Arecastrum - Queen Palm

(Arecas'trum)

DESCRIPTION: This Palm is a native of Brazil and has graceful, plumy leaves. This tree can grow over 30 feet outside. It's commonly planted outdoors in southern Florida and southern California. They are attractive when used as street trees, but they aren't very long-lived. Arecastrums should be planted where there isn't high winds because their leafstalks can kink or bend and take away from the beauty of their leaves. In unfavorable climates it can be grown inside in pots or tubs. A. Romanzoffianum (Queen Palm) is often grown under the name Cocos plumosa. Its variety australe is smaller but just as pretty.

POTTING: Arecastrums thrive in a deep, fertile loam but will grow in a variety of soils. When grown indoors, they should have a temperature of 60-70 degrees, a position out of direct sun and a humid atmosphere. Their soil should be packed around their roots firmly when you pot them. Repotting should be done in spring but only when they really need it, as with most palms, they thrive best with their roots rather crowded. Water generously from spring through fall, a little less in winter. Give well-rooted plants weekly doses of dilute liquid fertilizer. Clean the leaves periodically to rid them of dust and insects.

PROPAGATION: Fresh seeds should be sown in peaty, sandy soil in 70- to 75-degree temperatures. When the seedlings have two strong leaves, they should be potted in small pots in very sandy soil and kept in a humid atmosphere until they are rooted in the new soil.

VARIETIES: A. Romanzoffianum (Queen Palm) and its varieties australe and botryophorum.

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