How to grow a coconut tree at home. Real coconut palms are one of the most capricious

In order to make our home more comfortable, we grow different plants and carefully care for them. But each plant is different and requires special care. Often, lovers of large green flowerpots acquire a coconut palm, but not everyone knows the features of its care. After all, if this is done correctly, it grows big, beautiful and pleases its owners.

The origin of the coconut palm is considered to be Malaysia. Inhabited in the tropics, it can grow up to 20-30 m. If the palm tree is grown in apartment conditions, then its height reaches no more than 5 m. Flowering and fruits can only be in tropical conditions, where it fully grows and ripens.

You can grow your own coconut tree at home. This is done with the help of a nut, the fruit of a coconut, which should be in a greenhouse or other warm place at a temperature of about 30 degrees. It is necessary to keep it until it sprouts, after that, place it in a pot of earth. As a rule, the germination process lasts about 6 months. When a palm tree grows several centimeters, it is important to provide optimal conditions for its growth:

• you need to grow it at a temperature of 23-26 degrees because the coconut tree loves warmth very much. In winter, the temperature should not be below 17 degrees, because the plant may die;
• the substrate for the coconut palm should be soft and consist of half peat and humus. It is very important when planting a nut in the ground not to completely immerse it in the soil, only its lower part should be in the ground;
• the palm tree should be placed in a bright place, but at the same time protect it from sunlight. Also, if possible, it can be additionally illuminated with special devices. This plant responds quite well to light;
• special attention should be paid to the humidity where the palm tree is located. Since she mainly lives in the tropics, she needs humidified air (about 70-80%). Therefore, if possible, spray it with water at least every other day. Make sure that water does not fall on the nut, otherwise the plant will begin to rot and disappear;
• since the coconut takes a very long time to grow, it need to be fed. For this, it is best to use only organic fertilizers. This should be done no more than once a month. For older plants, it is advisable to start top dressing in the spring and do this throughout the summer. In winter, it is recommended to leave the coconut at rest, as the process of its growth itself decreases.

After you managed to grow your own coconut at home, it is now important to properly care for it so that it is beautiful and healthy. One of the important points is watering. To determine if a palm needs water, try the top of the substrate - it should always be slightly damp. But in winter, it is best to reduce watering, while allowing a slight dryness of the top ball of the earth. It is unacceptable that there is water in the pot, its stagnation can lead to various diseases of the palm tree.

A transplant should be every year in order for the plant to grow well. As with all houseplants, this is best done in the spring, this is the best time to get used to the new soil. But when the palm reaches the age of about 3-4 years, it can no longer be touched. During this time, she becomes strong enough and needs rest in order to actively grow. Also, when transplanting, it is important to ensure good drainage for the palm tree. To do this, you can use sand, pebbles or granite.

Coconut palm grown at home is characterized by the appearance of dry and yellow leaves. They are recommended to be cut off immediately, because they can interfere with the growth of healthy leaves. Pruning must be done very carefully so as not to damage the nut or the stem of the plant.

Adhering to the conditions for proper care of the coconut palm is very important, because its future fate depends on it. Considering that the palm tree is an exotic plant, it can be difficult to grow it under normal conditions. Often the cause of her death is various diseases that appear when her care is violated, for example:

• the appearance of various insect pests;
• the appearance of various types of rot, which mainly affects the fruit of a palm tree - a nut;
• fungal diseases on the leaves;
• lack of vitamin microelements, which lead to a violation of the production of photosynthesis. A significant indicator is the change in color of palm leaves, which become a pale yellow hue.

Video on how to properly care for a palm tree - nut-bearing coconut (in Latin "Cocos Nucifera"):

Coconut palm ... and now before my eyes the seashore with a palm tree slightly leaning towards the water. Let's take a closer look at this symbol of a serene beach holiday.

From botany to practice

(Cocos nucifera)- the only representative of the genus Coconut (Cocos) families Arekovye, or Palm ( Arecaceae, or Palmaceae). Such uniqueness is remarkable in itself, as if nature took care to distinguish this plant from all others.

The place of origin of the coconut palm has not been precisely established - it is believed that Southeast Asia (Malaysia) was its homeland. The range of the plant has expanded significantly thanks to the efforts of people and the distribution of fruits with the help of river and sea currents. Now coconut palms occupy about 5 million hectares of land, of which more than 80% are in Southeast Asia.

Coconuts are able to remain viable for 110 days in salty sea water, during which time the fruit can be carried over 5000 km from their native shores. Due to the ability of coconuts to tolerate significant soil salinity, they can take root right on the seashore, where no other tree survives.

