Areca catechu Dwarf & Semi-Dwarf go in the ground

[PalmatierMeg]

Our first day of fall ushered in some drier if not cooler air. That drier air was heralded by a wind and rain storm that managed to do more damage and knock over more things than TS Sally a couple of weeks ago. Among the things blown over were two enormous pots of Areca catechu dwarf and semi-dwarf. We couldn't help but notice that both pots were rootbound. Having no larger pots to move these palms to we decided to bite the bullet and plant them in our back yard jungle. So, yesterday and today we did. We also had to sacrifice two nice plastic pots to free them. I have several other large pots of dwarf Arecas and have made plans to put them in the ground this fall. But planting a very large rootbound palm every few days is all we can manage at our age. We will spend the whole winter trying to catch up to everything that got away from us this past growing season.

Naturally, I took photos.

Areca catechu, Semi-Dwarf - While not the coveted fully dwarf version of this species, this is quite a special palm in its own right. It is about 7-8' tall and has nicely scrunched leaves.

Note: I took closeups of the scuffed/abraded crownshaft and trunk. That occurred when the storm pushed over the pot into a Beccariophoenix. I treated the wounds with hydrogen peroxide. Does anyone have any suggestions on what else I can do to prevent infection?

Notice scrapes on crownshaft and trunk

Areca catechu Dwarf - Dwarf Arecas occur along a spectrum from extreme to semi. This palm is quite dwarf, although it has distinct 1-2" petioles. We planted it in place of a fading Satakentia

Petioles approx 1-2" long

Areca catechu Normal - This typical Areca catechu is planted close to the dwarf and semi-dwarf in the jungle. It is going into its 2nd winter in the ground and took down to 37F with little damage last winter.

[PalmatierMeg]

This potted Areca catechu Dwarf is waiting to be scheduled for planting. I think I may have a spot in mind. It is smaller/younger than the dwarf Areca I planted. Petioles are about 1" long.

Areca catechu (not quite) Extreme Dwarf - This is my most dwarfed Areca. Petioles are nil to 1/2" long. Its pot also blew over in the storm so I have picked a place very close to where its pot now sits on the south side of the house. I'm sure I'll have to sacrifice another nice pot.

This next dwarf Areca has had its ups and downs. At one point this summer the nearby Pritchardia pacifica blocked most of its access to light and sun until I cut off the offending leaf. Its still struggling to regain its dark green color. I might repot it if I can find a larger pot.

I grew this last dwarf Areca from seed. I plan to move it to a larger pot. I've germinated over 100 dwarf Areca seeds in the past several years. Not one turned out to be a ultra-rare, coveted, no-petiole extreme dwarf. But I love them anyway.

 

[Palm Tree Jim]

Those are wonderful specimens Meg!

[PalmatierMeg]

11 minutes ago, Palm Tree Jim said:

Those are wonderful specimens Meg!

Thanks

[doubravsky]

Wow... Areca Catechu's are beautiful palms, and yours look amazing! Wish they would grow here.... sigh. 

[Butch]

19 hours ago, doubravsky said:

Wow... Areca Catechu's are beautiful palms, and yours look amazing! Wish they would grow here.... sigh. 

X2...

 

Butch