The low dwarf palm , forming a plume of large, fan-shaped leaves, is a great decoration for any home. This potted palm tree is easy to care for and requires little attention. We explain whatcultivating a snapper palm at homeand what requirements have to be met for a snapper to grow he althy and look beautiful. We also reveal the secrets ofreproducing the low snapper !
Low scallop - Chamaerops humilis
Fig. depositphotos.com
What does a low-cut palm tree look like?
The low midget palm(Chamaerops humilis), also known as the dwarf palm, is the only palm that grows in its natural environment in Europe - in Italy and Spain.It belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is a slow-growing and hardy species of palm.
The Karłatka has a shrubby habit , branches strongly close to the ground. Together with numerous trunks, it grows up to a maximum of 2 m in height. In its natural state, this palm tree reaches a height of 5 m. The ornament of the snapper is a plume of large, (up to 80 cm in diameter) fan-shaped leaves on the top of the trunk, with a color from grayish to blue-green. The trunk is covered with brown fibers.
Less attractive, longyellow inflorescences of low petalsappear in April and last until June. In their place, reddish fruit resembling olives develop.
Low karlet - cultivation and requirements
The low snapper is quite easy to get used to the home environment , if the basic requirements of this palm tree are followed. Room temperature in the range of 16-24 ° C is suitable for a snake during the growing season.In the warmer months (from May), you can put the pot with the plant outside, in the garden or on the terrace. This species tolerates several degrees of frost, so it can stay outside until late autumn.
In winter, we should provide the dwarf palmwith plenty of light and a temperature of around 13-16 ° C. Make sure that the wintering temperature does not drop below + 10 ° C.
A low karlate requires three to four hours of direct suneach day, but it can adapt to less favorable light conditions. It tolerates shady sites, but then grows slower and the leaf plume is not too dense.
Low scallop - Chamaerops humilis
Fig. © Sylwia Hennek
The soil for the low dwarfshould be permeable, fairly light, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). You can get a special land for palm trees. The plant has a well-developed root system, so a tall pot, preferably made of ceramics or durable plastic, should be used for planting.At the bottom of the container there should be several holes for draining excess water and a drainage layer, e.g. made of expanded clay.
Replanting the snapper palm treeis done every 2 years in the spring. The plant is transplanted into a pot one size larger. When the palm grows in a pot with a diameter of 20-30 cm, we stop replanting. Each spring we limit ourselves to replacing the top layer of earth with fresh one.
During the period of active growth of , a low karlate requires abundant and frequent watering , preferably 1-2 times a week. The soil in the pot should be kept moist. During the winter rest period, we limit watering, letting the substrate dry about two-thirds of the height of the pot between waterings.
The leaves of the midget palm treeshould be sprinkled regularly, especially in hot weather. For this purpose, use soft water, preferably settled, with a temperature slightly above room temperature.
In spring and summer, the plant requires regular fertilization every 14 days.For this purpose, we use multi-component liquid fertilizers or specialist palm fertilizers.
We do not trim the carlings , because the plant dies if the growth cone is violated. If necessary, remove only the yellowing lower leaves of the plant.
Low karlet - reproduction
Dwarf palm is easy to propagate from seedsBefore sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for 4-5 days, and then sow them in pots filled with soil for sowing seeds. We do not cover the seeds. To obtain a sufficiently high temperature and humidity, the pots are placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with a jar or foil. It takes 1 to 3 months for seeds to germinate. Dwarf palm trees must be regularly ventilated and watered.
AdultDwarf palm trees can also be propagated by divisionThis treatment is carried out during spring transplanting. We gently divide the plant into several parts so as not to disturb the root system.Place the seedlings in pots and water them.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
