Szorstkowiec Fortunego(Trachycarpus fortunei) is an undemanding species of palm. The large, fan-shaped leaves of the rough wood look great indoors, and the high frost resistance allows you to use this palm to create an exotic corner on the terrace or in the garden. We suggest what thecultivation of the Fortunego Roughstone looks likeand what requirements must be met for this palm to grow he althy and develop properly.
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - Trachycarpus Fortunei
Photo. © Sylwia Hennek
Szorskowiec Fortunego - appearance description
Szorstkowiec Fortunego(Trachycarpus fortunei) belongs to the Arecaceae family. Under natural conditions, it grows in China, the Himalayas, Japan and Burma. It is the most famous species of the genus Trachycarpus, which in natural conditions can reach a height of about 12 m.
In house cultivationthe height of the Fortuny roughworm usually does not exceed 2.5 mLeaves ma large, fan-shaped and deeply divided. Their upper surface is dark green, while the reverse side has a silvery coating.
Under natural conditions, during flowering, the palm tree produces fringed inflorescences composed of fragrant yellow flowers. After flowering, the wireworm produces a croissant-shaped brown fruit whose clusters look like grapes.In domestic conditions, the roughstone, unfortunately, does not bloom
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - cultivation
Growing Fortuny Roughstoneis easy and if we provide this palm with good growth conditions, it will not cause any major problems.
Rough wood cultivation station
Szorstkowiec Fortunego belongs to photophilic plantsbut it can be grown in any position. Remember, however, that the wireworm does not like harsh sun and drafts. Ideally, the position of its cultivation should be bright, but with slightly filtered light.
Good to know!For a palm tree to grow and develop symmetrically, rotate it 180 ° around its axis every six months.
In summer, you can put the pot with the roughstone outside.However, you should gradually get the palm used to new conditions. The Fortunego Roughbird tolerates cold nights well and will not be harmed by temperature drops as low as -10 ° C. It is able to withstand short-term frosts down to -17 ° C. Theoretically, it can be grown in the ground within the seventh frost hardiness zone of plants, i.e. in the north-western part of Poland.However, in practice it is extremely difficult, because young plants are delicate and are often damaged not only by frost but also by drying, cold winds.
Therefore, if we want togrow a rough stone in the garden , it is best to dig a palm tree into the ground with the pot, and move it to a bright room for the winter. If the palm tree is to winter outside or the wintering room is not heated, remember to protect the root ball of the rough stone well against frost, e.g. by placing the palm pot in a box filled with insulation material or by covering it with polystyrene around it.
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - growing temperature
From spring to autumnFortunego grows best at temperatures between 18-25 ° CDoes not like too high air temperatures. In summer heat, its growth is inhibited and the tips of the leaf blades turn brown, which negatively affects the decorativeness of the plant. In winter, it is recommended that the palm be kept at a temperature of 10-12 ° C, but it tolerates slightly higher temperatures.
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - trimming leaves
To keep the Fortunego Roughworm always looking good,trim damaged and dead leaves regularlyIt is not recommended to trim any leaves that have started to turn yellow as they still provide nutrients. Similarly, do not trim those that have turned brown too early.
Fortunego in the garden
Fig. depositphotos.com
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - watering
Rough stones are very drought-resistant , therefore they should be watered sparingly and in moderation. Frequent or too abundant watering can lead to rotting of the roots. Water the substrate in the pot only when the top layer is 3-4 cm deep. Water should be watered with filtered or distilled water as the plant reacts negatively to chlorine.
In winter, it is goodto wipe the leaves of the roughwood with a soft clothmoistened with clean water.Leaf sprinkling is not recommended. To increase the level of air humidity, you can place several open containers filled with water next to the roughstone, or use a special air humidifier. Do not polish the leaves with chemicals.
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - fertilization
Fertilizing the Fortuny roughwateris recommended during the period of intensive growth, i.e. from April to August, once every 3 weeks. It is best to use a specialized fertilizer for palm trees or possibly a fertilizer for potted plants with green leaves. In the latter case, we use only half of the dose recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer.
In addition to mineral fertilization,watering with diluted biohumus has a good effect on the roughwaterNatural biohumus fertilizes the soil and enriches it with soil microorganisms . Watering with biohumus can be done alternately with the addition of mineral fertilizer.I also recommend banana peel fertilizer, which is rich in potassium and has a positive effect on the color and growth of new palm leaves.
Storstkowiec Fortunego in a pot
Photo. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Szorstkowiec Fortunego - overdoing it
Transplanting the Fortuny Roughstoneis only necessary when the roots do not fit into the pot and come out of the drainage holes. As a general rule, young plants should be transplanted regularly in spring, every year, and mature ones once every 3 or 4 years.
Older, large palm trees, due to their delicate root system, can be seriously damaged during transplanting. Better, so every spring, replace only the top layer of earth about 5 cm thick and replace it with a fresh one. As the roots are very sensitive, replant the plants with as much root ball as possible.
The soil for the cultivation of the Fortunego Roughstoneshould be loose and permeable with a pH of 5.6-7.5. The best mix is one that consists of humus, compost and leaf soil, and perlite or coarse sand.We mix these ingredients in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1. Prepared soil mixtures for palm trees are also available for sale.
When transplanting the rough stone, first place a thick layer of drainageon the bottom of the new container. For this purpose, it is worth using expanded clay, although small pebbles or pieces of broken clay pots will also work. Then carefully place the plant in the pot and fill all empty spaces with fresh substrate.
The transplanted palm should be watered abundantly and left in the shade for a few daysIt should not be fertilized for 4-6 weeks because it will have enough nutrients contained in fresh soil.
Fortunego - reproduction
Propagation of the roughworm by seedIt is not an easy method, because the seed of this palm tree remains capable of germinating only for 1 year. In addition, the wireworm does not produce seeds at home, so we have to buy seeds.
Soak the seeds in water for 3-5 days , then sow them in January or February in pots filled with soil for sowing seeds.Cover the pots with a glass jar or place them in a mini-greenhouse. We often check to prevent fungal diseases.
The firstwireworm seedlings should appearafter 1-3 months. In order for them to grow well, they are placed in a well-lit place (the light should be diffused), where the air temperature is constantly kept at 20-22 ° C. At the end of the first year of cultivation, young plants can form up to 5 leaf plates. The leaves will start dividing into segments as the 5-7 plate is formed.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
