JUBEA CHILENSIS

This plant is included within the Arecaceae family, and it is the only one of its species that has not become extinct today. It is endemic to Chile, and due to its location it receives the common name of the “Chilean Palm”. This palm tree stands out for its impressive corpulence, being able to reach up to 30 meters in height, with its trunk being more than one meter in diameter. Its trunk is composed of fibers, wider at its base and as it gains height the diameter of the trunk decreases, the bark of this palm is smooth. It is very slow growing. Its leaves have a characteristic feather shape, which can be between 3 and 5 meters long. It withstands extreme temperatures very well, from frosts of up to 15 degrees below zero, to 40 degrees above zero. This palm tree is very resistant to droughts since its roots can move up to 20 meters looking for water. Its fruit is the "coquito" so called because it is a small coconut.

As a curiosity, in ancient times the palms of this palm tree were used to make the roofs of adobe houses, also to make hats, and other types of crafts such as bowls. Its coconuts have been used to make desserts because they are sweet, giving rise to “palm honey”.

CARE FOR YOUR PALM TREES

Las Palmeras can be had both indoors and outdoors. There are varieties that are better adapted to the outdoors or garden, and there are others better adapted to live indoors and in pots.

Indoors

- Plants in general prefer places with direct light or that have good lighting, it will always be preferable next to a window, on a balcony or on a terrace.

- It is essential that they have good drainage, both in soil and in pot. It is advisable to put a layer of engraving on the bottom of the pot.

- The ideal substrate for palm trees has to be rich in organic matter, a good worm humus.

- Irrigation has to be every 3 or 4 days, before making sure that the substrate is dry, excess water is not good.

Outside

- There are palm trees that prefer direct sun and others prefer more shady areas, it is also very important to take into account the climate of the place where you live, there are palm trees well adapted to low temperatures and other palm trees that prefer warmer climates.

- It is essential that they have good drainage, both in soil and in pot. Water puddles are not good for plants in general.

- The ideal substrate for palm trees has to be rich in organic matter, a good worm humus, Compost or Manure would be enough.

- Irrigation, as the palm tree is on the ground and being more intense than in a pot, it can be one watering a week.

- A preventive treatment against diseases with repeated spraying 3 or 4 times a year allows to keep some species of palm trees safe from possible pests.