How to care for chamedorrhea at home?
How intense lighting does Hamedorea need?
This palm tree doesn’t care which window it is placed next to. Like many other plants, it is comfortable in well-lit places - however, contact with direct sunlight is contraindicated for it. In rooms with minimal or artificial lighting, chamedorea will feel quite good. You can also place it quite calmly near the north window.
What temperature is optimal for Hamedorrhea?
Regarding air temperature, Chamedorea is quite picky. From 16 to 23 degrees - this is the optimal range for it during the period of active growth. 12 degrees is its minimum temperature threshold for the cold season (and the ideal temperature would be 16-17 degrees). In addition, the plant needs regular ventilation.
In the warm season, the palm tree can be taken out into the garden or onto the balcony, placing it in the shade of large trees. As soon as the nights become cold, the palm should be returned indoors.
How are they watered?
In spring and summer, it should be watered abundantly and often. In winter they work according to the principle: the warmer the room, the more water you need to pour.
The specific volume of water is determined by the temperature inside the room.
In general, palm trees need to be watered less often in the cold season than in hot weather. Any water that accumulates in the tray should be drained regularly.
What humidity does Chamedorea need?
High air humidity is a necessary condition for palm life in spring and summer. Excessive dry air creates a risk of spider mite damage and drying out of the leaves.
It is recommended to spray chamedorea as often as possible. Dust and dirt should be removed from it regularly by wiping the leaves with a soft damp cloth or taking a warm shower. During cold wintering, slightly reduced air humidity is acceptable.
What to fertilize with?
If the palm tree was recently transplanted, then it does not need feeding. Due to its extremely slow growth, chamedorea does not need to be fed for a year after transplantation.
During the period of active growth, fertilizing is required once every 2-3 weeks. In winter, it is optimal to take liquid Palma fertilizer or a complex mixture and feed the plant once a month.
How is it transplanted?
Young plants should be replanted in the spring and annually, providing them with a drainage layer. An adult chamedorea is replanted only if the roots have grown excessively and no longer fit in the pot (and may even lift the plant). However, there is also an opinion that an adult palm tree needs to be replanted every 3 years.
The new pot should be only a little more spacious than the old one. It is better to give preference not to a wider, but to a deeper container.
Over time, the palm tree will no longer need a pot, but a tub or barrel. If the plant becomes too heavy to transplant, you can try simply updating the top layer of soil.
When planning a transplant of healthy chamedorea, one transshipment is enough. If you disturb the roots too often, the reaction of Hamedorea will be sharply negative.
What soil to grow in
Hamedorea is planted in soil mixture for palm trees. To do it yourself, you need to do one of two ways:
- Mix turf soil, peat and humus in equal proportions and add sand to them in a volume of 50% of this proportion.
- Take humus, coniferous soil and leaf soil in equal quantities and mix.
In order to lighten the soil, it is permissible to pour charcoal, vermiculite, sand or coconut chips into it.
How does it reproduce?
Root suckers, which have several roots of their own, should be disconnected from the main bush. This will be a vegetative method of propagation.
To propagate by seeds, the palm tree should be pollinated by hand during its flowering period. To do this, you need to transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers, using a brush with soft bristles.
Seeds are sown in spring, at an air temperature of 26 degrees. They are pre-soaked for 5 days in water or a growth stimulator. The soft shell is removed from each seed and the hard layer is slightly broken.
Then the seeds are planted in the ground and covered with film or glass. The soil should remain constantly moist, and the seeds should also be ventilated regularly. In a month and a half, the first shoots will appear. If you sow seeds purchased in a store, this process may take longer - up to six months. After the first leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in pots with a diameter of about 7 centimeters.
Pest protection
In a very dry and hot room, spider mites and scale insects may appear on chamedorea. To get rid of them, the plant should be treated with actellik.
Origin and appearance of the plant
Hamedorea is a genus of unpretentious, slow-growing, low-growing palm trees belonging to the Palm family (Arecaceae). Under natural conditions, it is found in the foothills of Central and South America, in particular Guatemala, Mexico, Belize and the Yucotan Peninsula.
In nature, chamedorea grows in the foothills of Central and South America.
Adult specimens reach a height of 2–3 m, and at home their size does not exceed 1.2 m . It belongs to the reed species of palm trees, the shoots of which at first resemble reeds, and with age they become similar to bamboo stems. The leaves of chamedorea are decorative; they are large, pinnate, with rather wide segments. In some species, the leaves are entire with a forked top (like a fish tail).
This palm tree is characterized by the fact that the leaf blades are evenly spaced on the stem. This distinguishes chamedorea from other representatives of this family, in which the leaves grow on the tops of the trunks and are collected in dense whorls.
All species of the genus Hamedorea are dioecious plants, that is, there are female and male specimens. The male flowers, small and incredibly fragrant, are yellow or red in color and collected in spike-shaped or paniculate inflorescences. The flowers of female plants are usually less branched than those of male plants. They are colored in shades of yellow or orange. After pollination, the female specimens of chamedorea bear small fruits (0.5–2 cm in diameter) of a round shape. They may be black or reddish or yellowish in color.
The plant blooms even indoors, but the flowers have no decorative value, so many gardeners believe that it is better to remove the inflorescences at the budding stage.
Differences from howea
Both howea and chamedorea are palm trees belonging to the Arecaceae family. Both plants are unpretentious and look very similar, so gardeners often confuse them. But there are still a few differences. Howeas at home grow much faster than chamedoreas and reach three meters in height (in natural conditions up to 10 meters).
Howea leaves are hard
The plants also differ in appearance. Howea leaves are quite tough. Hamedorea, on the contrary, has leaf blades that are soft to the touch, and there are several of them on each shoot .
