Although the Chinese hemp palm is an exotic plant, it requires surprisingly little maintenance. A suitable location and safe wintering is important to her. But what about watering and fertilizing? And does she have to use the scissors?

The Trachycarpus fortunei should be watered with care

Water cautiously as it is sensitive to moisture

A balanced water balance is based on the fact that the hemp palm is rooted in permeable soil. This is the only way to optimally control the casting. The following rules apply to this:

  • Root ball should never dry out completely
  • therefore water regularly and thoroughly
  • but only when the surface of the earth has dried
  • Plant must not be exposed to waterlogging
  • Discard excess water as soon as possible
  • only use soft water
  • for example pond water or rainwater

Fertilize only during the growing season

Both tub specimens and those planted in the garden may only be fertilized during the vegetation phase. Less is more, because over-fertilization is harmful.

  • in the bed, fertilizing with mature compost in spring is sufficient
  • if necessary, fertilize until July if the soil is poor and very sandy
  • Fertilize potting soil from April to September
  • with long-term fertilizer, fertilizer sticks (4.48 €) or liquid fertilizer
  • Refer to the manufacturer's information for quantity and frequency

tips

Diluted nettle manure is also a natural fertilizer that provides many nutrients for the hemp palm to grow. To neutralize the unpleasant odour, you can add some rock flour (€14.13), which also contributes important trace elements.

Occasional cutting for optics

A hemp palm does not branch, instead it always shoots its leaves out from the middle. That's why you don't have to cut them. However, if individual palm fronds occasionally dry up or snap over in the wind, they can be removed at any time with pruning shears or a saw for visual reasons.

Winter protection measures are indispensable

A hemp palm needs winter protection, because planted it is only hardy down to - 10 °C, in the bucket even only down to - 5 °C. Depending on where she has to spend the winter, the winter protection is a little different. These are the measures at a glance:

  • spread a 30 cm layer of mulch around planted specimens
  • made of leaves, straw or fir branches
  • Tie the palm fronds loosely at the top with coconut rope
  • then wrap with light-colored fleece
  • put a bag over it during very wet periods
  • Overwinter tub specimens indoors frost-free
  • Temperature and light conditions are secondary
  • she can even stand in the living room at 20 ° C
  • alternatively hibernate outside close to a house wall
  • Wrap the pot with fleece and place it on styrofoam
  • Tie and wrap the crown in the same way as planted palm trees

Even during the winter, every hemp palm must be supplied with water. The warmer the hibernation, the higher their need.

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Trees