Family: Arecaceae
Scientific name: Bismarckia nobilis
Common name: Bismarck palm
Origin: Madagascar
The Bismarck palm is a rare and quite beautiful palm from the north and west of Madagascar. The foliage is silver blue, and grows up to 3 meters wide. In nature, the species can sometimes reach a height of 25 meters, but the species stays small enough as a container- or houseplant. The plant loves to stand in a sunny spot and can withstand temperatures up to 3 degrees below zero. The species is named after Otto von Bismarck, a praised Chancellor of the German Empire from 1871 till 1890.
Sowing description: First, soak the seeds for 2 days in warm water (preferably 30 degrees Celsius) and change the water several times. Sow the seeds in sowing mix and silica sand (1:1) and press the seeds halfway into the ground. Cover with plastic foil or glass and keep the ground moist. Place on a warm spot (30 degrees Celsius with bottom heat or near a heater/stove). The seeds usually germinate after 6 to 8 weeks, possibly later.
Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: -3 graden Celsius
Photo: Eklenen Resimler