Hamedorea Seifritz and other species
In the genus Hamedorea, botanists distinguish 133 species. Several of them are grown in indoor floriculture.
- Hamedorea graceful (elegans). This is a highly decorative shrub-like plant with numerous stems reminiscent of reed or bamboo shoots. Each of them is 1.5–3 cm thick and bears from 6 to 8 arched leaf blades. The leaves are long-petiolate and pinnate. The flowers, collected in panicles and colored yellow or orange, are incredibly fragrant. The plant does not require lighting, so it can be located either on the window or in the back of the room.
- Hamedorea unicolor. The plant is a shrub palm native to Mexico and Guatemala. The crown of the plant consists of 7–9 feathery leaves. The fruits have a golden yellow hue.
- Hamedorea Ernest-Augustus. A distinctive feature of this species from other chamedoreas is that the leaves of the palm are entire with a bilobed cut at the top and denticles along the edge. Under natural conditions, the palm tree looks like a single-trunked straight tree, about two meters in height. "In captivity" it is grown as a bush. The shoots are thin (up to 1.5 cm in diameter). The crown consists of 5–8 leaves. The flowers are small, painted red. Aerial roots form on the stem, thanks to which Ernest-August chamedorea can easily be propagated by rooting the crown.
- Chamedorea metallic. Externally, this palm tree resembles Ernest-August chamedorea, but its main difference is the color of the leaf blades, which have a blue-green metallic tint. The shape of the leaves resembles a fish tail. The leaf blades have a serrated edge and reach 15 cm in width and 20–30 cm in length. With age they may become feathery.
- Hamedorea Seifritz. Found in nature on limestone slopes. The palm tree has long stems up to 1 m tall. The crown is spreading, up to 15 dense, feathery leaves of a gray-green hue grow on it. The stem can produce a large number of basal shoots.
This is one of the most drought-resistant species of chamedoreas. The palm tree can tolerate both intense light and great shade.
- Hamedorea Bridble. A spectacular dwarf palm characterized by lush, feathery foliage and spectacular blooms.
Hamedorea Bridble flowers resemble mimosa in appearance.
- Hamedorrhea erupting. The palm is small in size (80–90 cm) with many thin trunks and feathery, flowing leaves. New shoots appear throughout the year, thanks to which the decorative appearance is maintained.
- Hamedorea stoloniferous. Several shoots grow from one root, making the bush become lush and decorative. The leaf blades are fan-shaped.
This chamedorea grows a lot of aerial roots, so the plant is very convenient to propagate by shoots.
- Hamedorea cascade. This plant is popularly nicknamed the “cat palm” because of the love of pets to feast on its leaves. This species is very decorative; its distinctive feature is a large number of stems growing from one root.
Photo gallery: Elegant Hamedorea (elegans) and other domestic species
Hamedorea graceful can most often be found in the collections of gardeners
The plant is a shrub palm native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Under natural conditions, the palm tree looks like a single-trunked straight tree, about two meters in height. "In captivity" grown as a bush
The leaf blades of this palm have a blue-green metallic tint. In nature, Hamedorea sefritsa is found on limestone slopes. Hamedorea bridble is a spectacular dwarf palm, the distinctive feature of which is lush, feathery foliage. The palm is small in size with many thin trunks. A distinctive feature of Hamedorea cascade is the large number of stems growing from one root
Hamedorea stolonifera has entire leaves
Video: indoor chamedorea
Reproduction of Hamedorea
Unlike many indoor palm trees, chamedorea reproduces not only by seeds, but also vegetatively. At the time of transplantation, the bush is divided into parts and the divisions are planted in separate flower containers filled with substrate for adult plants. It is also possible to separate the root shoots from the mother bush, but they are cut off only if by the time of replanting they have formed their own sufficiently strong root system.
It is advisable to use freshly harvested seeds whenever possible, since they lose their viability very quickly. Planting material collected more than a year ago is no longer suitable for sowing. It is quite possible to obtain chamedorea seeds at home if you have a male and a female plant. Pollination is carried out artificially using a brush. A successful result is evidenced by pea berries with seeds inside. When they drop so low that they reach the surface of the soil, they are collected and immediately tried to sow; they are not stored for a long time.
To germinate chamedorea seeds, you need a small mini-greenhouse or a structure resembling one - a container covered with glass or plastic film. Planting material purchased at a flower shop is pre-soaked in warm water for 2–5 days. Sometimes a few drops of iodine or germination stimulants are added to the water. Fresh seeds collected with your own hands do not need such preparation.
Sowing is carried out in a substrate specially prepared for this purpose, consisting of equal volumes of:
- steamed sawdust;
- moss;
- coarse river sand.
Another version of the mixture is also possible, also consisting of identical parts:
- turf land;
- moss;
- coarse river sand;
- sawdust
The seeding depth is small - up to 1–2 cm. The top of the crops is practically not sprinkled with soil, which is constantly kept moist, but not soggy. The mini-greenhouse is regularly ventilated and tried to be kept at a stable temperature of at least 24 degrees Celsius. Shoots do not appear soon; you can expect them in a month, or even six months later.
When the seedlings have formed their own true leaves 4–5 cm in size, they are dropped into separate cups filled with a mixture of turf soil, river sand, humus and leaf soil in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. Young seedlings are grown in greenhouse conditions.
Rules for replanting an indoor palm tree after purchase
Experts do not recommend replanting chamedorea immediately after acquisition , since it needs to settle into new conditions. Any plant transplant is a labor-intensive operation, so unless there is a significant need, it is better to refrain from replanting. Difficulties usually arise due to a voluminous crown or a high risk of damage to the root system, which is very sensitive to external interference.
If the container contains many densely planted plants, 2 weeks after purchase they can be divided into several groups. It is necessary to take into account that for a young plant you need to choose a large pot, otherwise the roots will quickly entwine the entire mass of soil.
