each you can find a detailed description. Palm trees are the most recognizable plants in the world, while their habitat may be limited not only by warm regions, but also by several islands. They are well adapted to wild nature and win competition from many plants. One of the amazing properties of palm is endurance in unusual conditions. Some subspecies easily withstand severe frosts and other adverse factors. Palm trees can grow indoors under different climates and do not require careful maintenance. You can grow them without gardening experience.

The advantages of decorating the interior with palm trees

Beautiful appearance is the main quality of decorative palm trees. It is characterized by a variety of sizes and shapes. These plants are both fast and slow growing. The low rate of ripening makes it possible for some time to grow a large palm tree at home, and before it reaches the size familiar to the natural environment, plant it in another place. The pace of development additionally depends on the care and amount of sunlight received. Each individual subspecies has some abilities that simplifies the choice for those who wish to purchase this plant. You can choose a beautiful and undemanding palm tree: smooth or prickly, fast-growing, if you need a large plant for a short time, or slow-growing, if the priority is the long-term presence of the palm in the interior. Some dwarf species are bred by man.

Popular species

Some palm trees are somewhat reminiscent of the brush (if you take into account the fan-shaped view of their foliage). The name literally translates as "palm". Varieties of this plant differ in their growth, the shape of the leaves and the stem, the density of the plates. Foliage can be like a fan, umbrella, fern, dragon, or be lush and voluminous. Palm trees have one or more trunks, and, accordingly, are single-stem and bushy. Over time, they can be modified. Several stalks of bush palm are able to unite into one in the process of their development. Depending on the type of leaves, palm trees are classified as feathery and fan. The first type is characterized by a parallel arrangement of plates attached to the central vein. A distinctive feature of fan palms is the attachment of all the leaves to the stem at one point.

Popular species include:

• date palm;
• robalstilis;
• cariotism;
• stew;
• rapis

Brachea

It is a fan palm growing on the southwest coast of the United States and in Mexico; named after scientist Tycho Brahe. The barrel is expanded at the base and has a diameter of up to half a meter. On it remain scars from dead foliage. The leaves themselves have very hard pointed ends. This species is well combined with other plants, so it can be found in different gardens and greenhouses. The subspecies differ in size, which makes it possible to grow them for different purposes. During flowering many inflorescences appear. Seeds - about 2 cm in size, have a round shape. Brachea is growing rapidly and requires attentive care. Water it needs a lot. But it is preferable that she received water often, without being exposed to an excess of moisture during irrigation. The bright rays of the sun for palm trees are harmful, while it can withstand cold up to +8 ° C.

Butia

This palm tree also belongs to the Palm family. The leaves are characterized by a feathery structure, and the height varies from a few dozen centimeters to 10 meters. The interior cultivates the view of Butea capitate. Under natural conditions, its trunk can reach 6 meters in length. The name was served by the capitate near the root. The leaves of the boutique are hard, arched, long-petiolate. They consist of dozens of xiphoid lobes with a loose location. The front part has a green color with shades of gray color. The reverse side of the leaves of the same color, but pale. The stalks are twisted with felt (in the young) or small thorns (in the adult individuals). As the palm grows, the lower leaves die and fall off. This explains the peculiarity of the appearance of the trunk. The plant blooms in late spring and June. In late October - early September, edible fruits ripen.

This plant is common in such countries:

• Brazil;
• Paraguay;
• Argentina.

Washington

The area of ​​distribution in nature - dry areas of the South-West USA. The most famous are two species of this plant - robusta and philifer. The second subspecies is also called the stalk palm. This name he received because of the "beard", which is formed in adult individuals from fallen leaves. In the natural environment, these threads envelop the tree, completely hiding the trunk. The first subspecies is more common in Mexico, it is inferior in size to the American variety. Washington has large palmate leaves. For growing need a warm, lighted place, without direct sunlight. In winter, you need to give less water than in summer. Excess badly affect the appearance of this palm. Washington is unpretentious, but the dead parts need to be promptly removed. At the age of 5 years, this palm tree needs more space and gardeners have to look for a more spacious place.

