Chamaerops humilis - Tray 60

About the Chamaerops humilis - Tray 60

Chamaerops humilis is a slow-growing, evergreen fan palm from the western and central Mediterranean region. The species naturally forms a compact, bushy clump with one or more trunks and stiff, fan-shaped leaves in green to blue-green shades. The leaf stalks carry sharp spines. In size Tray 60, this versatile palm is suitable for container cultivation, a very bright indoor space or a sheltered outdoor position. Size Tray 60 is a commercial sales size and, in itself, provides no information about the age, trunk development or flowering maturity of the specimen.

Characteristics

Origin: This species is native to the western and central Mediterranean region, including parts of southern Europe and North Africa. It grows there mainly within a subtropical Mediterranean climate.

Family: Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Outdoors, the plant prefers a sunny to partially shaded and sheltered position. Abundant light supports compact growth, although light partial shade is also tolerated. A very bright position is suitable for container cultivation indoors or in a conservatory. Always provide sufficient air circulation and good drainage for excess water.

Height: A mature specimen in cultivation often reaches approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres in height and 1 to 1.5 metres in width. The formation of basal shoots can cause the palm to develop into a broad clump over time. The plant generally remains smaller when grown in a container.

Flowering period: Mature specimens may flower in spring. Development into a flowering plant usually takes many years; size Tray 60 is not evidence that the offered specimen is already capable of flowering.

Flower colour: The small flowers are yellow and appear in short, rigid panicles between the leaf stalks. They occur only on sufficiently mature specimens.

Hardiness: Chamaerops humilis is one of the more cold-tolerant palms. A mature, well-rooted specimen in a sheltered and well-drained position can briefly withstand temperatures around -10°C and may tolerate slightly lower temperatures under favourable conditions. Prolonged frost, cold wind and winter wet increase the risk of damage. Protect a size Tray 60 specimen and container-grown plants preventively from approximately -5°C and prevent the root ball from freezing completely.

Soil type: A nutritious but well-drained soil or potting compost. For container cultivation, preferably use palm compost or a loam-based substrate made more open with coarse sand, grit or fine gravel. Avoid compacted soil and prolonged standing water.

Care

Light: Outdoors, preferably provide abundant sunlight or light partial shade. Position an indoor or conservatory-grown specimen in a very bright place. Gradually acclimatise a plant coming from a protected growing environment to strong direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Water: Water moderately and regularly during active growth. Allow the upper layer of the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, but do not allow a newly planted or container-grown palm to remain completely dry for prolonged periods. A well-rooted specimen in the ground is more drought tolerant. Reduce watering considerably during winter and never allow water to remain around the roots.

Fertiliser: During spring and summer, regularly apply a balanced palm fertiliser according to the recommended dosage. Do not overfertilise 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. Basal shoots can be retained for the natural multi-stemmed growth habit or carefully removed when a less broad form is preferred.

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

Humidity: Normal to relatively low humidity is suitable. High humidity is not required, but sufficient air circulation remains important. Regularly inspect plants in a warm indoor space for red spider mites and scale insects.

Special features: The leaf stalks carry sharp spines that can cause injury; wear gloves and do not position the palm directly beside a busy walkway. The species grows slowly and usually produces basal shoots, eventually developing into a multi-stemmed, bushy palm. Propagation is possible from seed or by separating suitable basal shoots from an established plant.