If you need to replant a palm tree for the reason that you need to increase the dimensions of the container, it is recommended to use the transfer method: remove the plant along with the soil, carefully shake off the excess soil. Place drainage material in the bottom of the new flower pot, then place the root ball and cover the top with new soil mixture containing minerals. This way, the soil will have a structure suitable for indoor palm trees.
Reproduction methods
Palm trees are propagated in two ways: by dividing the bush and by seeds. To obtain new material for planting, you must have an adult plant that has already produced young shoots. The mother flower is removed from the pot and the offspring are carefully separated from it. Then they are planted in a pre-prepared container with soil. Water as needed.
If you are willing to wait six months, you can try propagating Hamedorea by seeds. How to grow from seeds? The process is lengthy and requires proper care. Seeds prepared for sowing need to be soaked for 5 days. After this, a crucial moment comes: the seed shell must be carefully opened and, in this form, placed on the ground (1 part sand and 3 parts peat).
Then the container with the planted seeds should be placed in a warm place (the temperature in it should not fall below 25 ° C) with moderate humidity. Now all that remains is to remember to water the seeds for 6 months and wait for them to germinate.
Video on the topic:
How to propagate?
Hamedorea can be propagated in two ways:
- division (vegetative method);
- seeds.
Both methods can hardly be called simple, but with proper skill everything should turn out successfully.
Transplantation by division
Reproduction by division does not provide one hundred percent guarantee that the new plant will take root. Division is a big stress for a palm tree. So keep this in mind before carrying out the procedure. Dividing the bush:
- Free the plant from the soil, remove soil from the root system, and wash the bush.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the palm's roots. If there are damaged or diseased elements, they must be removed. Treat all cuts with charcoal.
- Divide the bush into several shoots. Each shoot should retain its own root system.
- Plant 4-5 of these shoots in planting containers.
- After planting, all that remains is to carry out standard plant care.
To keep replanting stress to a minimum, maintain a warmer room temperature (around 30 degrees) and a high humidity level (around 80-85%). You need to spray the leaves of seedlings three times a day. Planting into separate containers should be carried out after 6-8 months.
Propagation by seeds
It is generally accepted that it is almost impossible to obtain chamedorea seeds at home, since the gardener will need plants of both sexes, which will have to pollinate on their own. So it’s better to immediately buy ready-made seeds in the store.
Seed propagation:
- Before planting, soak the seed in warm water (about +30 degrees) for 7 days. You can add Zircon to the water; it will stimulate rapid germination of seeds.
- Then the seeds will need to be scarified (cut into the skin). Such seeds should be placed with the cut down.
- The substrate for planting can be sand and peat. Deepen the seeds into it no more than 10 mm.
- Place a bag over the planting container or stretch a cloth over it to achieve 100% humidity over the plantings.
- The room temperature should be maintained within +30…+32 degrees.
- Every day you need to arrange ventilation for several hours.
Hamedorea seeds can rest in the ground for 6 months or longer. Of all the plantings, only a third will emerge.
When the seedling grows to 40 mm and at least 1 leaf has formed on it, you can transplant it into a separate container.
Reproduction
How does the Hamedorea palm reproduce? There are several ways:
- planting cuttings (these are root shoots);
- dividing the bush;
- planting seeds.
At the end of spring, when it becomes very warm, you can propagate the palm tree by division. To do this, carefully clean the roots from the soil and rinse. Then plant the individual fragments in pots.
By separating the shoot from the mother plant, you can also get a new plant. For propagation by cuttings, it is important that roots form at the root shoot. Handle the flower carefully
It is better to start seeds in the spring. For seeds, such an indicator as shelf life is very important. The less time the seeds have been in stock, the better their germination. Seeds germinate rather slowly, sometimes the process takes up to six months.
Start the planting procedure by soaking the seeds in water for 5 days. When they become softer, remove the outer shell. Then put drainage, soil into the flower pot and water generously. Now the soil is ready. Lightly press the seeds into the substrate, but let their upper part remain on the surface. In order to create the necessary climate for germination, wrap the top of the pot with a transparent bag.
Any reproduction process when the root system is exposed is stressful for the palm tree, so it may well happen that the shoots may not take root, and some of the seeds may not sprout. In addition, we must not forget that the process of palm growth is quite lengthy. But in the end, a beautiful and healthy plant will delight the patient grower.
Types and varieties of Hamedorea
Hamedorea graceful or elegans has the appearance of a bush with several small trunks that reach 1.5 m in height, the foliage is long, narrow, and matte. The flowers are yellow with a pleasant scent.
Hamedorea is a tall bushy species, growing up to 5 m, and at times even higher. The foliage is solitary, has no stipules, and is located on long petioles. It begins to bloom 3 years after planting, the color of the petals is soft orange.
Hamedorea Bridble is a variety very similar to Hamedorea graceful, but has brighter and more fragrant flowers.
Hamedorea Seifritz, this species has a fairly strong tillering habit, due to which it has many shoots and foliage. Likes bright light, unlike its relatives.
Hamedorea metallica - this crop is more reminiscent of a coconut palm than a chamedorea. It has broad, leathery foliage with a gray tint. It can also be recognized by one trunk, when most other representatives of the genus, as a rule, have several. The height of the trunk is about 2 m. It loves shade and becomes more attractive as it ages.
Hamedorea monochromatic in general, the appearance of this species is similar to other palm trees, but has a small height - up to 1 m. The flowers are light yellow in color and look like balls.
Popular varieties of Hamedorea
This flowering plant is distinguished not only by its beauty, but also by its benefits. It is capable of purifying the air from carbon dioxide and other harmful impurities. Scientists have found that negative substances are absorbed not only by leaves, but also by roots.
