Origin
Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. is a subspecies of Pritchardia remota, a palm tree species native to the small island of Nihoa in the Hawaiian Islands.
Common Names
Most commonly known as Aylmer-Robinson's pritchardia or Nihoa pritchardia, this palm tree is named after Herbert Spencer Aylmer Robinson who was a collector that discovered the species in 1923.
Uses
The palm tree is highly valued as an ornamental plant in horticulture and landscaping. The palm can be planted indoors or outside as long as it is in a well-drained soil with regular watering. Its fronds can be utilized for weaving, and traditional Hawaiian hula skirts have been made with Pritchardia species.
General Appearance
Aylmer-Robinson's pritchardia is a tall and slender palm, reaching up to 15 meters in height. The tree has a thin grayish-brown trunk, which can measure up to 25 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are large, fan-shaped, and can reach up to two meters in diameter. They are dark green with a silvery-white underside. The fruit of the tree is spherical and can measure up to three centimeters in diameter. The seeds of the fruits are round and brown.
Light Requirements
The Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. typically requires partial to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but prefers ample light to attain its full growth potential. Placing the plant in a partially shaded area can prevent damage from the hot, direct sun, if the plant is exposed to a very warm and dry climate.
Temperature Requirements
The Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. thrives in warm climatic conditions. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit but does not grow well in low temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, it requires a warm temperature in a range of 60°F to 90°F to grow significantly.
Soil Requirements
The Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. grows best in well-drained soil, with a soil pH level ranging between 6 to 7.5. The plant prefers a medium soil texture with loamy sand, sandy loam, or loam composition, which allows air circulation and water retention. Fertilizers can also be added in small quantities in the soil to enhance growth.
Cultivation Methods
Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. prefers well-draining soil and a partially shaded location. The plant requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 65 to 80°F (18 to 26°C). It can be grown outdoors in tropical or subtropical regions, or indoors in pots with adequate drainage.Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the proper growth of Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Inadequate watering can cause the plant to wilt and drop its leaves, while too much water can cause root rot.Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to provide the required nutrients for the healthy growth of Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. However, yellow or dead leaves can be removed to maintain the plant's appearance. Overgrown stems can also be trimmed to control the size of the plant. Pruning should be done with clean and sharp tools to prevent the spread of diseases.Propagation Methods for Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined.
Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. can be propagated through two different methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. is by using seeds. The seeds must be fresh to increase the chances of germination.
The seeds must be soaked in water for 24-48 hours before planting to encourage germination. Fill your pot with well-drained soil, and place the seed in the soil's center, burying it up to half an inch deep. The pot must be kept moist and in filtered light or shade, which replicates the plant's natural habitat.
It can take up to 1-3 months to germinate, and care must be taken to ensure that the young seedling's soil remains moist and that it is given enough light to develop properly.
Vegetative Propagation
Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This can be done by removing suckers or offshoots from the mother plant and repotting them.
The plant must be mature to have a sucker, and the best time to remove the sucker is in the spring or summer. The offshoot should have its roots and node system fully developed, or else it will not be strong enough to grow on its own.
The sucker must be delicately removed from the mother plant with a sharp, clean blade, taking the greatest care not to damage the mother plant, or the sucker will not survive. The offshoot must then be planted in well-drained soil, placed in filtered light, and watered adequately.
If all conditions are maintained, the offshoot will take around 1-2 months to root and become an independent plant with its leaves and root system developed.
Disease Management
Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined., is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by several fungal species and appears as yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by promptly removing and destroying the infected leaves, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and results in the decay of the central stem. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Phytoplasma disease: This disease is caused by a type of bacteria called phytoplasma and results in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature death of the plant. There is no known cure for phytoplasma disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined., including:
- Red palm mite: This pest feeds on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and discoloration. It can be managed by regular monitoring and the use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
- Coconut mealybug: This pest feeds on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. It can be managed by the use of natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of the plant and cause significant damage. They can be managed through handpicking or the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial pesticide.
Regular inspection and maintenance are key to preventing and managing both diseases and pests in Pritchardia remota Becc. ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (St. John) R.W. Read, comb. nov. ined. Prompt action to remove and destroy infected or infested plants can help prevent the spread of disease and pests to other nearby plants.
