This Palm has gorgeous leaves extending fronds outwards from each stem, catching the eye with the circular patterns of the leaves. Its stems, however, are also something to look out for; lined with rows of spikes, you'll want to be careful moving these plants! This sort of adaptation can discourage hungry herbivores from munching on these plants in the wild, but in your home can add an extra interest to the decor! Fortunately, the palms do not need too much close care; their soil should be at least a third dry before you water again, and as long as they're somewhere fairly bright with average to high humidity, they'll be happy for you to otherwise admire from a distance.
Scientific Name Saribus rotundifolius (Sariboe plant with rounded leaves)
Reclassified from the Livistona genus in 2011 after DNA analysis, the correct scientific name is Saribus rotundifolius. Has also been known as Livistona rotundifolia, Corypha rotundifolia and Livistona chinensis
Common Name Footstool Palm, Java Palm, Sadeng, Serdang, Fan Palm, Anahaw Palm
Origin Native to Southeast Asia Light Bright, indirect light is best, and this plant will also appreciate a splash of direct sun in winter to help it through its dormancy period. This plant can cope with lower light levels, but prefers some light! Water In brighter locations, allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters; in darker locations make sure half the soil has dried before watering again.
Humidity This plant loves humidity and will benefit from a pebble tray or a regular mist. Make sure it's nowhere near an operating radiator. If you see browning leaf tips, it's probably not humid enough; keep an eye out in winter especially.
Soil Use a well-draining soil. A mix with added coir or sand would do well; this plant does not like to sit soggy. Repot every two years in Spring; take care with your plant as it can suffer from transplant shock when repotted.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Temperatures of about 18-30°C are great- make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips Older leaves will go yellow and die back over time; however if you notice this happening rapidly, you may be over-watering your plant. Make sure you're allowing the top third to a half of the soil to dry out between waters!
This month we have been busier than expected, which is obviously amazing. We have worked with some amazing businesses, including a very nice doughnut cafe thats opened on College Green that you need to check out. We have welcomed Jazz to the team, she's already settling in amazingly. And we look forward to the end of the year for that ever so special quarter that is very very important to retailers like us up and down the country.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.