There are over 130 species of Hamedorea in the wild, but only a few can be cultivated indoors.
Hamedorea Bridble
A modern variety that enjoys authority. Selective hybrid. The appearance is similar to Chamedorea graceful, but differs in the size of the inflorescences, the brightness and aroma of the flowers. Since it is easy to care for, it is suitable for beginner gardeners.
Hamedorea elegans
It has stems similar to bamboo, feathery arched foliage of a light green color. The first red-orange or light yellow flowers appear at an early age, when the palm tree is 30–35 cm in height. Then small black berries appear.
Hamedorea unicolor
It is one of the hardiest species that does not require serious care. Tolerates dry air and lack of sunlight very well. In appearance it resembles Chamedorea graceful, but differs in the following characteristics:
- much thinner and longer leaves;
- elongated internodes.
When planted in a wide container, it forms dense thickets. The flowers have a yellowish tint.
Hamedorea gracilis
The most common type. Compact and easy to grow, the palm tree will decorate any interior. A dense rosette of leaves without a central stem, rising on thin and bare legs, is divided into feathery segments. The result is a surprisingly graceful structure with a sophisticated silhouette, suitable for the calm color scheme of the interior design. Flowers of a light yellow palette have a pleasant aroma.
Hamedorrhea Ernest-Augustus
It has a single trunk with a small number of whole leaves, forked at the end. Since aerial roots are formed in the nodules of the stems, it reproduces by vegetative means. Blooms red.
Hamedorrhea high
A shrub from whose roots young trunks grow annually. The arched leaves are dark green in color, and the flowers, collected in a panicle, are bright orange.
Caring for a plant at home
Room temperature
This is an important condition on which the health of the palm tree depends. In summer, the bush should be kept in a room where the thermometer readings are within +20C
In winter, the temperature is reduced to +15C.
Irrigation and air humidity
Since the palm tree’s homeland is tropical forests, the air humidity must be suitable. To get the required indicators, it is recommended to place a tray with pebbles and water near the flowerpot. Special electrical appliances also humidify the air well.
Don't forget about spraying. The bamboo palm loves such processes very much. Water should be taken only clean, without impurities. If possible, it is best to moisten the leaves with rainwater.
The palm tree should be watered systematically, especially in the summer when the air temperature is high outside. To prevent the plant from starting to rot, a good layer of drainage must be laid at the bottom of the container when planting.
Hamedorea fertilizer
The palm tree is fed from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. To do this, it is best to use universal drugs in liquid form. The procedure is carried out once or twice a week. You can also use special mixtures for palm trees.
Possible problems during cultivation
If you follow all the rules of care, the palm tree will not hurt. All problems are associated with improper watering and lack of fertilizers.
Most often, Hamedorea suffers from excess moisture. If watering is improper, the root system of the plant begins to rot. It is almost impossible to save such a flower.
When the air is dry, palm leaves begin to dry out. Their yellowing can also be caused by a lack of moisture and high air temperatures. To restore the plant to its original appearance, just adjust the irrigation and place a container of water near the flowerpot.
The bush is most rarely affected by spider mites. It can be identified by small dots on the surface of the leaves. Getting rid of the insect is not difficult. It is enough to treat the plant with a soap solution.
Elegant Hamedorea will delight everyone with its extraordinary beautiful leaves if you follow the basic rules of care. Improper watering, lack of fertilizing and inappropriate temperature will negatively affect the palm tree.
What does it look like in the interior?
Hamedorea in the interior
Whatever the variety of Hamedorea, it will almost always stand out in the room, as it grows abundantly, densely and rarely loses its correct shape. The main aesthetic component is hidden not in the color of the leaves (it is just ordinary), but in their shape. Narrow, thin or large-formed leaves - they will add special exoticism to any interior.
Signs and superstitions
Folk omens advise every housewife to purchase or grow chamedorea. Thanks to her presence in the house, a person’s fate will noticeably change:
- there will be good luck in business;
- the microclimate in the house will become peaceful and calm;
- the aroma of this flower repels evil spirits and protects the house.
Hamedorea flower
There is another superstition that literally haunts this species. If you carry an adult plant into the house in your arms, troubles and troubles come with it.
To believe or not in omens is everyone’s business. The main thing is that the flower will decorate absolutely any room and will delight you with its appearance for many years.
Home care for Hamedorrhea elegans requires a little attention and patience. If you follow the recommendations above, you can grow a wonderful indoor plant that fits perfectly into almost any interior.
Description
Hamedorea is also called bamboo palm or neanta.
It is unpretentious and shade-tolerant. Hamedorea grows very well at home, without requiring special treatment or expensive care. She grows quickly and looks bright. Hamedorea is native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America. In their natural habitat, these are not very large, but graceful palm trees, the height of which can reach 2 m. The thickness of the stem rarely exceeds 3 cm.
The most widespread are the shrub varieties of the plant in question. However, the species diversity of Hamedorea does not end there. There are attractive crops belonging to the class of vines, and plants with only 1 stem.
Plants of different sexes have distinct differences in flowers. In male crops, they grow deep red and yellow and are collected in neat inflorescences. In female specimens, the flowers are orange or bright red and are solitary.
Currently, the crop in question has begun to be actively grown at home. In this way, flower growers create a small tropical corner in their own home.
Hamedorea is highly decorative, which attracts the attention of many wildlife lovers
The plant has oblong leaf plates of regular shape. At home, chamedorea can grow up to 1.5-2 m in height. The crop can achieve such indicators even if no action has been taken by the grower. Reaching serious growth figures, the plant remains very graceful and attractive. The diameter of palm trees of this type rarely exceeds 60-70 cm.
The plant in question blooms only once a year, while bearing fruit. There is no clear time period during which fruiting occurs. This is due to the fact that in natural conditions for chamedorea, such stages depend on many factors - the amount of precipitation, the magnitude of temperature indicators and many other things.
