Due to the diversity of palm tree species, Mediterranean plants also differ greatly in their growth and growth form. When many people think of palm trees, they picture plants with tall trunks and crest-like leaves. It is often overlooked that there are also small-growing varieties that thrive at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and those that sprout in the sparse undergrowth of extensive forests.
How fast do palm trees grow and how can you promote their growth?
Palm trees grow slowly and take years to reach their full size. They first grow in width and then in height. Growth can be positively influenced by optimal care, such as adequate watering, fertilizing and adapting to light requirements.
Palm trees grow rather slowly
Many palm trees take years to reach a sizeable size. Before the trunk forms, palm trees first grow wider. The reason for this is that, unlike trees, these plants do not have any secondary growth in thickness. They only have a single growing point, the heart of the palm, from which the leaves are formed. This results in:
- It takes a few years for almost all palm species until the primary growth in thickness is complete.
- Once the final strength is reached, the palm tree only grows upwards.
- The trunk is formed by the dead leaves that are shed.
- Palm tree trunks can look completely different depending on the species: there are smooth, rough, scarred and thorny trunks.
- The palm heart pushes up, creating the typical head of hair.
Leaves and fruits
All palm trees produce leaves that consist of the leaf base, the petiole and the leaf blade. There are single or double pinnate foliage but also palm leaves that resemble a flat fan. As different as the trunk and leaves of the individual species look, the fruits and flowers are just as different.
Tip
The growth of the palm tree can be positively influenced by good care. If you water and fertilize sufficiently but not too much in spring, when the growing season begins, the palm tree will form numerous new fronds. Meeting the lighting needs, depending on the species being cared for, is also important in this context.
