Trachycarpus princeps ''Stonegate'' - S

About the Trachycarpus princeps ''Stonegate'' - S

Trachycarpus princeps, also known as the Stone Gate palm, is an evergreen, solitary fan palm with a slender, fibrous trunk and striking fan-shaped leaves. Mature leaves are dark green on the upper surface and have a white to bluish-white waxy coating on the underside. In a size S specimen, the characteristic leaf division and pale underside may still be less pronounced; these features generally become clearer as the palm develops further. The commercial size does not indicate its current age or stage of development.

Characteristics

Origin: Trachycarpus princeps is native to the south-west of the Chinese province of Yunnan. The species grows in the area around Shi Men Guan, also known as the Stone Gate, on very steep limestone and marble cliffs and in evergreen monsoon forest at their foot. Its natural habitats lie at an elevation of approximately 1,550 to 1,900 metres and have excellent drainage.

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

Position: Choose a sunny to lightly shaded, sheltered outdoor position. Protect the palm from strong or cold, drying winds. Gradually acclimatise a size S specimen to direct sunlight and avoid an exposed position during its first winters. Growing it in a pot is practical while the plant is small; planting it in the ground is best done in spring, in a warm position with excellent drainage.

Height: A mature Trachycarpus princeps can reach approximately 8 to 12 metres in height and 1.5 to 2.5 metres in width. The species normally forms a single trunk. These mature dimensions describe the species and not the current size of the offered specimen in size S.

Flowering period: Mature specimens can produce inflorescences, but no reliable, fixed flowering period has been established for cultivation in the Netherlands. Flowering of the offered specimen in size S is not guaranteed.

Flower colour: The small flowers are borne in large, branched yellow-brown inflorescences.

Hardiness: Established specimens are reasonably hardy, but young plants are more sensitive to hard or prolonged frost. Protect a size S plant during severe frost and from cold, drying winds and prolonged winter wet. In a pot, the root ball cools more quickly; during heavy frost, temporarily move the pot to an unheated, bright and frost-free space, and always allow excess water to drain away properly.

Soil type: Use a fertile, airy and very well-drained substrate. Mix high-quality palm compost or loose garden soil with coarse sand, fine lava granules, grit or pumice. The species tolerates calcareous soil. Avoid heavy, compacted soil and standing water around the roots.

Care

Light: Give the palm plenty of light. Full sun to light partial shade is suitable, but gradually acclimatise a young specimen or a plant that has overwintered under cover to strong sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Water: During active growth, water as soon as the upper layer of the substrate has dried. Keep the root ball evenly moist and allow excess water to drain away completely. An established specimen in the ground tolerates temporary drought, but do not allow a size S plant to dry out completely for an extended period. Give less water in winter.

Fertiliser: In spring and early summer, apply a suitable palm fertiliser in moderation according to the directions on the packaging. Do not fertilise when growth has almost come to a standstill during the cold period.

Pruning: Remove only fully dead leaves and cut them off close to the trunk without damaging the trunk, green leaves or central growing point. Leave partially green leaves in place for as long as they continue to support growth.

Repotting: Preferably repot in spring when the roots have largely filled the pot. Choose a stable, slightly larger and sufficiently deep pot with ample drainage holes. Handle the roots carefully and do not plant the palm deeper than before.

Humidity: Average humidity is suitable. Outdoors, an airy position is particularly important. During sheltered overwintering, provide sufficient ventilation and do not keep the palm in a warm, dark or poorly ventilated space for an extended period.

Special features: Trachycarpus princeps is distinguished by the strikingly pale, waxy underside of its mature leaves, which can become clearly visible in the wind. The species is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers develop on separate plants. Only a female palm can produce fruit after pollination by a male specimen. The sex of the offered specimen and future flowering or fruiting are not guaranteed.