Despite its name, the Hawaii palm “Brighamia insignis” is not a palm, but rather a succulent. It is also known as the “volcano palm”. What does the proper care of the Hawaii palm look like?
How do you properly care for a Hawaii palm tree?
Proper care for a Hawaii palm includes sparing watering when the substrate is dry, fertilizing with half the amount of cactus fertilizer every eight weeks, repotting every two to three years, pest control if necessary and providing a partially shaded outdoor location in summer. Keep bright and warm in winter.
How do you water the Hawaii palm tree correctly?
As a succulent, the Hawaiian palm stores water in its fleshy leaves. It can therefore tolerate long dry phases of up to six weeks.
The substrate must be as permeable to water as possible. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
Do not water until the substrate has dried out. You can also briefly dip the root ball in water. Excess irrigation water must then be poured off.
When is fertilizing on the agenda?
Use fertilizer sparingly. Succulents cannot tolerate excess nutrients. Fertilize the Hawaii palm every eight weeks with a normal cactus fertilizer. Reduce the amount of fertilizer by half.
When does a Hawaii palm need to be repotted?
Every two to three years you should treat the Hawaii palm to a larger pot. The best time for repotting is early spring. Be sure to create a drainage layer in the bottom of the pot.
What pests and diseases occur?
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Root rot
- Stem rot
If pests occur, the Hawaii palm reacts by shedding its leaves. Sometimes the leaves also turn yellow.
Rinse the plant well and use commercially available products to combat spider mites and thrips.
Root rot and stem rot are caused by too much moisture. Do not water the Hawaii palm tree too frequently. When caring for them outdoors, place them in a sheltered spot.
How is the Hawaii palm cared for in summer?
The Hawaii palm prefers to spend the summer in a partially shaded spot outdoors on the balcony or terrace.
If it loses all of its leaves during the summer, it is a natural process and no cause for alarm.
Tip
Hawaii palm trees grow in winter and take a break in growth in summer. Therefore, if possible, keep the plant in a bright, warm location in winter. Temperatures in winter cannot be lower than 16 degrees.
