Description
Special Features of Chrysalidocarpus (Areca)
Chrysalidocarpus is a genus of tropical heliophytes (light-loving plants) belonging to the family Arecaceae, or Palmaceae, or Palmae. Wikipedia includes 185 genera in this family, totaling to approximately 3,400 species. A more authoritative source, GRIN web site (see the opening paragraph of Schefflera for more information) has now included only 1,200 genera (without synonyms) in the family Arecaceae and only 8 species in the genus Chrysalidocarpus:
1) Chrysalidocarpus baronii;
2) Chrysalidocarpus cabadae;
3) Chrysalidocarpus decipiens;
4) Chrysalidocarpus lucubensis;
5) Chrysalidocarpus lutescens;
6) Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis;
7) Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis var. lucubensis;
8) Chrysalidocarpus rivularis.
All Russian sources include 20 species in this genus (borrowed from nowhere) and are silent about another 12 Latin names and about 18 their Russian equivalents. They only prefer to describe in detail three species: 2, 5, and 6.
ATTENTION! We must also know that a generic synonym for Chrysalidocarpus is Dypsis, rather than Areca. Moreover, detailed information on the GRIN website contains a special warning not to confuse Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H. Wendl. [Dypsis lutescens (H. Wendl.) Beentje & J. Dransf.] and Areca lutescens Bory (or Hyophorbe indica Gaertn.)!! However, indoor plant growers continue to treat Chrysalidocarpus and Areca as synonyms.
Chrysalidocarpus is native to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands between it and Africa.
The name "Chrysalidocarpus" is comprised of two components, the Greek "chryseus" (gold) and "karpos" (fruit). It is easy to guess that their fruits are golden-coloured. It is true, with few exceptions. The plants are elegant evergreen beauties that grow to 7 to 9 to 15 meters in the wild and to 2-6 meters indoors in central Russia.
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is a multi-trunked palm, sometimes defined as a shrub. It usually develops a few (5-7 or more) shoots with smooth unbranched stems and graceful feathery foliage. In the wild, the light green leaves can reach 200 x 90 centimeters. They are cut into 40-60 strong (no drooping) fronds 10-12 millimeters wide. Yellowish young petioles and trunks feature small black dots that gradually develop into dense flakes. The yellow stalks in a mature specimen are 50-60 centimeters.
Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis has a classic palm shape with a solitary trunk. The trunk is slightly widened at the base; the remaining part gradually tapers from 25 do20 centimeters in diameter. The side surface, rings are clearly visible; they are the points where fallen leaves were attached. Glossy leaves vary in width (mostly about 18 millimeters) and length (up to 45 centimeters) and are arranged in bunches.
Chrysalidocarpus cabadae is one of the aforementioned exceptions and has red fruits rather than yellow. The name "cabadae" is derived from the name of a garden owner in Cuba, where the species was discovered and first described in 1962, shortly after the victory of Communist revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. The common name is Cabada palm. Later this palm tree was found in the forests of the Comoros. So far it is used for indoor cultivation. Under natural conditions, the trunk can have a diameter of up to 10 centimeters and grow to 12 meters tall. The trunk is topped with a 2.5-3.5 meter long bunch of leaves forming a spreading V-shaped crown. Surely, this giant would be difficult to cultivate indoors.
The Secrets to Successfully Growing Chrysalidocarpus (Areca Palm)
Chrysalidocarpus loves light. Standard lighting rate is 3,500 plus or minus 500 lux. It will accept direct sunlight and thrive close to the south-facing window, developing large and vibrant foliage. However, it is better to slightly shade your plant at midday in the summer.
Young specimens are significantly tenderer than older plants, but they both need wet and warm conditions:
- The best temperatures in the summer are 22-25 ° C.
- The best temperatures in the winter are 18-23 ° C. Take care not to allow it to get any colder than 15 ° C.
