Champagne Palm (Hyophorbe indica)

Product description

The champagne palm is a rare species and grows naturally in the humid forests of Réunion at an altitude of 200 to 600 metres. The natural populations are small, however, and unfortunately their survival is threatened. In the east of the island grows a green variety with a bottle-shaped trunk,  from which these seeds originate. In the south of the island there is another red variety with a much slimmer trunk, but this form is now almost extinct. In the wild, the palm can reach a height of about 10 metres. The inflorescence is large and exuberant with many yellowish-white flowers on 4 stems that are followed by small orange fruits. 

The species does well in a pot or container and is therefore suitable as a houseplant. The palm grows relatively quickly and needs a lot of water. Provide well-drained soil and water when the soil becomes dry. Older plants might survive a light frost, but it is advisable to maintain a minimum temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius. Young plants can be kept in a light spot without direct sunlight, while older plants prefer direct sunlight. 

Sowing instructions: Sand seeds in one place with sandpaper and then soak in lukewarm water for 48 hours. Sow in sowing mix at 25-30°C. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, after which germination may occur within a few weeks.