Footstool palm (Saribus rotundifolia)

Product description

This fan palm is cultivated worldwide for its wide use as an ornamental plant. In the tropics it is a particularly popular addition to most gardens due to its huge round leaves with an attractive green color. The beautiful leaves have reached the status of national leaf of the Philippines. Even juvenile plants have fairly large, attractive leaves. For this reason it is a popular indoor plant in colder regions in the world as well. Though it is sold in most garden centers, it can be a nice challenge to grow the plant from a seed yourself. This is supported by the fact that after 3 years, with proper watering and nutrition, the plant can already grow a trunk of up to 15-20 cm.

In nature the palm can reach a height of around 24 meters and the leaves are used as a building material and for wrapping food. Indoors the 2 meter height is a bit more moderate and manageable. Palm soil works best for the plant, however most potting soils will do just fine. The palm cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees and grows best at room temperature (18-24 degrees). Keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight. 

Sowing instruction: Lightly sand the seeds and afterwards soak in lukewarm water for around 24 hours. Sow relatively shallow in the sowing mix at 20-25 degrees and keep the soil moist. Germination can follow, as long as the seed is hard.