Beautiful feathery palm Howei became popular for growing indoors (low maintenance, shade-tolerant).
In nature, it grows on the Australian coast and on about. Lord Howe. From the name of the capital of the island, Palm received the name Kentia.
Further in the article we will talk about the Howay palm: care at home, photos, types, diseases and pests.
Kinds
This kind of palm includes only two types:
- Forster or Forsteriana - trunk straight, palm tree rather high (up to 15 m), leaves pinnate, slightly curved with dark green broad leaf plates;
- Howei Belmore - reminds Forster, only with more curved leaves. On the stems of green and feathery leaves can be seen woolly hairs, located on the edge. The leaves are complex, consist of narrow smaller ones. It is characterized by slow growth, with the creation of favorable conditions in the room can grow to the ceiling.
Howey Forster: photo of this species.
Palm Howay Belmore: photos of plants in nature.
Howey: photo in the apartment.
Home care
This subtropical palm tolerates room conditions well. After the plant is a short time at a temperature of 10 degrees, it is easier to tolerate winter.
With difficulty suffers, does not love drafts, water stagnation, tobacco smoke. Does not take out means for polishing of leaves.
Features care after purchase
Choosing a plant you should carefully examine the leaves: from above they should be dark green, from below slightly lighter. The presence of brown scales for the Hovei on the underside of the leaves is a normal phenomenon. There should be no spots on the leaves and pests.
After winter shopping Hovey should be carefully wrapped with several layers of paper and try to less to be in the cold. In extreme heat can not be left in the car, it hurts the palm.
At home, the plant needs to be examined once more, left for some time indoors. After that, wash the leaves with warm water in the shower, to prevent it with an insecticidal preparation (spray the leaves and pour the soil) for prophylaxis.
Lighting
Howay well tolerates shadow, to her no bright light required.
Optimal placement - in the depths of the room or at the window facing north or northeast. At a young age, you need to shade from the rays of the sun (to avoid burns), adult palm trees are able to withstand direct sunlight.
Temperature
In the summer from 20 to 25 degrees, in the winter of 18-20. Adult plants tolerate coolness better than young ones.
Humidity
To dry air is not sensitive, spraying required summer soft warm water. Leaves should be wiped to remove dust or rinse under the shower. The pot can be placed in a container with wet moss.
Watering
During a year watered regularly moderately, determining the need for irrigation according to the condition of the soil: it should dry out.
In the summer it happens faster, more water is required. Recommended for watering using rainwater makes it difficult to tolerate high lime content.
Do not allow complete drying of the soil (damaged roots). When waterlogging begins, the root system decays, brown spots appear on the leaves.
Bloom
it monoecious plantsRegardless of the accessories, male flowers and female flowers are located in one inflorescence. It is located between the leaves, can grow from under the fallen.
When flowering appears arrow with small pimples located on it. In other cases, Hoveya blooms only in greenhouses.
Top dressing
Need to fertilize twice a month with active growthThe rest of the time - once a month using complex fertilizers (intended for palm trees). In winter, when growth stops, fertilizing is not required.
Transfer
Palm trees transplanted annually In young age transfer to a larger pot.
In adults change topsoil (annually), frequent transplanting is not needed. The composition of the soil for Hovey is not particularly important, more suitable - loamy substrate and always good drainage (it is desirable to add perlite). Can be grown in hydroponics.
And here is a video about transplanting (planting) Khovey, as well as about conditions for growing at home.
Breeding
Khovei more often grown from seed. They have low germination, germination takes from 2 months to 2 years. Cause:
- seed viability after harvesting lasts only 8-16 weeks;
- the degree of maturity of the seed does not always reach the necessary.
In these videos, more detail about caring for Hoveya at home:
//youtu.be/dz8vzFurhtg
Fruit
Externally resemble the fruits of date palm trees, have an ovoid shape, size 4 cm, reddish color.
Diseases and pests
The threat to palm Howay represent spider mites, thrips, scale insects. When they damage the plant dries and dies without treatment. They can attack a greenhouse aphid and whitefly.
With pest damage Palm is treated with soapy water. If there are many pests, treatment with insecticidal preparations is required.
Insufficient care causes stains on the leaves.
Magnificent palm tree creates an indoor atmosphere cheerfulness and optimism. She does not give sadness and fills with energy. Hoveya brings enthusiasm to people’s lives and makes them more determined.