Hyophorbe

Hyophorbe, also called bottle palm, grows in the island regions of the Indian Ocean. In natural conditions, the height does not exceed seven meters. Hyoforba has a seal in the middle of the trunk. He himself is smooth, without scars and other formations. Cirrus elements give the fan a presentable palm tree. Hyoforba requires attentive care. The temperature in the room should not fall below +16 ° C. It is not recommended to put it near the windows on the south side. Gioforba should be watered in time, and the leaves should be wiped from dust (but not during wintering). This palm tree grows slowly and if it gets sick, the process of recovery will also be long. Deterioration will be signaled by dried foliage. To avoid this, you need to monitor the humidity in the room. Next to the hiofora, you can put a container of water or an aquarium.

Govay

Govay (Kentia) - one of the subspecies of the cirrus palms. This is an endemic plant Lord Howe, not found elsewhere. There are three popular types of this palm tree: Forster, large-fruited, Belmore. The height in the natural environment reaches 15 meters, and the length of the foliage is up to 5. Govay has a wide sweeping crown. The surface of the trunk is a ring formation in the form of scars from dead foliage. Caring for a plant is not difficult. All that is needed is to control the soil moisture. This palm tree is often decorated with landscape gardening facilities, offices, business centers. Govay does not require special care: it can stay for a long time without moisture and out of the illumination zone. However, experts advise to ventilate well the premises and not to smoke next to it. The usual temperature at which wild Govi ​​grows is within + 20 ... +25 ° С. The minimum temperature that it can withstand - +10 ° C.

Karyote

It is found cariotics in India, Indochina and other areas of South Asia. The genus includes more than 10 different species. The juice of this plant is the raw material for the manufacture of sugar and wine. Cariota leaves have a split, and their edges - a special torn shape. They are somewhat reminiscent of fish tails. In spring and summer, the plant needs a lot of water, but you need to monitor the condition of the soil so that it does not accumulate liquid. With good care, the cariot will grow rapidly. If desired, the speed of development can be slowed down: for this you will need less and less water with it. The external state of the cariota signals what mistakes are made when it is grown. If the amount of moisture consumed is insufficient, the leaves will turn yellow. Darkening of the foliage indicates the effect of low temperature. If there are faint dots on the cariot, then the light is too strong.

The main subspecies of cariota:

• burning;
• soft

Liviston

It grows in many regions. This is South Asia, Australia, the Malay Islands, Polynesia. The soil for the plant are the banks of rivers and swamp forest areas. Despite the fact that liviston leaves have a fan configuration, the plates are not completely cut, but only three-quarters. On the trunk of the plant are traces of the stalks of dead leaves. In nature, the height is more than 20 meters, and decorative livistons grow to human growth. This palm grows both in height and in width. The main subspecies of livistons are Chinese and southern. The first is developing more slowly, but does not require much attention to itself. It is shade tolerant, but for proper development it needs enough free space. Livistons southern showy appearance. It has a thick stem and long petioles with sharp thorns.

Rapis

This plant looks like a bush. It does not grow high even in its natural environment, it has a thin trunk. The leaves are also very thin and hard. The plant copes well with low humidity and low light conditions. One of the features of the rapis is frost resistance - it withstands temperatures of -8 ° C. The optimum temperature range is between +15 ° C and +20 ° C. This palm tree is well combined with the interior of the room and does not require large expenses for its cultivation. To care for her, it is not necessary to be an experienced gardener. In summer, the palm tree can be kept in outdoor conditions, in the shade. The plant grows better if you water it with filtered water, but you can not control the humidity in the room. Ground for landing should be loose and sour. The subspecies of rapis are visually very similar.

Varieties of this palm:

• subtilis;
• humilis;
• excels.