The size of the flowers is only a few millimeters, but they are numerous. It happens that they grow to several hundred. Some time after flowering, small berries are formed on the trunk, externally reminiscent of sea buckthorn, but only black. They can be eaten.
What conditions are necessary to place a palm tree in the house?
Although the palm tree is a tropical plant, accustomed to bright light, indoor palm trees are kept in diffused rays of the sun. The explanation is simple - at home, as a rule, young specimens with delicate foliage are grown, which react painfully to excess lighting, especially when the thermometer is elevated.
As plants age, they are moved to greenhouses and winter gardens with high ceilings and bright, large windows, where they can develop further. But in an apartment, a palm tree is placed next to a southeast, south or southwest window, shading it from the scorching sun. It is a mistake to think that palm trees need a room temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius.
Representatives of the Palm family live in various climatic zones. For some of them - the most heat-loving ones - the thermometer readings really should not fall below 18 degrees. Such plants include caryota, chamedorea, Livistona roundifolia, dwarf date palm, chrysalidocarpus yellowish, archontophoenix, areca, Robelini date.
However, for the most common indoor palms - Howea Forster and Belmore, Clinostigma, Coconut Bonneti, Metroxylone, Sabal, Geonoma, Rapis, Rapalostylis, temperatures of 15-21 are quite acceptable, and for winter maintenance - 8-13 degrees Celsius.
There are also real ascetics for whom even in summer an air temperature above 18 degrees seems hot, and in winter for them the norm is generally 5–12 degrees Celsius. These include different types of Bragaea, Hamerops low, Washingtonia, Trachycarpus Fortune, Livistona Chinese and southern, real and Canary dates. Knowing which temperature group your home palm tree belongs to, it is not difficult to organize appropriate care for it.
Palm trees love fresh air and respond gratefully to airing the room or moving it to the garden in the summer, but they do not tolerate drafts and instantly take on a sickly appearance.
Possible problems in cultivation and diseases
The beauty of the flower lies in the decorative leaves. If the bushes are not properly cared for, the leaf blades may begin to dry out, fall off, and change color.
Drops buds and leaves
Perhaps the croton is not getting enough moisture. The plant needs to be watered urgently and wiped with a damp cloth. Another reason for the shedding of buds and leaves is that the plant is cold and the roots have stopped delivering moisture to the stems and leaves. In this case, the flower must be placed in a room with a temperature of 17 °C.
The leaves are turning pale
Leaf blades may become discolored when exposed to direct sunlight. In addition, the cause of whitening of the leaves may be a lack of light. To correct the situation, the croton needs to be moved to a windowsill that is well lit by the sun, but shaded at midday from the glare of the sun.
The tips of the leaves are drying out
The reason for this state of the flower is that the air in the room is too dry. Croton should be placed away from the heating radiator, and a container of water should be placed next to the flower. In summer, the bushes are sprayed with warm water and showered periodically.
The lower leaves fall off
If the leaf blades of an adult plant fall off, then there is no reason to worry, as this is a natural process. The falling of the lower leaves of young bushes can occur due to their location in a draft, sudden changes in air temperature, lack or excess of water.
Pests
Pests may appear on a plant with weakened immunity. A sign that croton has been favored by spider mites is the presence of cobwebs on the leaves. In addition, scale insects and mealybugs cause harm and reduce the decorative value of the flower. To get rid of pests, you need to wipe the leaves with soapy water. If there are a lot of harmful insects, some kind of insecticide is used.
Diseases
Croton can be affected by anthracnose, which occurs when using cold water. To get rid of the disease, the flower is treated with any fungicide.
Another common disease is root rot, in which the leaves dry out and then fall off. The reasons are low soil acidity and excessive watering. Antifungal drugs are used to combat the disease.
If improperly cared for, croton leaves lose their decorative properties.
Brief description of cultivation
- Bloom. Cultivated as a large decorative foliage plant.
- Illumination. Needs bright sunlight, but in the afternoon the bush needs to be shaded from direct rays of the sun.
- Temperature conditions. In summer - from 25 to 35 degrees, and in winter - about 15 degrees.
- Watering. The soil mixture in the pot is moistened after its surface has dried to a depth of 30 to 40 mm.
- Air humidity. In the cold season, when there are operating heating devices in the room, the foliage must be systematically moistened with a sprayer.
- Fertilizer. Areca is fed from April to August once every 15 days, using complex mineral fertilizer for palm trees. It is also systematically recommended to fertilize the leaves using a solution of microelements.
- Rest period. It is not pronounced, but in winter the palm tree grows and develops very slowly.
- Transfer. While the bush is young, it is subjected to this procedure regularly once a year, and older plants are replanted approximately once every 3 years. Very large and old bushes are not replanted; instead, the top layer of soil mixture in the pot is replaced every year.
- Reproduction. By dividing the bush and seed method.
- Harmful insects. Mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites and whiteflies.
- Diseases. Root rot. Areca may lose its decorative value due to improper care or if suitable conditions for normal growth and development have not been created.
How to organize care for chamedorrhea at home
Growing chamedorea is not at all difficult. Proper placement, watering, optimal light and temperature, fertilizing, pruning, replanting - these are the main “moments” of caring for an indoor palm tree.
Location
A young chamaedorea will be comfortable on an eastern or western windowsill, and an adult, overgrown palm tree will be well placed in a corner by the window. In summer, Hamedorea should be taken out to “breathe” on the balcony, terrace or garden. The only condition for this is protection from the scorching sun, rain, and wind.
Considering the high phytoncidal properties of chamedorea, to improve indoor air quality, it should not be kept alone, but rather grouped with plants that also do an excellent job of “air” purification. These are dracaena, ficus, chlorophytum, spathiphyllum, pelargonium, hedera.
