The Palm trees They are emblematic plants that bring an exotic and tropical air to any garden or urban space, especially in areas with a Mediterranean or temperate climate. With more than 3.000 species in the world, there is a perfect palm tree for every environment, as long as certain guidelines are followed. key recommendations to ensure their optimal development and growth.
Key aspects before planting a palm tree
- Enough space: Before planting, make sure the palm tree will have room to grow both in height and crown diameter. It is common to plant young specimens in small spaces, forgetting their adult size.
- Cold resistance: Select species compatible with the minimum temperatures in your area.
- Soil type and drainage: Palm trees prefer soils with good drainageIf your soil is clayey or retains a lot of water, improve aeration by adding sand and organic matter.
- Light and shadow: Some species grow better in partial shade (Chamaedorea, Kentia, Areca, Rhapis), others tolerate direct sunlight well but require a adaptation period.
- Salinity: If the water or soil is saline, opt for resistant species such as Butia capitata, Chamaerops humilis, Phoenix canariensis, Phoenix dactylifera, Trachycarpus fortunei and Washingtonia robusta/filifera.
What is the best time to plant palm trees?
The optimal time It depends on whether you buy the palm tree in a pot, a root ball, or bare roots. If the plant comes in a pot, you can plant it at any time, except on days of extreme cold or intense heat. If the plant has been dug out of the ground, it is best to plant it in spring or early summer, when the temperatures favor the emission of rootsFor more details on when is best to sow, visit the best time to sow.
Step by step: How to plant a palm tree correctly
- Dig a wide hole: The bigger the hole, the better for the root development.
- Mix the extracted soil with organic fertilizer: Add between 2 and 8 kg depending on the size of the palm tree. Use manure, mulch or peat to improve the structure and fertility ground.
- Plant the palm tree: Place it in the hole, fill with the mixture and settle the soil to eliminate airbagsTo learn more about the process, see How to plant palm trees correctly.
- Make a tree pit: Forms a small rim to facilitate initial irrigation.
- Initial irrigation: Water it thoroughly after planting. Frequent watering is essential. the first year.
- Tutored: If the palm tree is large, set tutors to avoid movements.
- Protect the leaves: Keep your palms tied for 6 months to a year to reduce the risk of stress and promote rooting.
Palm tree reproduction: seeds, suckers and division of the plant
- Seeds: This is the most common method. They are preferably planted fresh (maximum 6 weeks after harvest), after selecting those that sink in water. Clean the pulp well and let it soak for several days before planting. For more information on this process, visit reproduction of palm trees by seeds.
- Ideal substrate: A mixture of equal parts peat and sand, or 50/25/25% peat, perlite and vermiculite.
- Germination conditions: Warm temperatures (between 21°C and 38°C) and constant humidityMost do not require direct light to germinate.
- Division of bush and suckers: Some species such as Chamaedorea, Palmito, Rhapis or Phoenix allow dividing or separating suckers, which should be planted individually and protected from the sun after separation.
- Seedling transplant: Transfer the seedlings to individual pots when they have their first leaf. Avoid direct sunlight until they are well adapted. More information in the best time to plant palm trees.
Main species of palm trees to have at home or in the garden
- Pindó Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana): Fast growing, ideal for spacious gardens.
- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta): Small size, suitable for warm and temperate climates.
- Jelly palm (Butia capitata): Easy to care for, durable and decorative, generates seeds easilyFor more information, check out Butia palm care.
- Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis): Long-lived and very robust, it reaches a large size with the time.
- Washingtonia robusta and filifera: Fast growing, summery appearance and fan-shaped leaves.
Essential care for palm trees after planting
- Irrigation: Moderate, avoiding flooding the substrate. In summer, water every two weeks; in winter, every 10-15 days. In pots, place stones in the background to ensure drainage.
- Light: Many palm trees require abundant light but not direct sun all day, especially in their first years.
- Location: Plant away from structures to avoid future damage from the for Growth from the trunk or the crown.
- Subscriber: Apply organic fertilizer during planting, and liquid fertilizer from spring to end of summer. For more details, check palm tree fertilizer.
- Protection: Avoid exposing them near sources of artificial heat or cold, such as air conditioners or heaters.
