Pholidostachys panamensis - Tray 60

About the Pholidostachys panamensis - Tray 60

Pholidostachys panamensis is a solitary pinnate palm from the wet tropical rainforests of eastern Panama and north-western Colombia. The species develops a relatively short stem that may grow partly prostrate in some specimens. Its long petioles and pinnate leaves with broad terminal pinnae give the palm an open, graceful appearance.

In size Tray 60 , this palm is offered for further cultivation in a warm greenhouse, frost-free conservatory or similarly humid and sheltered setting. The commercial size Tray 60 does not in itself provide information about the age or flowering maturity of the specimen supplied.

Characteristics

Origin: Pholidostachys panamensis is native from eastern Panama to north-western Colombia. The species is associated with wet tropical rainforest; the extensively documented Panamanian populations grow in lowland rainforest at elevations of approximately 60 to 768 metres.

Family: Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: A warm, humid and sheltered position with filtered light, preferably in a greenhouse or frost-free conservatory where temperature and humidity remain stable.

Height: The solitary stem can reach approximately 0.1 to 3 metres in length in mature specimens and may grow partly prostrate. Owing to its long petioles and leaves, the palm requires more space than the stem length alone suggests; in a pot, its development depends on the available root space and growing conditions.

Flowering period: No generally applicable fixed flowering period has been reliably established for this species. Flowering depends on development and growing conditions and cannot be inferred from the commercial size Tray 60 .

Flower colour: No fixed flower colour has been reliably documented as a characteristic of Pholidostachys panamensis. A specific flower colour is therefore not stated.

Hardiness: Not frost hardy. Keep the palm warm and frost free throughout the year and protect it from prolonged cold, especially when the substrate is moist.

Soil type: A humus-rich, airy and well-drained substrate that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged for long periods.

Care

Light: Provide bright, filtered light or partial shade. Protect the leaves from intense direct sun and acclimatise the palm gradually when increasing the light level.

Water: Keep the substrate evenly lightly moist during active growth, but prevent standing water around the roots. Do not allow the potting mix to dry out completely, and adjust watering when temperatures and growth decline.

Fertiliser: During active growth, apply a suitable palm fertiliser containing trace elements in moderation and follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not fertilise completely dry potting mix, and reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning: Remove only fully dead or severely damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp tools and avoid damaging the growing point and healthy stem.

Repotting: Repot when the roots have clearly filled the container or when the substrate loses its airy structure. Choose a stable pot only slightly larger than the current one, ensure unrestricted drainage and disturb the roots as little as possible.

Humidity: High humidity suits the palm's natural habitat. Combine this with sufficient air circulation and avoid keeping the growing point constantly wet, particularly under cooler conditions.

Special features: Pholidostachys panamensis is naturally solitary and is distinguished by its relatively short, sometimes partly prostrate stem. Mature specimens can form unbranched, spike-like inflorescences and broadly obovoid fruits without pronounced longitudinal ridges.