Lighting
Hamedorea is comfortable in partial shade or in bright but diffused light. In summer, shading with a light curtain is required from ten o'clock in the morning until five in the evening. The tropical palm tree tolerates northern windows and artificial lighting. To prevent curvature of the stems and asymmetrical growth of leaves, periodically turn the pot or tub with the plant in different directions towards the light. Do this carefully.
Temperature
The bamboo palm loves warmth. The optimal temperature on summer days is 22-27°C. Features of caring for chamedorea in winter require keeping it at a temperature of 12-18°C. A thermometer reading colder than 12°C is detrimental for Hamedorrhea.
When providing the reed palm with living conditions at an average temperature corresponding to “living”, try to avoid sudden changes in its indicators, drafts or cold air currents during ventilation.
Air humidity
Humidity is the most important aspect of caring for Chamedorea, a tropical forest resident. The higher it is, the better. If the leaves of Hamedorea turn yellow, “leaf fall” has begun, which means that the air in the room is very dry. Aim for 80%. Saturate the air with moisture using containers of water, trays with wet moss or wet sea pebbles, and special humidifiers. Hamedorea will also appreciate daily spraying. This procedure is also necessary in the winter months when the heating is on. Also, once a decade, wipe the leaves from dust, “bathe” the plant under a slightly warm shower.
Watering
In hot summers and during the growing season, chamedorea requires abundant watering. Use settled water at room temperature. Do not allow the earthen ball to dry out deeply, but do not flood it either. Excess moisture can lead to the development of rot. It is recommended to water the bamboo palm as soon as the top layer of soil begins to dry out.
Do you doubt the level of soil moisture? Poke your finger a little deeper into the soil. The surface should be dry, the deeper layer should be wet or damp.
Soil requirements
To grow a healthy plant, the roots need to create a favorable nutrient environment. Hamedorea requires a light, loose soil mixture. The best option is to purchase a universal soil for palm trees. To prepare your own soil mixture, take peat, river sand, turf soil, and humus in equal parts. Before planting chamedorea, it is better to sterilize the last two components by calcining them in the oven.
Choosing a pot
When choosing a pot for indoor chamedorea, prefer clay and ceramic to plastic
It is important that the container is high and stable. The ideal “habitat” for a bamboo palm would be a classic tub
Top dressing
Although the plant is undemanding and can withstand even poor soil, stimulate its growth with fertilizers. The feeding period is from spring until the arrival of autumn. The easiest way to feed chamedorea is to use a solution of mineral fertilizers for palm trees several times a month. When using products, be sure to follow the instructions.
The transplanted palm tree is not fertilized for the first six months. To maintain the nutritional value of the soil, adult chamedorea can be fed in winter. The drugs must be used in highly diluted proportions.
Trimming
The owner of a beautiful Hamedorea will have to become her personal hairdresser. If you don't want your palm tree to resemble a broom, periodically give it the desired shape. The procedure also involves removing diseased, damaged, dried leaves. The cut areas are sprinkled with crushed activated carbon or charcoal, and sometimes treated with fungicides.
Conditions of detention
When purchasing chamedorea, it is important to take into account that its homeland has a climate different from the Russian regions. In order to ensure the active development of the plant, it is necessary to create conditions as close as possible to natural ones.
Choosing a place in the house
If you decide to breed a tropical beauty at home, it is recommended to choose a place for it that is protected from direct sunlight. This can be an area blocked off by a light curtain near the north or east window. Even if placed in a place with poor lighting, the palm tree will be able to adapt, since in nature it grows in mountain forests under the canopy of trees.
Under the hot rays of the sun, the tips of the leaves can burn , so it is not recommended to take the plant out onto the balcony or take it to the dacha under the open sky in the summer. Although the palm tree can easily tolerate dry climates, for better growth it is necessary to spray it regularly, maintaining comfortable humidity.
Young bushes can be grown in terrariums, both in residential and office buildings, using them to fill the gaps between furniture. You can add originality by planting a palm tree with other plants.
Humidity and lighting
The most important indicator in caring for a tropical beauty is humidity. Since chamedorea prefers moist air, spraying should be done regularly. Experts allow this procedure to be abandoned only if the room where the palm tree grows is cool. But even in cold weather it is necessary to spray the bush if the air in the room is dry.
The water used must be clean and settled. If possible, it is best to collect rainwater. It is recommended to place a container of water near the pot with a palm tree or purchase an air humidifier.
It is a mistake to believe that chamedorea is a heat- and light-loving plant, since in nature it is illuminated by diffused light. A large palm tree can be placed in the corner opposite the window opening. This place is advantageous because the rays will not burn the leaves. In summer, shading is required from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In order for the leaves to grow in all directions, it is necessary to rotate the container with the plant around its axis.
To avoid disease or death of the bush, you need to monitor the soil temperature. In winter it should not be below 16°C, and in summer it should not rise above 27°C. Otherwise, the horse system will begin to wither, which will affect the entire plant.
Requirements for soil and planting pot
To properly care for an indoor palm tree, it is necessary to plant it in fertile soil, the acidity of which should be within the pH range of 6 to 6.5. The substrate can be purchased at the store or made on your own. Composition of soil for self-preparation:
- 20% peat;
- 20% leaf soil;
- 50% turf land;
- 10% sifted quartz sand.
When preparing the soil, it is important to take into account that it requires sterilization by any of two methods: freezing or calcination. Why is this necessary? To avoid contracting diseases or pests. If the soil is purchased in a store, it should be mixed with sifted sand, which should not exceed 10%.
When replanting a plant, the diameter of the new pot should be several cm larger than the size of the previous one. Since the root system primarily grows in length, it is better to give preference to a deep and narrow container, at the bottom of which 3–4 cm of drainage (pebbles, gravel, expanded clay balls) is placed, which must first be disinfected by boiling.
