Trachycarpus fortunei: Planting, cultivation and care

Presentation of trachycarpus fortunei

What is the ideal light and exposure for trachycarpus fortunei?

To promote the development of this palm, it is advisable to offer it a sunny or semi-shaded locationbut, more importantly, a location sheltered from the winds and protected from extreme cold. A west facing exposure is the one that suits it best. This sensitivity to violent winds makes it more difficult to cultivate near the coast, especially since it cannot tolerate sea spray either.

What is the ideal temperature for the Chinese palm tree?

Originally from mountainous regions, the Chinese palm has the advantage of being cold resistant. In fact, its trunk, called the stipe, is covered with a thick fiber which protects it from the cold and earns it its nickname “hemp palm”. This fiber, which is used in Asia to make carpets, roofs, etc., allows it to withstand temperatures down to -18°Cwhich makes it a palm whose cultivation is possible in practically all regions of France.

Watering trachycarpus fortunei

The trachycarpus tolerates drought quite well, but the first year after planting, it is advisable to carry out regular watering to encourage rooting.

Attention : Be careful not to soak the soil, however, as this could cause its roots to rot.

In the event of a prolonged period of drought, remember to water and install mulch around its base.

Ideal atmospheric humidity

Palm trees do not need special atmospheric humidity. It tolerates hot and dry climates. However, Trachycarpus fortunei fears excess humidity which can have harmful consequences on its roots.

What types of soil and fertilizer for your Chinese palm tree?

Earth

The Chinese palm needs to be installed in perfectly drained soil. Before planting, it is recommended to loosen the soil well and add a bed of gravel at the bottom of the hole. The ideal is to plant it in a mixture of equal parts potting soil, garden soil and sand. This will allow it to benefit from rich, drained soil. For increased soil enrichment, you can also add compost or organic fertilizer.

Fertilizer

It is important not to forget that in order to develop well, trachycarpus needs rich soil. This is why it is advisable to fertilize your trachycarpus fortunei at least once a year.

You can opt for a slow-release organic fertilizer to guarantee enough nutrients for your palm tree throughout the season. If you grow your palm in a pot, do not hesitate to regularly topcoat it, that is to say, renew the surface soil over a few centimeters.

Planting and repotting trachycarpus fortunei

To plant your hemp palm, whether in the ground or in a container, here is how to proceed:

• Beforehand, soak the root ball in water at room temperature to properly rehydrate the roots.
• Dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball.
• As explained previously, install a bed of gravel at the bottom of the hole.
• Install the plant in the hole and fill with a mixture of soil, compost and sand, taking care not to bury the crown.
• Tamp down.
• Create a watering basin by digging the earth a little all around the stem.
• Carry out copious watering.

If you grow your hemp palm in a pot, it is necessary to repot it as soon as it seems to be cramped in its pot. This will allow you to offer it more space to develop and, at the same time, renew its substrate.

How to propagate the Chinese palm?

In spring or autumn, when temperatures reach 24°C, it is possible to sow trachycarpus fortunei as follows:

• Start by soaking the seeds in water for 3 days.
• Change the water two or 3 times a day and use lukewarm water.
• Prepare buckets with a bed of gravel or clay balls at the bottom and seedling soil mixed with a little sand to promote drainage.
• Once the seeds are ready, bury them 1 or 2 cm deep.
• Install your buckets under cover in partial shade and at a temperature between 20 and 30°C.
• Make sure the substrate always remains moist.
• After 1 to 3 months you will be able to see the seeds emerging.
• The following spring, if the seedlings are large enough, all you have to do is plant them in the ground.

How to prune trachycarpus fortunei?

It is a plant that does not require pruning.

Cleaning the plant

The trachycarpus requires little maintenance: simply cut the palm fronds which are naturally damaged over time. These are generally those of the lower part of the stipe.

Trachycarpus species and varieties of trachycarpus fortunei: there are several kinds

In addition to trachycarpus fortunei, the genus Trachycarpus includes around ten other species such as:

• Trachycarpus latisectus;
• Trachycarpus martianus;
• Trachycarpus wagnerianus;
• etc.

As for trachycarpus fortunei, this very beautiful species appreciated for its hardiness and good resistance, it comes in different varieties, such as:

• trachycarpus fortunei ‘Chusan’;
• trachycarpus fortunei ‘Winsan’;
• trachycarpus fortunei ‘Darjeeling’;
• trachycarpus fortunei var. wagnerianus ;
• trachycarpus fortunei ‘Nova’;
• etc.

The 5 points to remember about the Chinese palm

• Easy to maintainit is a palm tree which will bring a touch of exoticism to your exterior.
• Be sure to install it at a sunny locationin drained soil and sheltered from the wind.
• For faster growthmake sure that your palm tree does not lack water, even if it is able to resist drought
• Be careful, the‘backwater can be fatal to your palm tree.
• Its trunk, or stipe, is covered with brown fibers.