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.