Diseases and pests
Harmful insects often attack mountain palm trees. It is better to familiarize yourself in advance with what measures you need to take:
- Spider mite.
- Mealybug.
- Shield.
In addition to insect attacks, chamedorea may experience other complications associated with improper care:
The leaves are turning yellow. Main reasons:
- feeding is required, because the soil is depleted;
- a too large pot was chosen for planting;
- there is a draft in the apartment, the roots of the flower are overcooled, and the foliage turns yellow;
- due to frequent watering, the roots rot and the leaves turn yellow;
- from the bright sun, burns form on the leaves;
- the air in the room is dry, and therefore the leaves turn yellow;
- the plant was attacked by pests.
The tips of the leaves dry out. If you find this sign, it means the plant does not have enough light or the air in the apartment is too dry.
How to fix the problem:
- place the palm tree away from the batteries;
- give the tree a warm shower or wipe the leaves;
- place the flower closer to the window.
If the tips of the leaves dry out in winter, you need to take care of additional lighting by purchasing special lamps for indoor plants.
The leaves turn black. Blackened leaves indicate the death of the rhizome. This behavior is a consequence of excessive watering, so to eliminate the problem you need to reduce the frequency of watering and make it less intense. You should also thoroughly loosen the soil, add a little coal or moss so that excess moisture is absorbed. The last resort is to transplant the palm tree into fresh substrate.
Thus, the main problems associated with growing chamedorea lie in illiterate placement of the flower or violation of the rules of care.
Nuances of care
Watering
Although chamedorea tolerates irregular watering, temporary drought and waterlogging, it is still not worth testing its strength. In summer, the plant requires more abundant watering. Moisten the substrate after the top layer has dried. In hot weather, watering schedule is 2-3 times a week.
To maintain the required level of air humidity, it is necessary to spray the palm tree every day or place it on a tray with damp sphagnum moss.
In winter, moderate watering is required, and spraying is stopped completely.
Feeding mode
After transplantation, no feeding is required; the plant has enough nutrients coming from the ground. During this period, the palm tree does not need to be fertilized for six months. Then, as the soil becomes depleted, mineral fertilizers and organic matter should be added. The procedure is carried out in spring and summer (from April to August) twice a month, alternating feeding . The drug “Palma” in liquid form is excellent as a top dressing. You need to make a solution from it, according to the instructions, and water the plant.
Apply fertilizer to moist soil, otherwise you may burn the roots.
As for organic fertilizers, a solution of bird droppings infusion at a rate of 1:30 (1 part droppings to 30 parts water) is suitable for palm trees.
“Palma” preparations in liquid form are an ideal option for feeding Hamedorrhea
In winter, adult specimens that have not been replanted for a long time can be fed with fertilizers once a month. The solution must be made less concentrated: dilute the drug with double the dose of water indicated on the package.
There is no need to fertilize young plants in autumn and winter, as this will lead to the growth of weakened shoots.
What to do with a palm tree in winter
Hamedorea does not have a clearly defined dormant period . But in winter, she needs to be given a little rest and gain strength before the new season. To do this, you need to reduce the temperature to +13 degrees, reduce the amount of watering and fertilizing.
Table: how to care for a palm tree depending on the season
Season | Lighting | Humidity | Temperature |
Spring Summer | Does not tolerate direct sunlight, so it can be placed on a window of northern, western or eastern orientation or in the back of the room | Requires high humidity; in hot weather daily spraying is required | From 20 to 22 degrees |
Autumn winter | Shaded place | Spraying is necessary 1-2 times a week if the indoor air is too dry | 13 to 15 degrees |
Obtaining seeds
An important and difficult period in the life of a plant is flowering.
Since the inflorescences take up quite a lot of energy from the palm tree, it is important to remove them so that the tree does not stop its growth
If you want to plant new plants with seeds, then leave the inflorescences. Getting palm seeds is not easy; for this you need to have male and female trees growing. Since they are in an enclosed area where there are no bees, for example, pollination will be the job of the grower.
To do this, under artificial conditions, an ordinary brush is used, which transfers pollen from one palm tree to another. After a correctly carried out procedure, seeds appear, which, as they ripen, become heavier and gradually fall down the trunk. Ripe seeds are what you need.
Adenium transplant
At home, for a young growing bush, you need to change the pot and soil every season, in the spring. An adult plant is replanted as needed: when the pot becomes small, or the plant has stopped growing and stopped blooming.
Before transplanting adenium, it would be correct to select a pot in advance
Here it is important to take into account the growth characteristics of the root system. It grows in breadth, not in depth
Therefore, the pot should be chosen wide and shallow. Since it is standing under the bright rays of the sun, you should not choose dark colors for the container: this will overheat the soil inside. It is better to take containers made of clay.
Example of a suitable pot
The drainage should be laid in a thick layer, and the holes should allow air to pass into the soil. The soil for replanting should not be wet. The first watering after the procedure is carried out no earlier than a week later.
It is important to know! After transplantation, the flower should not be watered immediately.
General description of the plant
The fruit of Hamedorea is a pea-sized berry, yellow in color. Usually, at home, a palm tree blooms, but does not bear fruit; most likely, this is due to its dioecy - on some specimens the flowers are female, on others - male.
The flowers are often compared to mimosa; they are reddish-yellow in color and form a loose panicle. The scent is only for women. It is recommended to remove inflorescences from young palm trees, since the flowering process only depletes the fragile palm.
It forms a single lump. The roots try to penetrate deeper into the soil and occupy a fairly large area.
