PALM SEED UPDATE

 Here's the update on my palm tree seed . . .

SO, the palm seed soaked in water (fermented) for just over a week so that the pulp (fruit) surrounding the seed was easily taken off.  The water was changed frequently which was a good thing, because the water started to smell quite horrible.

The seed was put into a plastic bag with some sphagnum moss and kept in a warm spot (on top of a fridge is a pretty good place).  The moss has to be kept damp and because the seed is sitting in a plastic bag, the humidity helps it germinate.  There is also a problem with this technique too, and that is some seeds can get a fungus because of poor ventilation but it is a cheap way to germinate a seed.

My seed will grow into a Neanthe Bella Palm tree also known as the Parlor Palm.  It works great indoors and outdoors as long as the temperature never goes below 35F.  For best results, the palm should stay in an environment between 55F and 85F.  

 This palm does not like to have direct sunlight but does really well in low light and will grow up to about 4 feet. It grows quite slowly so surely mine won't look like this for a long time. 

Will keep everyone posted once it germinates.

Till then  . . . .
 

Growing Palm Tree from Seed

Or so I hope.

There are quite a few palm trees around the property, and today I picked up what I think is a pretty fresh piece of 'fruit' at the bottom of one of the palm tree.  It doesn't look like it's been disturbed, and I don't think it's been on the ground very long, so hopefully it will hold a seed(s) that will eventually grow into my palm tree.

There are over 2,500 types of palm trees around Florida, so trying to identify what type of fruit I've just picked up is a bit difficult for me.

I do know that I have to soak the fruit in water for about 48 to 72 hours, give or take, causing the pulp to ferment.

After the pulp is removed from the seed there are quite a few ways to germinate the seed, but I'm going to try the one where the seed is put into a zip lock bag with sphagnum moss.  Since the seed needs a temperature of 26C to 35C I figure I can put the seed on top of the fridge keeping an eye on it.  Having one of those heating pads for seeds right now would come in handy, but I'll have to make due with what I have.

Oh and I have to do the water test - if the seed floats the seed won't germinate, if it sinks, it should (should being the operative word).

This could take awhile.......

Chamaedorea Cataractarum

Even though I've been in my new home since LAST September, I've finally got my first official sub-tropical outdoor plant; Chamaedorea cataractarum, a.k.a., The Cat Palm tree a native plant of Southeastern Mexico.

The cat palm tree is actually not a tree at all but a clump of stems covered with fronds.  Since it prefers to be in shade, it's perfect for my little patio that is out of direct sun for the whole day.  It's cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 25F and since my patio is really protected, it should do extremely well.

I think (operative word here) that it should be reasonably easy to look after.  It wants to be kept consistently moist but doesn't want 'wet' feet.  With a little bit of liquid fertilizer every three months or so, it should keep it's wonderful deep green fronds.

I'm told that it will produce tiny little yellow flowers in the early spring.  Here's hoping.

Mandevilla

Since I have a resident chipmunk who continually chews the very bottom of my clematis clean off leaving my entire vine to die on the trellis, I decided this year to plant a tropical vine in my non-tropical location hoping that the chipmunk tastes doesn't suit my tropical Mandevilla.

My Mandevilla vine sits in part of the garden that has plenty of sun in the morning to early afternoon.  Pinching off the spent flowers encourages more blooming.  These vining plants reach heights of 15 feet or more with stems filled with glossy green leaves. Although they are a low-maintenance vine, they do thrive on a granulated time-released fertilizer every two weeks during the summer months to thrive.  

Originally from Brazil, this tropical vine suits a climate of no less than 55 degrees F (13 degrees C) so for my 5b zone, it is absolutely necessary to bring it in for the winter.  They are a bit tricky to over winter in the house but if given a cool sun-filled room they should do fine.

These beautiful vines bloom non-stop from spring until fall.  They are ideal in containers, on trellises or arbors and so far it seems that chipmunks don't like how they taste!

HARDY CACTUS - Propagating

It doesn't take very much to propagate these cactus just some patience.  Start by cutting off one of the 'pads'.  Let the cut heal by just sitting it in partial shade (not on the dirt!) for a few days.  Once the cut is healed over, plant it in the ground upright or in a pot with loose well draining soil, and wait a few weeks for it to root.

The yellow blooms come after a drought so not watering the cactus really promotes blooming

Two year old plant from one cutting.  They grow quite quickly

Hardy Cactus

I'm HUGE on different types of hostas in my garden and every spring I usually add one or two or ten different kinds. But a couple of years ago I planted some hardy cactus (Opuntia a.k.a prickly pear), a cactus that thrives on cold winters and drought conditions which has been perfect for the kind of summer I've been having. This is a perfect plant in that hot, dry spot of the your garden where absolutely nothing else will grow.

These plants don't like to be fertilized but do need well draining soil. Ideal soil will be sandy or silty with a good proportion of gravel mixed in for drainage.  My prickly pear has about five hours of sun a day but does seem to do quite well with some shade.

This is a really wonderful addition to a garden!

Sea Holly

Years ago, my mother-in-law had this really unique plant in her garden that I hadn't seen before and since she couldn't remember what it's name was, it took me ages to find.  Recently I finally came across it at a local nursery and purchased this perennial for my own garden....

SEA HOLLY (Eryngium planum).

What is really great about this perennial is that it simply thrives on less attention! Really drought tolerant, and poor soil conditions also do not upset this unusual addition to your garden.  It does not, however, like to be moved once it's planted, so make sure you give it a place where it can spread and grow.  If you want to propagate this plant, it's best to do it with seeds. 

I have planted my sea holly against a hot, dry wall of my home, only watering it when it's been days of no rain, and so far, it's doing great.

Just loving this addition to my garden!