Hemp palm: expert tips on cultivation, care and Co.

The exotic hemp palm brings tropical flair to the house and garden. Find out everything you need to know about buying, growing and caring for the hemp palm here.

Palm trees tell of holiday feelings under the tropical sun on the palm beach. And who wouldn't want to put their minds there now and then, at least in their minds? A little vacation in everyday life - but a palm tree in your own garden? Yes, that is quite possible, with the hemp palm. The fact that some species of this genus can survive Central European winters is shown by the fact that in some areas of Switzerland the Chinese hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is invasive. The plant is so well adapted to the environmental conditions that it can even push back and replace native trees and species.

In order for the hemp palm to contribute to your oasis of well-being, it must of course first feel good itself. You will learn the most important things about the hemp palm and its care in this article.

Hemp palm: origin and characteristics

The genus of hemp palms (Trachycarpus) is common in Asia from China to Thailand, Vietnam and India. It even occurs in the Himalayas, some species at least up to an altitude of 2400 meters, an altitude at which the Alps are barely overgrown. Because of this demanding habitat, hemp palms are not just a pretty ornamental plant, but also well suited for the garden, because they are often winter hardy and can be used in the bed overwinter. It is not for nothing that they are considered the most popular palm trees in Germany.

There are many different types of hemp palms. The best known is certainly the Chinese hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). This species is particularly winter-proof and can reach heights of up to 15 meters. Dwarf hemp palms (Trachycarpus nanus), on the other hand, are not able to develop a trunk and therefore remain much smaller. The silver hemp palms (Trachycarpus princeps 'Silver') differ particularly in their silvery-white layer on the underside of the leaf. They are considered to be particularly stable, but they are difficult to get. Other well-known species are the Kumaon hemp palm (Trachycarpus takil), which initially forms a sloping trunk that gradually becomes more and more upright, and the Wagner hemp palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus), which remains relatively small with a maximum height of five meters.

Buying hemp palm: what to look out for

Buying a hemp palm is definitely recommended for those who want a little exoticism in their garden. There are of course several options. The simplest is probably to go to the nearest garden center. This may also be quite successful, at least if you want to purchase the most popular type of hemp palm, the Chinese hemp palm. But if you want something special, like the one that is considered the most beautiful hemp palm Trachycarpus princeps, a dwarf hemp palm (Trachycarpus nanus) or one of the numerous other types, then you should consider buying it on the internet. Numerous growers and dealers specialize in palm trees and can offer a much larger range than a conventional garden center.

When buying more unusual species, however, pay attention to their winter hardiness. Not all hemp palm species can tolerate such low temperatures as the hardy ones Trachycarpus fortunei. Even young hemp palms or hemp palms under one meter are not yet suitable for wintering in the garden.

Plant hemp palm

Hemp palms prefer well-drained, slightly acidic substrate. Mix the earth with sand or gravel. Older specimens, on the other hand, can cope with normal garden soil without any problems. Before you plant a hemp palm or place it on the terrace with its tub, give it enough time to get used to the high levels of sunlight. Most likely she grew up in a greenhouse and will have to get used to the much higher dose outdoors to avoid sunburn.

Once your hemp palm has acclimatized, you can plant it as follows:

• The dug hole should be a little deeper so that the entire root ball disappears into it. There should be a few centimeters of space to the top edge, which is then filled with garden soil
• Press the palm lightly so that it is stable
• Pour in enough water slowly. However, do not flood, otherwise the palm tree could be submerged or the water would only run off above ground. It is better to gradually add enough water so that it can penetrate to the roots
• You should water the plant more often in the coming days and weeks, as its root system is not yet sufficiently expanded

When potting, the principle is the same: use a pot that is deeper than it is wide, as hemp palms are deep-rooted.

The right location for the hemp palm

Hemp palms are sensitive to wind, which is why you should choose a sheltered location. Protection by a house wall can be useful here, especially since both also give off additional heat, especially at night. Nevertheless, the brightness should not be impaired too much by this protection. Although hemp palms can also thrive in partial shade, they grow much more slowly there than when they have enough sunlight available. If you want rapid growth, a place on the south side of your garden would be very suitable, for example.

Plant the hemp palm in the bed

If you want to plant a hemp palm directly in the garden, you should definitely do so in the spring, because this way it has the palm tree has enough time over the summer to get used to the new location and so to the exhausting winter prepare. This makes a significant difference to domestic fruit trees, which are less affected by the cold of winter rather than being stressed by the drought of summer and should therefore be planted in autumn. However, you should only plant out older hemp palms. Depending on the species, these not only tolerate winter without any problems with the appropriate measures, but they also do not require any special substrate. Normal garden soil is completely sufficient for them.

Plant the hemp palm in a pot

Younger specimens under three years of age should be potted in a bucket as they may not survive the winter outside. As a substrate for the undemanding hemp palm is the sustainable and peat-free Plantura organic universal soil, mixed with a bit of sour rock flour, excellently suited. A palm tree in a pot is particularly good on the terrace. Please note, however, that hemp palms, as already mentioned, have deep roots and the pot should therefore be deeper than it is wide. Repotting is due approximately every three to five years, or when you can see the root on the bottom of the pot.

Maintaining the hemp palm

Hemp palms are not very demanding. Still, there are some things to look for in the Care of hemp palms should pay attention. This includes that waterlogging should be avoided. They only need to be fertilized about once a month. All about that Fertilizing hemp palms You will find here. Cutting back green leaves is a bit more time-consuming, which should be done very carefully.

Hibernate the hemp palm

Since hemp palms are hardy to a certain extent, depending on the species, they can overwinter outside in beds or buckets. In order for the palm tree to survive the winter unscathed, some measures are still necessary. The protection of the palm heart, i.e. the point at which all the fronds converge, is particularly important. The roots should also be protected from cooler temperatures by covering the soil around the palm trunk. We have summarized for you what the Wintering of hemp palms arrives.