| Description: |
Solitary palm with a green, ringed trunk a few inches (5cm) in diameter bearing an graceful crown of arching dark green leaves. Slow growing, giving many years of service in even a small space. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the North/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 2 part peat or humus (leaf mold), a good dusting of bone meal.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil barely moist and reduce water during the winter. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed monthly spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites, mealy bugs and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Protect from direct sunlight. During the winter months mist the plant occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining).
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| Air Purifier: |
A good remover of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere. |