Burretiokentia hapala - Tray 60

About the Burretiokentia hapala - Tray 60

Burretiokentia hapala is a rare evergreen pinnate palm from northern Grande Terre in New Caledonia. Its glossy green pinnate leaves and graceful growth habit give mature specimens an elegant, tropical appearance. As the palm ages, it develops a single slender trunk, a thickened crownshaft and characteristic inflorescences covered in woolly hairs.

In the Tray 60 size, Burretiokentia hapala is still at a very young seedling stage. The characteristic trunk, crownshaft, fully developed pinnate leaves and inflorescences of a mature specimen are not yet present at this stage. After potting on, the seedling can continue to grow in a bright, warm and sheltered position.

Characteristics

Origin: Burretiokentia hapala occurs naturally only in northern Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia. It grows there in dense, humid forests, on slopes and along watercourses at elevations of approximately 50 to 500 metres.

Family: This species belongs to the Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Place the seedling in a bright, warm and sheltered position indoors or in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. During warm periods, the palm can be placed outdoors in a sheltered position in partial shade. Always acclimatise the plant gradually to outdoor conditions and protect the seedling from intense midday sun, cold winds and low temperatures.

Height: In its natural habitat, Burretiokentia hapala can eventually reach a height of approximately 15 metres. In a pot, the palm remains considerably smaller and grows in a more controlled manner. A plant in the Tray 60 size is still a very young seedling and has a long period of development ahead.

Flowering period: Only mature specimens flower under suitable tropical or subtropical conditions. No fixed flowering period is known for this species. A young seedling in the Tray 60 size is not yet expected to flower.

Flower colour: The colour of the small individual flowers is not consistently reported in botanical descriptions of the species. The flowers are largely hidden among the dense, woolly hairs covering the inflorescences.

Hardiness: Burretiokentia hapala is not hardy in the Dutch climate. Overwinter a young seedling in the Tray 60 size in warm and completely frost-free conditions, preferably at temperatures above 10°C. Protect the palm from prolonged cold, cold draughts and strong temperature fluctuations.

Soil type: Use an airy, humus-rich and well-drained substrate that retains sufficient moisture without allowing the young roots to remain wet for extended periods.

Care

Light: Provide the seedling with plenty of bright indirect light or filtered sunlight. Young specimens naturally grow beneath the forest canopy and must therefore be protected from intense midday sun. Mild morning or evening sun is generally well tolerated when the palm is gradually acclimatised to it.

Water: Keep the substrate evenly and lightly moist and do not allow the small root ball to dry out completely. Water again as soon as the upper layer of the substrate begins to dry slightly. Allow excess water to drain away properly and prevent the young roots from standing in stagnant water.

Fertiliser: Only begin fertilising once the seedling shows visible new growth after potting on. During the active growing season, regularly apply a small, diluted amount of balanced palm fertiliser containing trace elements. Reduce fertilisation when growth slows during winter and do not fertilise while the plant is temporarily inactive.

Pruning: Pruning is not necessary. Only remove leaves that are completely dried out or severely damaged. Never cut into the growing point or remove leaves that are still largely green.

Repotting: Carefully pot on the seedling once the roots have largely filled the available space in the tray cell. Choose a small pot with sufficient drainage holes and use an airy, well-drained substrate. Handle the young roots carefully and do not plant the seedling any deeper than it was growing in the tray.

Humidity: Average to high humidity supports healthy and even leaf development. Protect the seedling from prolonged exposure to dry heated air. At the same time, provide sufficient ventilation without exposing the plant to cold draughts.

Special features: Mature specimens develop a single slender green trunk with prominent pale ring-shaped leaf scars and a distinctly thickened crownshaft. Branched, hanging inflorescences appear beneath the crown and are densely covered in soft, felt-like hairs. These hairs are initially pale and gradually turn brown. The species owes its English names Dreadlock Palm and Rasta Palm to these striking inflorescences. The fruits change from green to bluish purple as they ripen. These mature characteristics have not yet developed in a young seedling in the Tray 60 size.