Chrysalidocarpus

The genus Chrysalidocarpus includes approximately 20 species of palm trees native to Madagascar, the Comoros and other islands of the Indian Ocean. Shoots are erect, unbranched, smooth or drooping, sometimes swollen, produce lateral offspring and generally represent a group. The leaves forming the so-called crown are located at the top of the stems on thin petioles. Some species develop basal leaves around the stem and merge with the "crown". In adult plants, pinnate leaves consist of a large number of small individual leaflets, which gives the plant a fluffy appearance. A species that is widely used as a houseplant - Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), comes from Madagascar, where locals call it the "butterfly palm". It has an overgrown yellowish elegant trunk, stretching upwards, which in favorable natural conditions reaches a height of 9 m. The leaves are complex, curved, pinnate, shiny, green, with a common petiole (the central axis of the leaf) and with yellow veins, leathery to the touch, in young plants grow almost from the base of the trunk. Chrysalidocarpus has been in vogue since the mid-1970s, when the cultivation of the Howea forsteriana palm underwent difficulties due to poor seed germination. Chrysalidocarpus golden was a worthy replacement due to its decorative nature and speed of growth.

The genus Chrysalidocarpus includes approximately 20 species of palm trees native to Madagascar, the Comoros and other islands of the Indian Ocean. Shoots are erect, unbranched, smooth or drooping, sometimes swollen, produce lateral offspring and generally represent a group. The leaves forming the so-called crown are located at the top of the stems on thin petioles. Some species develop basal leaves around the stem and merge with the "crown". In adult plants, pinnate leaves consist of a large number of small individual leaflets, which gives the plant a fluffy appearance.

A species that is widely used as a houseplant - Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), comes from Madagascar, where locals call it the "butterfly palm". It has an overgrown yellowish elegant trunk, stretching upwards, which in favorable natural conditions reaches a height of 9 m. The leaves are complex, curved, pinnate, shiny, green, with a common petiole (the central axis of the leaf) and with yellow veins, leathery to the touch, in young plants grow almost from the base of the trunk.

Chrysalidocarpus has been in vogue since the mid-1970s, when the cultivation of the Howea forsteriana palm underwent difficulties due to poor seed germination. Chrysalidocarpus golden was a worthy replacement due to its decorative nature and speed of growth.

Cultivation

In Europe, chrysalidocarpus aureus is grown exclusively at home in pots, and in the southern regions-even in the open ground in the garden. But in winter, it should be covered so that accidental frosts do not damage the foliage. Periodically (in spring and summer, once every 2 weeks), liquid fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10 g per bucket.

Location

Chrysalidocarpus golden requires not too intense lighting, but in any case-you need to avoid direct sunlight, so place the plant in a semi-shaded place.

Temperature

Optimum temperature: approximately 20-22 °C. In winter, make sure that the temperature does not fall below 15 °C. Although the plant can withstand lower temperatures for a short time, this can harm the leaves.: they dry out and turn yellow. In summer, the temperature regime is not higher than 30 °C.

Watering

Always keep the soil in a slightly moist state. If possible, use water with a low salt concentration, as this plant is sensitive to high salt content. Chrysalidocarpus likes high humidity, so frequent spraying is recommended.

Transplant

When the roots occupy all the available space in the pot, chrysalidocarpus golden in the spring is transplanted into a new vessel, no more than 1-2 numbers larger than the previous one. It is recommended to use pots slightly higher than usual (because this palm tree has roots that develop in a vertical direction) and fertile, well-drained land (sometimes peat or river sand is added to it).

Care

Remove individual dried or stained leaves. In summer, clean the foliage by spraying the plant with water.

Reproduction

Most often, chrysalidocarpus aureus is propagated by separating offspring from adult specimens. Seed propagation requires special effort. Seeds are soaked in water for 2-4 days at a temperature of 30 °C, then sown in a box with light peat soil. The germination temperature is 20-25 °C in a bright, moist place. As a rule, young plants appear in 3-4 months. When the first leaf is formed, they can be transplanted into 10-12-centimeter pots, and then into larger pots.

Diseases

Chrysalidocarpus is sensitive to some fungal infections, which cause spots to appear on the leaves, at first small, then they gradually increase, forming round or oval wounds of reddish-brown color, often with a lighter outline. In this case, it is recommended to treat the plant with a fungicide and stop spraying the foliage, which contributes to the spread of the disease. From pests, the underside of leaf plates can be attacked by worms, causing yellowing and damage. They are disposed of with a cotton swab or cloth soaked in alcohol, and treated with anti-coccidal agents. Mites cause yellowing, the appearance of yellowish specks and drying of leaves. Infection is prevented by using a special acaricide and by maintaining high humidity in the air, spraying with water.

Chrysalidocarpus is sensitive to some fungal infections, which cause spots to appear on the leaves, at first small, then they gradually increase, forming round or oval wounds of reddish-brown color, often with a lighter outline. In this case, it is recommended to treat the plant with a fungicide and stop spraying the foliage, which contributes to the spread of the disease.

From pests, the underside of leaf plates can be attacked by worms, causing yellowing and damage. They are disposed of with a cotton swab or cloth soaked in alcohol, and treated with anti-coccidal agents. Mites cause yellowing, the appearance of yellowish specks and drying of leaves. Infection is prevented by using a special acaricide and by maintaining high humidity in the air, spraying with water.

Acquisition

Chrysalidocarpus, one of the most common palm trees, is quite easy to find in the expanded range of gardening centers. Even specimens exceeding 2 m in height are available. Choose a strong, well-formed plant with glossy leaves of beautiful green color, which do not show any yellowing or spots.