One of the most unpretentious evergreen palms - howea. Care at home for this plant can lead to the fact that the palm tree reaches a truly grandiose size. In nature, there are two varieties of it: Howea Forster and Belmore. Outwardly, they are similar, have wide spreading green pinnate leaves, a smooth trunk, and can also produce inflorescences from the axils of the lower leaves.
Hovea is valued by amateur gardeners. Care at home is not particularly difficult. The main rule is the abundance of free space and sunlight. In its homeland, in the tropics, the palm tree reaches enormous sizes. If the plant feels comfortable, it can bloom and even bear fruit. Forstera is usually taller than Belmora. However, in order for a flower to become a real decoration of the interior, you should be aware of the light and watering regimes.
Hovea Palm: care
- If your house has a well-lit area where diffused sunlight will fall, then this is where you should place a pot with a palm tree. It is necessary to choose the right place where your howea will grow. Home care starts from this stage.
- Then you need to take care of choosing a spacious pot and a suitable soil mixture. It is known that palm trees do not tolerate additional transplants well. Therefore, it is recommended to immediately choose a wider container, taking into account the further growth of the palm tree. As soil, we buy any soil mixture with a neutral level of acidity, or special soil for palm trees.
- The selected pot should have a drainage hole at the bottom. Be sure to use a tray to remove excess moisture. We lay a layer of drainage 3-4 cm thick on the bottom of the container, then pour a layer of soil, put the howe, carefully straighten the roots and pour out the rest of the soil, water it abundantly.
- Humidity is very important. If the room has dry warm air, then the plant will stop growing at the same level. In the worst case, the tips of the leaves will begin to dry out. Darkened edges are the first signal that the howea palm you are caring for is in dire need of spraying. If it is not possible to spray the flower every day, then you can use a humidifier, or put a container of water next to the flower pot.
- Watering is carried out as the soil dries. In summer, the flower needs moisture more than in winter. Therefore, you need to make sure that settled soft water is always at hand. The plant does not tolerate lime water well. It would not be superfluous to arrange a “bath” for the palm tree under the shower.
- Periodically wipe the leaves of howea from dust. This will not only makethe plant is more attractive in appearance, but also relieves pests, fungus, parasites.
- Air temperature from 18 to 22 degrees is optimal, at which howea actively grows. Home care also comes down to regular airing of the room. Despite the fact that drafts are contraindicated for a flower, heavy stale air will not benefit the plant either. That's why palm trees grow so well in public places: museums, clinics, cafes - there is always an influx of fresh air.
- Overgrown roots often come out of the ground, so it is recommended to pour the earth into the pot as the howea grows. The application of special mineral fertilizers will ensure that your evergreen beauty will feel comfortable.