Ropalostilis

Popular feathery palm tree is ropalotilis. Rod has several species. Habitat in nature is the island of Norfolk and New Zealand. Unlike many types of palm trees used for decorative purposes, ropalostylis needs to be careful and given more time to care for it. Its stalk is covered with circular scars from fallen leaves, petioles are omitted. The leaves have a greenish-gray color. The lower parts of the foliage are slightly down. They are located as close as possible to each other, which allows ropalostylis to be used in the interior of small rooms. It has a protrusion in the trunk, similar to the leg. It can not be touched, otherwise the plant may die. During the flowering period, this projection is like a bird's tail. Watering and feeding ropalostilos often need. Of all the varieties, the most famous roopalistilis Bauer.

Sabal

Sabal is an alternative to date palm and hameropsu. It can be considered one of the most beautiful palm trees. Sabal fans have a beautiful color, but it is not very popular among gardeners. The foliage is initially straight, but with age it gradually loses its integrity. The plates are deeply incised and blend well with petioles. Sabal is known for its healing properties. From its wood and extracts make oils and medicines, which are widely known in some countries. Dwarf Sabal is one of many species of this genus. It can be chosen as an ornamental plant due to its durability and simplicity at home. At first, the sabal grows slowly and begins to develop vigorously after many years. In this, he is different from all other members of the Palmov family.

Trachycarpus

It is distributed in the subtropical regions of the planet. This is one of the most hardy types of palm trees. The plant copes with temperatures up to -10 ° C, but do not grow it in open space. Trachicarpus can be found in winter gardens and large lobbies. This palm grows slowly. If there is such an opportunity, then in the summer, trachycarpus should be moved closer to fresh air. Palm growth requires comfortable conditions - the air temperature is +18 ... +25 ° C, but if the temperature in the room is slightly higher or lower, then there is no need to adjust it or transfer the plant. Indoors with trachycarpus should not air stagnate. If it has an unpleasant smell, then it must be aired immediately. In winter, trachycarpus should be moved to a colder place. During wintering temperatures around the palm tree should not exceed +16 ° C.

Date palm

Phoenix (date, date palm) is chosen due to the fact that it is easy to grow from the stone. During the day, the plant should receive as much diffused light as possible, and this applies to all seasons. Phenicia badly tolerates stagnant air. The top of the palm must be directed from the light source to the central part of the room. This is necessary so that the plant grows evenly. Do not allow stagnant fluid in the soil - this can lead to rotting. Watering should be reduced if brown spots appear on the leaves. If the date palm began to darken evenly, then you need to change the soil to fresh. Date leaves are very sensitive: if the earth is dry, they can fall. Their original form will not be restored. For complex care, palm trees should be watered with soft water: snow or rain, depending on the season.

Hamedorea

It grows in forests that receive a lot of rain. Hamedorea is also called bamboo palm. Under natural conditions, the plant is well protected from such adverse factors as the scorching sun or strong cold winds. This does not interfere with its cultivation in room conditions with low humidity. Hamedorea can have one or several trunks, that is, have shrubby rhizomes. Some people are mistaken, considering that several stems growing nearby are separate plants. However, Hamedorea with one barrel can be planted in close proximity to each other. The crown of the plant is very lush and thick. For this palm, an insect such as a spider mite is dangerous, so you need to closely monitor its health. Four species are cultivated in floriculture.

Hamedorei subspecies:

• oblong;
• single color;
• elegant
• high.

Hamerops

This palm tree grows in the Mediterranean region. Humperops develop slowly, and its maximum height is 5 meters. The genus is represented by only one species - humilis. For plants suitable sandy and rocky soil. The foliage is very tough and tight to each other, has a dirty green color. Trunks, as a rule, several. Hamerops tolerates bright light and sudden changes in temperature. In nature, it can often be found in places that receive large amounts of sunlight. The room in which hamerops matures must be regularly aired. You can keep the plant on the sunny side of the room. This is its difference from the overwhelming majority of decorative palm trees. Hamerops need to be fed with mineral fertilizers 2 times a month during the warm season.

Care rules

The best place to grow palm species is the greenhouse. Palms located in such a room receive a lot of diffused sunlight from different sides. Their appearance will be better than in a regular room. But in view of the unpretentiousness of these plants, the creation of similar conditions in an apartment or house will give the same result. First of all it is necessary to look at the state of foliage plates. If their appearance has changed, then this most likely indicates a deterioration in the health of the palm tree. At home, their leaves can fall off and grow. Up to three sheets can grow over a year, and fall off - more than four. Thus, the palm tree can remain without foliage and perish. Some species, since a certain time, are generally unable to grow it. Do not confuse the natural process of dropping leaves due to palm growth and disease due to inadequate care.

