Latania is a genus of palm trees that is home to 3 species, among which we include  Latania Bourbon by its common name .  This palm tree is indicated for areas of the garden where we do not want to generate shade at first, due to its slow growth. To see it in its full growth (5 meters) we have to wait many years. If it has convinced you, let’s see how it is grown.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BOURBON LATANIA

Its scientific name, even though we can think of it as its own name, is  Livistona chinensis . It is also known as the Chinese fan palm or Livinstona of China and is native to the Asian continent, although cultivation is widespread in tropical and temperate climates around the world.

Its name, Livistona , is due in honor of Patrick Murray, of Edinburgh, where the botanical garden was founded in 1670.

HOW TO GROW LATANIA IN THE GARDEN

Its behavior in terms of maintenance and the needs it may have is similar to that of other palm trees that we have treated. Short irrigations, alkaline soils and without the need for much organic matter and high temperature range.

THE APPROPRIATE CLIMATE AND SOIL FOR BOURBON LATANIA

It is a palm tree that performs well in hot climates with good moisture content and direct exposure to the sun. However, it can also be grown in shady areas and even indoors. Despite requiring warm temperatures in winter, it is not susceptible, except for very young palm trees, to frost. They endure temperatures below 5º C below zero.

With regard to soils, it tends to adapt well to any type of soil, as long as it has a good content of organic matter and has good drainage .

HOW TO WATER

Accustomed from its origins to climates with frequent rains, it has always required frequent watering . Nowadays, it is also used to dry areas with temperate climates (where it does not develop as well as in other climates, but it grows without problems). In winter, watering once or twice a week is enough for Bourbon Latania. In summer, the frequency of irrigation must be increased to 3 days a week.

MULTIPLICATION OF LIVISTONA CHINENSIS

The dispersion of this palm tree, and in general of the entire set of palm trees, is through the wind (anemophilous). Also, although to a lesser extent it is spread by insects. These seeds, once sown in the culture medium, will germinate between 1 and 4 months. So do not despair if the first month nothing comes out. You have to be patient.

There is a trick that consists of immersing the seeds in water for a week to activate germination, although problems do not usually appear (as in the case of magnolia seeds ).

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Although palm trees are not usually very demanding in terms of fertilizer, if the soil where Latania is grown is poor, it is advisable to fertilize a couple of times in spring or summer, when the plant is most active.