- From time to time provide fresh air but avoid drafts! In the summer, you may want to take your plant to the garden. Heavy rains and / or strong winds need to be avoided.
- In the spring and summer, water plentifully, as soon as you notice that the top soil has dried out. In the autumn and winter, water moderately. You might even try to replace watering with misting at least twice a day.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out around the roots. Always keep the soil moist. You may place the pot on a tray with water.
- In the summer, maintain high air humidity by FREQUENT misting. Regularly wash your plant with warm shower. Alternatively, you may immerse the aboveground part of the plant in water (though this seems a bit difficult).
- Wash the leaves twice a month or even more frequently.
Use soft settled water.
The preferred soil composition is lightweight clay loam, peat, humus and leaf mold, rotted manure, and sand at 2: 1: 2: 1: 1. You can add some charcoal. You can buy commercially available palm soil mixture. Be sure to measure acidity (pH 5 required).
There is a simpler mixture (loam, leaf mold, and sand at 2: 3: 1) with less stringent requirements for acidity (pH = 5.0-7.0). You might want to try.
Chrysalidocarpus needs feeding all year round. Use compound foliage plant fertilizer, or palm-specific fertilizer or, at worst, flower fertilizer every month from October to February and 2 or even 3 times a month in other seasons.
Expert opinions differ regarding repotting needs:
- Some say Chrysalidocarpus does not like repotting so it should be repotted only when potbound and the roots begin to emerge from the bottom holes. Be very careful not to damage roots during repotting.
- Others calmly and confidently recommend repotting young specimen each year in the spring and mature plants once in 3-4 years. It goes without saying that we must ensure good drainage in a new pot. If your palm has grown into a large plant, top-dress with fresh soil without disturbing the root system.
There are two methods of propagation:
A) From seed. Pre-soak the seeds in warm water (30 ° C) for 2-4 days, and then sow in lightweight peat soil. Ensures heating to 20-25 ° C, average humidity, and bright light. You might want to use a propagation case to provide all these conditions. After 30-40 days, when the seeds germinate, decrease the temperature to 18-22 ° C. After 3-4 months, the leaves will develop and you may move the seedlings into individual pots 10-12 centimeters across.
B) By suckers (shoots that develop from the bottom buds). They are easily separated them the mother plant and then take roots in the lightweight soil. (Probably this can be called "dividing the shrub"). The most favourable for the reproduction period is spring and summer.
Potential Problems
After you purchase Chrysalidocarpus lutescens with 5 or more stems in one pot, do not dig them up, divide and plant into separate pots, or you will lose the plant. This species develops several stems from one underground root.
During the so-called resting period of rest, take care not to overwater as this is extremely dangerous. Watch for the topsoil condition. Allow it to dry out and wait for 2-3 days before watering again.
If the leaves turn yellow:
a) If the plant is underwatered in the summer;
b) If the plant is overexposed to direct sunlight;
c) If the soil is not sufficiently fertile;
d) If the soil has excessive content of calcium (Ca) probably to hard water used for watering.
Brown leaf tips are a sign of the following:
a) The air is too dry or cool;
b) The plant is underwatered;
c) The leaves are in contact with a cold object (for example, window panes in the winter).
The leaves are speckled with shapeless brown spots:
a) The soil is waterlogged;
b) The temperature has abruptly dropped;
c) Watering with hard water.
If an entire bottom leaf turns dark brown color and dies, it can be due to natural ageing. You may either remove it by cutting off with a sharp knife or leave it as is and it will eventually fall off.
If all aboveground part of the plant turns dark, it can be a symptom of rot caused by waterlogged soil. Check the drainage in the pot.
The leaves turn pale in full light or if infested by red spider mites promoted by dry air.
Mealybugs prefer undersides of the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry.
Like any palm, Chrysalidocarpus is susceptible to scale insects.
It is also sensitive to some fungi. The plant might develop round or oval patches, reddish brown, with slightly lighter rims. Stop misting and apply fungicide.