Orania Sylvicola - Tray 28

About the Orania Sylvicola - Tray 28

Orania sylvicola is a tropical, evergreen palm that develops a single trunk and a crown of large, pinnate leaves when mature. The leaves are green above and greyish beneath. In Tray 28, this species is offered as seedlings for growing on.

Characteristics

Origin: This palm is native to Southeast Asia, from southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula to Singapore, Sumatra, western Java and parts of Borneo.

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

Position: Preferably grow the seedlings in a heated greenhouse or a bright, warm indoor growing space. Outdoors, this palm is suitable for a humid tropical climate.

Height: In the wild, this palm can reach approximately 20 metres in height. Growth is more restricted in containers, depending on the available root space and growing conditions.

Flowering period: Mature specimens can flower under suitable tropical conditions. The seedlings offered here are not yet at the flowering stage.

Flower colour: The small flowers are yellowish and appear in branched inflorescences among the leaves.

Hardiness: This palm is not hardy in the Dutch climate. Keep the seedlings warm in winter as well, and protect them from frost, cold draughts and substantial cooling of the root ball.

Soil type: Use an airy, humus-rich growing medium that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely.

Care

Light: Give the seedlings plenty of filtered light or light partial shade. Avoid sudden exposure to strong midday sun and acclimatise the plants gradually to brighter conditions.

Water: Keep the growing medium evenly moist without leaving the tray or pots standing in water. Adjust watering to how quickly the medium dries and do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.

Fertiliser: During active growth, regularly apply a modest amount of suitable fertiliser for container-grown palms. Adjust the dose for young plants and take any nutrients already present in the growing medium into account.

Pruning: Remove only completely dried leaves and keep the central growing point intact. Do not cut back healthy leaves to keep the plant smaller.

Repotting: Pot the seedlings individually before their roots become entangled in the tray. Keep the root ball intact and choose a slightly larger, sufficiently deep pot with drainage holes.

Humidity: During seedling cultivation, aim for moderate to high humidity and provide adequate ventilation. Do not place the tray directly beside a radiator.

Special features: Grow this palm solely as an ornamental plant; the fruits are reported to be potentially poisonous and must not be eaten.