Presentation of the chamaerops humilis
Fact sheet : | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Chamaerops humilis |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Other name | Dwarf palm, false doum palm, Doum palm, Doum |
| Etymology | Name from Greek meaning “Palm tree thrown to the ground” |
| Origin | Edges of the Mediterranean |
| Dimensions | 3.50 m high and 2 m wide when mature |
| Flower color(s) | BeigeYellows |
| Leaf color(s) | Light green |
| Appearance of the flowers | Insignificant cluster-shaped flowers |
| Appearance of the leaves | The leaves, called fronds, are very fan-shaped. Each segment is long, narrow and lined with numerous spines |
| Plant type | Shrub |
| Vegetation | Perennial |
| Foliage in winter | Persistent |
| Bloom |
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Jul.
August
Seven.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec. |
Culture sheet: | |
|---|---|
| Planting |
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Jul.
August
Seven.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec. |
| Growth | Slow |
| Exposure | Sun |
| Ground | Drained, Limestone, Poor, Light |
| Humidity | Weak |
| Use | Tray, Massive, Isolated, Greenhouse, Veranda |
| Multiplication | Semi |
| Disease(s) and pest(s) | Resistant but sensitive to humidity |
What is the ideal light and exposure for chamaerops humilis?
Due to its Mediterranean origins, This dwarf palm tree needs sun and light. It is therefore advisable to install it in a sunny location, sheltered from cold or dry winds.
What is the ideal temperature for dwarf palm trees?
In addition to sun and light, it also needs warmth. This means that if you live in a region where the climate remains mild all year round, you can opt for growing in the ground. Conversely, if you live in a region where temperatures drop below -12°C in winter, it is advisable to favor a pot culture in order to be able to protect it from the cold during the bad season.
Watering chamaerops humilis
Remember that this dwarf palm tree is prone to rotting in excess humidity. Despite this fact, you must water your plant copiously and regularly during the first two summers following its installation in order to promote its recovery and rooting. It is then able to withstand drought.
In all cases, be careful not to wet its foliage. If you have opted for growing in a pot, keep the substrate cool, ensuring that it is not soggy.
Ideal atmospheric humidity
As we have mentioned, it is a plant that tolerates heat and drought better than humidity which can be the cause of its rotting.
What types of soil and fertilizer for your chamaerops humilis?
Earth
It does not matter to him whether the land is rich or poor, what matters for him and for his development is that it is perfectly drained. Well-drained soil will even allow it to gain in hardiness. If you have a slope exposed to the sun to dress, this is the ideal place to install a dwarf palm tree, as the slope will encourage water flow.
Fertilizer
- In the open ground: it is possible to add fertilizer at the beginning of spring or organic fertilizer in autumn.
- Pot : It is advisable to carry out topping from time to time to provide new nutrients to your plant. To do this, simply remove the top layer of potting soil, 2 to 3 cm, by scraping it to replace it with new, richer potting soil. From April to August, you can add special palm fertilizer to your plant, approximately once every 3 weeks.
Planting and repotting agastache
Planting
If you opt for growing in the ground, you can proceed as follows:
- While preparing the hole, place the rootball in a basin of water to thoroughly hydrate the roots.
- Prepare a hole 4 times larger than the root ball.
- To promote drainage, do not hesitate to install a bed of gravel at the bottom of the planting hole and add sand to the garden soil.
- Install the palm tree in the hole, making sure that the collar protrudes slightly and making a mound that will allow the water to drain more easily.
- Press down well with your foot to anchor your plant.
- Carry out watering.
If you choose pot growing, you can plant your palm tree in the following way:
- Preferably choose a terracotta pot. Make sure that its bottom is pierced, to promote drainage, and that it is large enough for your plant and stable enough not to fall at the first gust of wind.
- At the bottom of the pot, place a layer of clay balls or gravel.
- Use a drained substrate or potting soil specially adapted for this type of plant.
- Finally, carry out a first copious watering.
Repotting
If you have a large enough pot, it will probably never be necessary to repot your palm tree, as it is a slow-growing plant.
How to propagate dwarf palm?
It is possible to propagate the dwarf palm tree by sowing seeds. Germination carried out in the heat is quite easy and takes between 8 and 20 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, you can transplant them in the spring.
How to prune the dwarf palm tree?
It is not necessary to prune the chamaerops humilis.
Cleaning the plant
Chamaerops humilis is a plant that requires little maintenance. Simply cut off the palm fronds which may have dried out or become damaged. To do this, choose spring or summer and cut the leaf a few centimeters from the stem.
Whether your palm tree is in the ground or in a pot, and especially if it is a young plant, you must also take care to protect it in the event of episodes of severe frost.
- If it is in the ground : cover it with a winter cover and mulch the ground.
- If it is in a pot : transfer it to a bright, frost-free place. If the pot is not transportable, proceed as for a chamaerops humilis grown in the ground.
Saw palmetto species and varieties: there are many species
Chamaerops humilis is the only species in the genus Chamaerops and is one of 2 palm species native to Europe. This species has several varieties which differ in their shape, their color, their hardiness, but also their needs.
We can thus cite:
- chamaerops humilis var. arborescens;
- chamaerops humilis var. volcano;
- chamaerops humilis ar. arborescens;
- etc.
The 4 points to remember about the dwarf palm tree
- To bring a touch of exoticism in your garden, you can bet on chamaerops humilis.
- Easy to maintainit will look great in a pot or in the ground.
- There cultivation in open ground is reserved for regions with a mild climate.
- To promote its development, it is essential to install it in a perfectly drained substrate.