For many people, palm trees are a symbol of tropical landscapes, with which they associate terms such as: vacation, rest and relaxation. No wonder that the attractive crested plants are among the most common ornamental plants found in our homes and, for several years now, in the garden. It's a lot of fun to bring in the Mediterranean ambassadors yourself and with a little patience this is definitely possible.
How can you grow palm trees yourself?
To grow palm trees yourself, you need seeds that are soaked in water and then sown in germ-free substrate, such as coconut fiber soil, vermiculite or perlite. Depending on the species, the optimal germination temperature is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. The germination time varies greatly and can take up to a year.
Types of propagation
Palm trees can be grown very easily using seeds that you can obtain from fruit yourself or purchased commercially. Some species form lateral offshoots (shoots) that you can cut off and plant in soil. These shoots usually develop well and quickly grow into small palm trees.
Sowing palm seeds
Soak the seeds in water for two to three days. This softens the hard shell and makes germination easier.
Since palm seeds usually sprout quite slowly, the sowing soil should be germ-free and free of vermin. The following substrates are suitable (€29.00 at Amazon):
- Coconut Fiber Soil
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
Into the bag
It is no longer an insider tip among palm tree fans to sow the seeds, mixed with the substrate, in a plastic bag or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
Mix the seeds with a little moistened substrate, place them in the container and close it tightly. This means that the water cannot evaporate and the palm seeds have the optimal climate for germination.
Alternatively, you can sow these in a flower pot and cover it with a plastic bag. Don't forget to ventilate and water here, as the microclimate is different than in an airtight container.
The right germination temperature
Depending on the species, this is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. Some palm fans recommend mimicking the natural temperature fluctuations between day and night, as this speeds up the often lengthy germination process. To simulate this, you can place the cultivation container on the warm windowsill during the day and in the cool stairwell at night.
Don’t get impatient
The germination time varies greatly. There are species that germinate after just one to three months. If this is not the case and no mold or rot has formed, wait. Sometimes the exotic plants take up to a year to sprout.
Tip
Are you traveling on vacation to a country where palm trees grow? Then take some palm seeds home with you as a holiday souvenir. Remove the pulp at your vacation destination and sow it when you get home. There is hardly a better memory of the holiday season.
