I just got a couple of small Balaka seemanii from Hawaii and was amazed at this palms beauty. Please post photos any Balaka photos. Any recommendations for proper care?

Thanks,

Ray

Can't wait to see how those do for you. Are you planting them out, or keeping them containerized? I've been thinking about adding that species to my container army...

Got a pic Ray?

Looks like our sandy coral soil is going to be the problem for this palm...

I believe that this sweet little palm can and should be used more.

They look great in groups but should never get full sunlight exposure. Can handle indoors so long as no aircon and regular watering.

In habitat they grow in heavy soils with only a thin layer of leaf-mulch topsoil and even in clays. They are growing happily for us in a riversand-loam soil.

They should do ok in a protected position in your yard but will be lost if not positioned with consideration for their delicate look.

Sorry that I cant post any stills as I am not with my own computer at present as we are in Sydney enjoying some city life for a change.

However last month I posted some in a thread on fijian palms in habitat.

Jim

PS. Here's wishing all a great New Year !!!!!!

I have one in my garden and it often goes unnoticed. It is quite small and lurks in the shadows. It is a really slow growing palm for me, I thought since it gets absolutely no direct or even filtered sunlight.

I will post a photo of it later.....

Pretty palm...

Here are the pics I found on davesgarden.com:

Balaka Seemannii

I have a small potted one but it is already forming a tiny trunk. It is getting late here now but I will take pictures over the weekend.

I read what Bill wrote and am concerned. I was planning on planting it in my shade palm garden in the spring. Will it survive in the ground here even if I amend the soil or should I leave it potted?

Meg and Bill,

This looks like an ideal long term decorative container plant. I can't imagine the rootball ever outgrowing a 5 gallon container.

Ray

I had the samne thought Ray, kinda like some of the itsy bitsy Dypsis'...

TikiRick, do you have your planted in the sand? Did you amend?

Anyone have anything more to add to this thread? I want to get a few and wanted some more info, before pulling the trigger...

I lost my Balaka to the cold winter of 2010. It just couldnt take the extended cool evenings of the 40's. I'd keep in containerized if possible.

That's a little disconcerting, Rick. I don't think your place gets as cold as mine--I don't have a water micro-climate; do you think that had any affect, or with or without, this palm is too sensitive?

I agree, beautiful little palms. Here's a B. microcarpa I finally got into the ground in July.

Must really like where it is, it just opened the second spear. It's a pretty good size, you can see the

yellow ID tag down at the bottom. I doubt the trunk will get any larger. I need to get more for a nice

grouping.

As usual, I can contribute only "baby pictures" of my two Balaka spp. and can only say that they're alive so far. Hover on photos for names.