In this plant they are feathery in the upper part, and in some varieties they are pointed, like “lancets”. In chamedorea, which has the shape of a bush, they are narrow-lanceolate, pointed, and grow along the trunk. In a trunk-shaped palm they often gather at the top. The leaves are bright green in color, up to 30 cm long.
There are types of bamboo palm with several trunks, but there are also ones with a single one. In the latter case, it acts as the only point of growth, so it cannot be pruned. When the plant reaches its maximum height and touches the ceiling, it is disposed of.
Reproduction by shoots
Faster and easier method than the previous one. Rooting occurs in 5-7 weeks, and the formation of a new plant is possible after 3.5-4.5 months.
In order not to frequently disturb the palm tree, the planting material is separated during the spring transplantation of chamedorea. For propagation, very young bushes that have not yet reached a height of 20 cm are usually separated.
However, it must have healthy flexible shoots, its own well-developed roots and an absolutely formed branch. Such shoots are the easiest to root.
Step-by-step instructions for separating and planting a shoot
- Carefully remove the mature palm tree from the pot and clear the root system of soil. This can be easily done with a stream of water, which will wash away the earthen lump.
- Take a sharp knife and cut off the young shoot from the main plant. The connecting roots are cut as close to the donor palm as possible.
- Disinfect all cuts with charcoal powder.
- Fill a small pot with a layer of drainage at the bottom and the correct substrate.
- Plant the shoot into it, straightening the roots and sprinkling them with soil.
- Lightly compact the top layer and water with clean water.
- Cover the pot with polyethylene film.
Soil selection
The substrate must be fertile, light and loosened. The optimal combination is 2 parts humus with 1 part perlite and 1 part turf soil.
Creating suitable conditions
In order for the shoot to take root well and take root in the new soil, it is provided with:
- Consistently hot climate with a temperature of at least 29°.
- High air humidity by spraying.
- Stay in a bright place with constant access to diffused sunlight.
- A moistened substrate that should not dry out completely.
Whatever method of propagating Hamedorea you choose, the main thing is not to quit halfway. And then you will have your own tropical corner.
Caring for chamedorrhea at home
In nature, this plant prefers forest thickets and mountainous areas, so it is very viable and resistant to adverse environmental factors. It is worth noting that a wild palm tree can grow up to 2 meters, but in a human home, Hamedorea does not stand out for its large size.
In order for the plant to delight you with flowering, learn how to properly care for it.
Choosing a seat in the room
Novice flower growers mistakenly believe that the mountain palm loves bright light. But in reality this is not the case, the plant prefers diffused sunlight and is a shade-tolerant species, so you can even place a pot with it on a north-facing window. It is best to place the flower on a stand on a cabinet or simply on the floor, and a favorable place for a tropical guest will be the eastern and western windows of the home. However, regardless of the location of the pot, avoid direct sunlight on the foliage of the chamedorea.
The mountain palm tree loves high humidity, so in the summer, spray it with water from a spray bottle, and also wipe the leaves once every 2 weeks with a wet cloth if you placed it in a room where the air is very dry.
Watering and feeding an indoor palm tree
The plant prefers moderate soil moisture, so water it abundantly, however, this should be done after the top layer of soil has dried. So, in summer the palm tree is irrigated once every few days, and in winter it is enough to water the chamedorea once a week. Water for this purpose should be soft and settled; in winter it is recommended to heat the liquid.
It is important to know that newly planted or purchased chamedoreas cannot be fed immediately; this can only be done after a few months, when the concentration of nutrients in the soil decreases. The flower is also able to receive nutrition through absorption through the leaves, so it is recommended to spray the plant with a weak fertilizer solution in the summer
Hamedorea prefers moderate soil moisture
Hamedorrhea transplant after purchase
The roots of the plant are highly sensitive, so flower growers advise transshipment, trying to save the old lump of earth. After purchasing a mountain palm, prepare a voluminous and tall pot, since its root system goes deep into the soil; a clay or wooden tub is best suited for this purpose. Be sure to add expanded clay to the bottom of the container to act as a drainage layer, and place the plant in the center. Next, fill the pot with the remaining soil mixture.
Flower growers advise purchasing a ready-made mixture for palm crops, but you can prepare it yourself. For this purpose you will need the following components:
- turf (4 kg);
- fresh humus (4 kg);
- fibrous peat substrate (3 kg);
- river sand (1 kg).
Flower growers advise transshipment of homedorea, trying to save the old lump of earth
Plant diseases and their treatment
Flower growers often panic when a healthy palm tree suddenly changes color and leaves dry out. In this case, there is no need to worry, but it is important not to confuse the natural process with the onset of the disease.
Description of the main diseases of indoor palm trees and control measures:
- Young leaves curl slightly downwards. Not a sign of illness. It is recommended to limit watering slightly so that the top layer of soil dries out a little.
- The tips of the leaves turn black and dry out. Unsuitable conditions (burn or frostbite). It is necessary to protect the plant from direct sunlight or other unfavorable factors.
- Insects appeared in the soil. The main reason is waterlogging of the soil. After watering is normalized, the insects will disappear.
- The leaves in the root area become covered with black dots and dry out. A disease caused by waterlogging, which leads to rotting of the root system. The plant cannot be saved.
- The appearance of a damp smell from a flower pot indicates improper replanting and damage to the rhizome. It is necessary to normalize watering with the addition of Zykron (4 drops per 1 liter of water). The plant should be sprayed with the same solution once a week for a month.
- A white coating has formed on the inside of the leaves, and the plant itself is covered with white dots. It is necessary to take measures to combat spider mites using Akarin or Fitoverm. The affected bush should be isolated from healthy plants.
When fighting pests, it is recommended to treat not only the plant, but also the window sill or the place where the flower pot is located, as well as the pot itself. To reduce the pest population, you need to wash the palm tree with a warm water solution with the addition of laundry soap.