Every Chinese hemp palm can become a handsome specimen over the years, even if it is rooted in our garden or bucket far from its homeland. But in order for it to develop its full size potential, it needs a good location and optimal care.

The Chinese hemp palm can grow up to 12m high

Slowly to full height

On average, Trachycarpus fortunei grows about 15 cm per year. If you plant your palm tree in the garden, it will probably grow a little more, but will grow more slowly in a pot. In the bed, the maximum height is reached at 10-12 m. The straight trunk is then approx. 10 m high. In the tub, the palm tree will stay well below it.

In old age, the trunk circumference of a Chinese hemp palm can be 70 to 110 cm and the trunk diameter about 25 to 35 cm. In old palm trees, however, the lower part of the trunk becomes thinner as parts of the fiber detach from it.

"Adult" hemp palm blossoms

When the hemp palm has reached a stem height of about 1 m with its growth, it is no longer a young palm. This is also about the time when she starts to flower. Palm frond growth slows down during flowering. If you want to encourage the growth of new fronds, you should therefore cut off the flower early.

development from the middle

Each new palm leaf grows out of the heart of the palm tree. If you occasionally need to cut a few yellow or brown palm fronds, be careful not to damage the heart of the palm with the scissors. That could mean the final end for the palm tree. Also, a palm tree that has grown too large must not simply be cut down.

growth of palm fronds

New palm fronds continuously sprout from the heart of the hemp palm. They grow to a length of about 90 cm and a width of about 1.6 m. The crown of an adult hemp palm can consist of up to 50 palm fronds. In between, however, some of the outer leaves dry up and are cut off.

Crucial growth factors

Trachycarpus fortunei does not really allow itself a real break in growth. Of course, it grows faster in summer than in winter. And an adult female palm slightly slower than a male palm. But location and care also have an effect on growth:

  • the palm tree grows faster in the sun and slower in partial shade
  • good watering in summer accelerates growth
  • regular repotting promotes the growth of tub specimens
  • nitrogen-rich fertilization is helpful, but not over-fertilization!

tips

Even if Trachycarpus fortunei is hardy, you should not let the palm tree hibernate outside in frost without winter protection. Otherwise the heart of the palm will freeze and new growth will fail.

Category:

Trees