Veillonia alba - Tray 60

About the Veillonia alba - Tray 60

Veillonia alba is an evergreen palm that develops a single trunk and a crown of dark green, pinnate leaves at maturity. Its crownshaft stands out for its white wax and reddish-brown hairs. In Tray 60, this species is offered as seedlings for further cultivation.

Features

Origin: This palm occurs naturally only in the northeast of Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, where it grows in moist forests.

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

Position: Preferably grow the seedlings in a greenhouse or a bright, warm indoor growing area. Outdoors, this palm is suited to a humid tropical or mild, frost-free subtropical climate.

Height: In the wild, this palm can reach approximately 15 metres. Growth is more restricted in containers, depending on the available root space and growing conditions.

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

Flower colour: The colour of the individual flowers has not been confirmed with sufficient certainty. The inflorescences are initially pink and later turn greenish-yellow.

Hardiness: This palm is unsuitable for overwintering outdoors without protection in the Dutch climate. Keep the seedlings warm and frost-free, and protect the root ball from prolonged chilling.

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 a sudden move into strong midday sun and gradually acclimatise the plants to more sunlight.

Water: Keep the growing medium evenly moist without leaving the tray or pots standing in water. Adjust watering to the rate at which the medium dries and to the temperature, and do not let the root ball dry out completely.

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

Pruning: Remove only completely dried leaves and leave healthy foliage and the central growing point intact.

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

Humidity: Aim for moderate to high humidity during cultivation while ensuring adequate ventilation. Do not place the tray directly beside a radiator.

Special features: This species is also known by the botanical name Cyphophoenix alba. Both names refer to the same palm.