A coconut tree is an exceptional plant which is at home in tropical countries. With its’ pinnate leaves the coconut palm is beautiful to look at, and for many of us the symbol of tropical holidays, sunshine, white beaches and blue sea. To get some of this holiday atmosphere into your living room, why not grow your own coconut tree yourself?
There are several ways of doing so. Their chances of success, however, are varying. The first variant as described below, which is to purchase an already pregerminated nut, is probably the most promising option. In general, it is also possible to cultivate or germinate a coconut on one’s own. With sure instinct and a “green thumb” such a germination can succeed as well.
Variant 1:
The most successful option for growing a coconut tree is to buy an already pregerminated coconut, for example in a garden centre. Plant the coconut with the small seedling into Kokohum soil. This is a special soil which can be found for example in garden or DIY centres and which is ideal for these plants. In a bright spot, with regular watering and careful maintenance the pregerminated coconut can grow to a handsome plant.
Variant 2:
Another possibility is to buy a coconut and remove the outside fibers of the nut. Poor hot water over the stripped fruit and cover half of the coconut with warm water. Put the coconut at a warm location and leave it there, always in warmth. With a little luck, the plant will germinate after approximately two months. Now the coconut can be planted into soil. Please make sure that only the bottom half of the nut is planted into the soil, ideally Kokohum soil. Again: In a bright spot, and with regular watering and careful maintenance, the seedling can grow to a beautiful plant.
Care:
The coconut palm need a warm location throughout the year. Even in winter, the temperature as well as the humidity need to be rather high. If you spray water on both sides of the leaves with a common spray bottle or pump sprayer, the humidity in the room will increase. Also, place the coconut in a slightly shady spot without blazing midday sun. From May to September, the palm should be abundantly watered – however without drowning the plant. From October, the amount of water can be slightly reduced. Starting in spring, the coconut palm should be fertilized with liquid fertilizer. If you want to keep your palm for several years, it needs to be repotted every two years. When repotting, please make sure that half of the nut will always stick out of the soil to provide enough space for the roots in the pot. Being kept indoor, coconut palms obtain a height of about 1.50 meters.
