Archontophoenix - King Palm

(Archontophoe'nix)

DESCRIPTION: These are Australian palms that are grown outdoors in southern Florida and in southern California, and as pot or tub plants indoors. They have single, smooth trunks and lovely heads of elegantly curving, feathery leaves.

POTTING: These plants will flourish in any ordinary soil. Hot, dry climates tend to sunburn the leaves, though. When grown indoors, they need a temperature of 60-70 degrees, shade from bright sun and a humid atmosphere. The containers in which they are planted should be well drained. Rich, porous, loamy soil is the best for them; this should be firmly packed around the roots with a potting stick. Repotting should be done in the spring when the plants are really in need of this, because like most palms they do well when their roots are crowded. From spring through fall plenty of water can be applied, but less in needed in the winter. Feed those that have a good supply of roots once a week. Sponge the leaves once in a while to keep them free of insects and dust.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown in peaty, sandy soil in 70- to 75-degree temperatures at any time. Fresh seeds are better than seeds that have been stored for any amount of time. When the baby plants have two strong leaves, they should be potted separately in small pots of very sandy soil and kept in a closed, humid atmosphere until their roots have penetrated the new soil.

VARIETIES: A. Alexandrae; A. Cunninghamiana (this one handles more cold than A. Alexandrae).

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