Outside in drier environments some of the more tropical palms will suffer when the
humidity is low, and inside of your home steps should always be taken to
increase the humidity around your plants. Plants from desert regions can
take lower humidity levels, but most of these palms require full sun and would
not flourish in your home. A relative humidity between 40% - 60% is ideal
for most plants, and helps to keep them a good color and pest free, yet the
interior of your home is usually much lower. Steps to increase humidity are: Containers sitting in a small saucer of pea gravel and water (as long as water does not reach the bottom of the container) Misting your plants daily Adding a humidifier to your home Placing your plants together in groups |
Climate |
Indoors or out your tropical plants climate is important to its overall health.
|
Temperature |
Growing palms, and other tropicals outdoors has always been limited by low temperatures. Research into winter protection,
and the hardiness of specific plants has helped many people grow more exotic
plants with fewer worries. The Cold Rating Database (CRDB) has listed the average minimum temperatures for many palms, and other tropicals
and is a great guide, along with the USDA zone map in determining, what you can grow in your area outdoors in the ground, yet keep
in mind its not only the minimum temperature but also long periods of temperatures
below 55 F. Like pH temperature controls nutrient uptake by the plant.
The Cool Tropix has an extensive list of cold protection designs, and articles to help you.
A link to The Cool Tropix can be found in Palm Links. |
Indoors tropical plants thrive in a temperature range from about 65F to about 80F.
During the day the plants enjoy the heat and at night a lower temperature is needed,
but keep in mind direct sun through a window can create to much heat and
burn the leaves while a forced air heater or air conditioner will dry them
out. On average a plants growth |
Air Circulation |
Plants require areas with good air circulation, but drafty areas should be avoided.
A/C and heater ducts create problems, but if you need to improve your
air circulation a breeze from a small fan (not directly on your palms) will help
move fresh air through the room. Basements and closets almost always have
poor air circulation and a small fan should be used. When arranging your
plants (inside or outside) group them together for increased humidity, but avoid
letting them overlap or touch. |
Humidity |
Watering |
Containers |
The best way to water is from the top, when the soil has become dry about an inch
below the surface. You may have to water 1-2 times per week depending on
the sunlight your plant receives. The less sun your plant recieves and the
slower it grows, the less water it will need. One of the leading causes
of death to interior plants is over watering. Make sure that you really
need to add more water, and the bottom of the container is not submerged in water.
Room temperature water is best, and if possible use filtered of soft
water. Another important thing to remember is about every 6 months you should
rinse your soil free of excess salts. To do this place your plant in
a sink or take outdoors and run water into to container until it drains from
the bottom for about 30 seconds. |
In the ground |
This depends on the native location of the plant and your location. A tropical
shade palm needs to stay moist in a dry location, where as a desert palm
in a wet location should have good drainage and won’t need much supplemental
watering. Mulch is very helpful for all plants by holding in moisture and
heat. |
Plant Washing |
Indoors the foliage should be checked and cleaned about every couple weeks. This step
will help prevent dust, insects, and other diseases from building up on your
plants foliage. To do this mix a very small amount of dish soap or
a plant cleaner with water (if using dish soap add so little that it barely foams).
Use a soft cloth and gently wipe all leaf surfaces. Another
thing you can do, if in a hurry, is take them outside in a shady area
and hose them off. |
Outdoors the rain will keep it semi clean but still check the foliage and remove any unwanted
insects, eggs, or fungus with a damp soft cloth. |
The
Palm Shop / LaBelle, Fl / 239-634-4040 Fax(863-675-6696) /
Sales@ThePalmShop.com |