To avoid misunderstandings and properly care for your palm, you need to listen to the opinion of experienced gardeners.

Illumination

Only some decorative palm trees are recommended to be placed in the sun. Usually they should be away from direct rays. The overabundance of light on the state of a plant can dramatically deteriorate. Also, this factor provokes rapid growth, which can lead to the fact that the palm will have to be moved to another place. Ideally, plants should receive diffused light. Only a few palm trees are resistant to shade. If the plant is transferred to the street, then you need to choose a place where it would constantly be in partial shade. Since most palm trees are light-loving, they are best placed on the sides of the window, reliably protecting the top of the crown from direct rays. Before you choose a place for a pot, you need to know which side the windows are facing. It is not recommended to place palm trees on the south, south-west and south-east sides. This recommendation does not apply to the most light-loving palm trees.

Temperature conditions

Despite the fact that in their natural habitat palm trees grow at high temperatures in summer and in cool / hot climates in winter, home care is provided for keeping at a temperature not higher than +25 ° C. The reason is that even in nature, palm trees tend to be protected from the sun places.In the summer, the plants should be in a warmer environment, and in the winter they should be transported to a cool place (verandas, courtyards). Thermophilous palms should overwinter at + 13 ... +16 ° С, and cold-resistant - at temperatures from +8 ° С to +11 ° С. Do not forget about the ratio of temperature and humidity. Indoors with high humidity will increase the feeling of warmth and feeling of coolness, depending on the temperature. If, on the contrary, the room is too dry, then these conditions will be perceived in the same way.

Humidity and watering

Palm - hydrophilic plants. Their location in the natural environment is directly dependent on the availability of a source of moisture. But almost all species, including palm trees, growing in dry areas of the Earth, can stay without water for a long time. For full development it is necessary to keep the humidity at the level of 70% and higher, as far as the type of room allows. Near the plant you can place a container with water. It is necessary to water palm trees carefully not to provoke deterioration of a condition of roots. In the summer watering should be more abundant and more often, especially in hot weather. In winter, the soil should be kept slightly wet, but not wet. If there is a lot of water in the ground or it will form clusters, the condition of the palm tree may deteriorate sharply. It is necessary to water the plants with good quality water, but it can be dangerous to do this with distilled water. Leaves of some species are recommended to keep dry and wipe as rarely as possible. For watering need cool water with a temperature not lower than +20 ° C.

How to grow yourself

At home, you can do and reproduction of palm trees. Ornamental palms need to be grown by sowing fresh seeds, and in some cases by offspring. For germination the temperature is + 25 ... +35 ° C. Sow them in pots with sawdust, moss and sand. A drainage layer with charcoal particles is placed on the bottom. Seeds germinate in a week or several months (it depends on the species). Doing a transplant is necessary before the start of active growth in the spring. It is necessary to transship young palms every year, old ones every few years. During these manipulations should be careful with the roots. The pot should be selected based on the size and shape of the rhizome. If the roots rise from the ground, then you should choose a high pot. For accelerated development in the spring and summer periods, it is recommended to use top dressing in the form of organic fertilizers.

Most palm does not tolerate the transplant process, so it should be done quickly and as little as possible.

Conclusion

Palms practically do not occur in the temperate climate zone and colder regions of the planet. Despite this, they can be attributed to the most adaptable species of wildlife. They can differ in cold, frost and dust resistance, many are able to withstand a dry or humid climate, adverse weather phenomena. These plants have become popular in decorating due to their presentable appearance. Decorative palm tree acts as a key element of the interior, well combined with other plants. They can be seen in many institutions and gardens around the world, including regions with a predominance of the cold period of the year. Growing in a residential area does not require large expenditures and does not take much time. All that is required is to know the basic rules for the care of ornamental palms.