SPERLI Zwergpalme

The dwarf fan palm stays at 80–100 cm in a tub and flowers from May to August – a Mediterranean palm you raise yourself from seed.

The story

Origins & history

Chamaerops humilis is at home in the western Mediterranean, from Spain and Portugal through southern France and Italy to North Africa. Alongside the Cretan date palm, it is the only palm species native to Europe. There it grows on dry, rocky slopes and along the coast.

Uses

In a tub it brings a southern feel to patio and balcony. As a plant it likes a bright spot out of the harsh midday sun; in winter it needs a bright, frost-free place. Over the years several stems sprout from its base.

Meaning

Its name says what it is: “Chamaerops” combines Greek words for “low” and “shrub”, and “humilis” is Latin for low. In Spain and North Africa its leaves were traditionally woven into baskets, mats and brooms.

A thought for giving

The dwarf fan palm grows not only upwards but outwards: over the years several stems rise from a single root. An image of a family or friendship that grows larger with time.

At a glance

• Contents: 1 packet for approx. 5 plants
• Botanical name: Chamaerops humilis
• Life cycle: perennial
• Height: 80–100 cm
• Position: shade
• Suitable for containers: yes (container)
• Sow indoors: all year round
• Flowering: May–August
• Sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Germination temperature: 25–28 °C
• Germination time: 120–160 days
• Seed type: loose seed

How to sow

1. Sow indoors all year round, in Kokohum (coir substrate) in the Anzuchthaus PRO24 propagator.
2. Place seeds 0.5–1 cm deep and keep evenly moist.
3. At 25–28 °C they germinate in 120–160 days; the propagator keeps warmth and humidity stable through the long germination period.
4. Pot strong young plants into a tub, keep them bright but out of the harsh midday sun and feed with Palmen-Dünger (palm fertiliser).

Delivery time: 1–2 weeks. Manufacturer: SPERLI GmbH. Seeds, not a plant – the image shows the original packet.

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