Chamaerops humilis Cerifera - S

About the Chamaerops humilis Cerifera - S

The trade name Chamaerops humilis Cerifera is used for the silvery-blue variety botanically accepted as Chamaerops humilis var. argentea. This slow-growing, evergreen fan palm from Morocco develops into a compact, shrub-like plant with stiff, silvery-blue fan-shaped leaves on spiny leaf stalks. In size S, this distinctive palm is suitable for container cultivation, a bright conservatory or a sheltered outdoor position. Size S is a commercial sales size and does not in itself provide information about the specimen’s age, trunk development or flowering maturity.

Characteristics

Origin: This variety is native to Morocco and is associated with the Atlas Mountains. It grows there in a subtropical Mediterranean climate.

Family: Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Outdoors, the plant prefers a sunny to partially shaded, warm and sheltered position. Excellent drainage is essential, especially in winter. For container cultivation in a conservatory or bright indoor space, a very bright position with filtered light is suitable. Gradually acclimatise a plant from a sheltered growing environment to strong direct sunlight.

Height: A mature specimen can reach approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres in height and a similar spread in cultivation. By producing suckers, the palm may eventually form a broad clump. It generally remains smaller when grown in a container.

Flowering period: Mature specimens may flower in spring. Development into a flowering plant generally takes many years; size S does not demonstrate that the offered specimen is already capable of flowering.

Flower colour: The small flowers are yellow and borne in short panicles among the leaves. They appear only on sufficiently mature specimens.

Hardiness: A mature, well-established plant can tolerate brief temperatures around -5°C in a sheltered, well-drained position. Prolonged frost, cold wind and wet winter conditions increase the risk of damage. Protect a specimen in size S and container-grown plants when temperatures approach 0°C, and prevent the root ball from freezing solid.

Soil: Nutritious but very well-drained soil or potting mix. For container cultivation, preferably use palm compost or a loam-based substrate opened up with coarse sand, grit or fine gravel. Avoid compacted soil, prolonged standing water and wet winter conditions around the roots.

Care

Light: Give the plant plenty of sun or light partial shade outdoors. Indoors or in a conservatory, place it in a very bright position with filtered light. Acclimatise the palm gradually to intense direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Water: Water moderately during active growth and allow excess water to drain away completely. Do not keep the substrate continuously wet, but also prevent a newly planted or container-grown palm from drying out completely for prolonged periods. Reduce watering sharply in winter and never allow water to stand around the roots.

Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season, following the recommended dosage. Do not overfeed, and stop feeding when growth slows in autumn and winter.

Pruning: Pruning is not required. Remove only completely dried or severely damaged lower leaves and avoid damaging the central growing point. Be aware of the sharp spines on the leaf stalks during all maintenance.

Repotting: Repot preferably in spring when the roots have largely filled the available pot space. Choose a stable container with drainage holes that is only slightly larger than the existing pot, and use an airy, very well-drained substrate.

Humidity: Normal to moderately elevated humidity is suitable during active growth. In a warm conservatory, regular misting can help, provided there is adequate air circulation. Avoid prolonged stagnant humid air and a continuously wet growing point.

Special features: The silvery-blue leaves clearly distinguish Cerifera from the ordinary green form of Chamaerops humilis. The leaf stalks bear sharp spines that can cause injury; wear gloves and do not position the palm directly beside a busy walkway. Mature plants may produce suckers. Propagation is possible from seed.