Coccothrinax crinita - Tray 60

About the Coccothrinax crinita - Tray 60

Coccothrinax crinita is a slow-growing, evergreen fan palm from Cuba. Mature plants form almost circular, deeply divided green fan leaves with silvery-grey undersides. This palm is offered as a seedling in size Tray 60. The tray size indicates the seedling stage, but provides no information about the exact age or final dimensions of this specimen.

Characteristics

Origin: The species occurs naturally only in Cuba, where it grows in a tropical climate.

Family: Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: A warm, very bright and sheltered position. The seedling can be grown on in a bright indoor space, conservatory or greenhouse and placed outside in a sheltered position during warm weather.

Height: Mature specimens can reach approximately 10 metres under tropical conditions. The species often remains smaller in cultivation and its growth is strongly restricted in a pot. The offered Tray 60 seedling is still at the beginning of this development.

Flowering period: Mature specimens may flower under warm conditions. The flowering period can vary with the climate and growing conditions. Flowering is not expected from the offered Tray 60 seedling.

Flower colour: The small flowers are creamy white to pale yellow. This belongs to the mature appearance of the species and is not visible on the offered seedling.

Hardiness: Not hardy. Keep the seedling warm and frost-free and protect it from prolonged cold.

Soil type: An airy, well-drained substrate with a mineral component. The mixture may retain some moisture, but should not remain waterlogged for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Give the seedling plenty of light. After transport, a period indoors or winter, acclimatise it gradually to direct sun so that the foliage is not damaged by a sudden transition.

Water: Keep the substrate lightly moist and allow excess water to drain away completely. The tray cell can dry out more quickly because of the small root volume. Avoid both prolonged water saturation and complete drying.

Fertiliser: Apply a limited amount of suitable palm fertiliser during active growth. Avoid a heavy dose in the small root volume and reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning: Remove only fully dried or damaged leaves. Do not damage the growing point and leave healthy green foliage on the seedling.

Repotting: Repot the seedling when the roots have made good use of the tray cell and the root ball holds together when removed. Use a pot that is only slightly larger and has sufficient drainage holes.

Humidity: Average humidity is suitable. Also provide sufficient air movement, especially when the plant is kept warm and sheltered.

Special features: The solitary trunk can later develop a dense layer of fibres from old leaf sheaths. Purple to purple-black fruits may form after flowering. These features belong to the later appearance of the species and are not automatically visible on the offered Tray 60 seedling.