Trachycarpus martianus Nepal - S

About the Trachycarpus martianus Nepal - S

Trachycarpus martianus Nepal is an evergreen, single-stemmed fan palm with a slender growth habit and an open crown. Its nearly circular leaves are regularly divided to about halfway into narrow segments; the undersides may have a bluish-green bloom. On mature specimens, old leaf bases gradually detach, revealing a largely bare, distinctly ringed trunk.

This palm is offered in size S. It is particularly suitable as a container plant or as a distinctive outdoor palm in a sunny to lightly shaded, sheltered position.

Characteristics

Origin: The species is native from the central Himalaya to south-central China and northern Myanmar. The provenance traded as the Nepal form originates from higher-elevation populations in Nepal.

Family: Arecaceae.

Position: Outdoors in a sunny to lightly shaded position, sheltered from strong, cold and drying winds. In colder or very wet regions, container cultivation provides greater control over overwintering.

Height: Mature specimens can reach approximately 15 metres in their natural range. The palm generally remains considerably smaller in a container and in the cooler climates of the Netherlands and Belgium. Size S is solely a commercial size and does not indicate age or eventual height.

Flowering period: Mature specimens may flower under suitable conditions. The precise timing depends on the climate; flowering maturity cannot be inferred from size S.

Flower colour: The small flowers and branched inflorescences generally appear yellowish. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers produced on separate plants.

Hardiness: The Nepal form is considered more cold tolerant than the Khasia form, but it is not reliably hardy everywhere in the Netherlands and Belgium without protection. Protect the growing point and root zone from moderate to severe frost, cold winds and prolonged winter wetness. A potted specimen is safest overwintered in a cool, bright and sheltered place.

Soil type: Nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil that remains lightly moisture-retentive during growth. Ensure an airy structure and excellent drainage; persistently wet soil, particularly in winter, increases the risk of root damage.

Care

Light: Provide plenty of light, preferably full sun to light partial shade. Gradually acclimatise a plant coming from a greenhouse or sheltered overwintering area to strong direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Water: Keep the soil evenly and lightly moist during active growth, while allowing excess water to drain completely. Avoid both prolonged drought and a constantly wet root ball. Water less during a cool winter period without allowing the root ball to dry out completely.

Fertiliser: During the active growing period, regularly apply a mildly dosed, balanced fertiliser for palms or container plants. Do not fertilise while the plant is kept cool and is barely growing.

Pruning: Remove only completely dried or clearly damaged lower leaves. Do not cut flush with the trunk and never damage the central spear or growing point, as new leaves emerge from it.

Repotting: Repot preferably in spring when the roots have filled the pot well or when water drains too slowly. Choose a pot with generous drainage holes, move up by only one pot size and maintain the same planting depth.

Humidity: Average humidity is generally sufficient. During sheltered overwintering, avoid prolonged exposure to dry heated air and provide air circulation without cold draughts.

Special features: The provenance traded as the Nepal form is generally distinguished in cultivation from the Khasia form by somewhat smaller, firmer-looking and often darker leaves. Fruit and seed production require flowering male and female plants as well as pollination.