Care of the palm tree Trachycarpus fortunei or Chusan palm |
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The genus Trachycarpus, family Arecaceae, comprises 9 species of dioecious palms native to mountainous regions of Asia. Some species are: Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Trachycarpus martianus, Trachycarpus takil. Common names: Chinese windmill palm, Windmill palm, Chusan palm. This species is native to China, Japan, Myanmar and India. They are slow-growing palm trees that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have a trunk very similar to that of the Chamaerops humilis palm tree and large 1 meter (3.28 feet) wide fan-shaped leaves of a dark green color; They have 60 narrow, pointed leaflets. The scented flowers are small but appear in long, showy hanging clusters of more than 50 cm (1.64 feet) in length. They produce round, bluish-black fruits. They are used to form small groups and as isolated specimens. Young plants are used as indoor or greenhouse plants in large pots. Trachycarpus fortunei needs a full sun exposure protected from the wind. They resist frost. Indoors they need a very well lit location. They prefer clay soils that contain organic matter. The transplant is done in spring. Water regularly so that the soil is always moist but never watery. Fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer during the spring and with compost in the fall. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual diseases and pests. They are propagated by seeds sown in spring but it's a very slow process; it's preferable to acquire new plants in nurseries or garden centers. |
Images of the palm tree Trachycarpus fortunei or Chusan palm |
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