Coconut palm is a tree 25-30 m high with a smooth trunk with annular scars from fallen leaves, usually slightly inclined to one side. A trunk 15-45 cm thick in diameter is usually slightly expanded at the base (up to 60 cm) due to the supply of useful substances. The thickening of the trunk with age in palm trees does not occur due to the absence of the cambial layer (as in all monocotyledonous plants) and, consequently, the absence of growth of wood in the form of annual rings.

The main root of the palm dies, and its function is performed by many lateral adventitious roots, originating from the thickening of the base of the trunk. Horizontal roots go into the ground by 0.5 m, and vertical ones reach a depth of 8 m. Adventitious roots live for about 10 years, after which they are replaced by new ones. They, like the trunk, are uniform along the entire length and do not have a secondary thickening, which is typical for monocots. Dye is made from the roots of the coconut tree.

The leaves of the palm tree are huge, pinnate, up to 5-6 m long and up to 1.5 m wide, attached directly to the trunk. The weight of such a sheet reaches 12-14 kg. The leaf consists of 200-250 leaflets, each up to 80 cm long and up to 3 cm wide. The leaf grows for about a year and dies off after three years. Its base encloses the stem almost entirely, providing a strong anchorage to withstand strong offshore winds. About once a month, another new leaf appears on the tree, if unfavorable conditions do not delay its formation by 2-3 months. On a palm tree, on average, there are from 20 to 35 leaves. Palm leaves are used to weave everything that can be woven: from roofs and mats to handbags and jewelry.

In favorable conditions, the coconut palm blooms all year round. Every 3-6 weeks, inflorescences appear in the axils of the leaves in the form of an axillary panicle up to 2 m long, collected from spikelets with male and female flowers. Female flowers in the form of yellow peas 2-3 cm in size are placed in the lower part of the spikelets closer to the base, which provides more reliable fastening of the fruit. Their number reaches several hundred. Male flowers are located at the top of the spikelets, which allows them to expand the pollination zone. The number of male flowers is many times greater than the number of female flowers. For vigorous varieties, cross-pollination is characteristic, while for dwarf varieties, the height of which in adulthood reaches no more than 10 m, self-pollination. Usually 6-12 ovaries remain in the inflorescence. A good harvest is considered if 3-6 fruits ripen in a year.

Having cut off the top of the unblown inflorescence, they collect sweet palm juice containing 14.6% sugar. Brown crystalline palm sugar is obtained by evaporation. The juice left in the sun quickly ferments, turning into vinegar within a day. With slow fermentation, coconut wine is obtained, it has a low alcohol content, while having a refreshing and invigorating effect. It tastes like a light table grape wine.

For a faster harvest

Coconut palm begins to bear fruit at the age of 6 years, gradually increasing the yield to a maximum by 15 years and reducing it only after 50-60 years due to the aging of the tree. An adult tree produces an average of about 100 fruits per year, under favorable conditions, the yield can be increased to 200 fruits per tree.

As a result of long-term cultivation of the coconut palm, a large number of varieties have been created, which are divided into 2 groups: vigorous (ordinary) and undersized (dwarf). They differ significantly in biological and production characteristics.

The bred dwarf varieties have a shorter productive period - 30-40 years, but the first fruits appear on them in the 4th year of life, when the tree has only 1 meter of growth. By the age of 10, the coconut palm is able to give the maximum yield. The fruits of dwarf palms are smaller than those of vigorous ones, but harvesting from a maximum height of 10 m is much easier than from trees 20-25 m high.

The fruits of vigorous varieties are round, almost spherical in shape, about 30-40 cm in diameter and weighing up to 3 kg. Falling from a height of 20 m, they acquire a terrible destructive power. Harvesting is carried out all year round with a frequency of 2 months. An experienced picker can collect up to 1,500 nuts a day, for this he needs to skillfully use a long pole with a knife at the end. Less productive is the method of collecting with climbing on palm trees to a height of 20 m. On the plantations of about. Koh Samui (Thailand), where the supply of coconuts reaches 40 thousand pieces a year, began to use trained monkeys for harvesting, each of which is able to collect twice as many nuts as a person, due to the speed of climbing. The picking of coconuts by monkeys has become an attraction for tourists, which gives additional income to the plantations.

From shell to core

Harvested coconuts, like all other parts of this extremely useful palm tree, are used completely: from the shell to the kernel. Europeans are used to seeing brown hairy balls in supermarkets, but coconuts on a palm tree look very different. The fruit is covered with a dense smooth green shell, which may turn slightly yellow or red over time. Botanists call this outer shell the exocarp. Under it is a thick layer (2-15 cm) of brown fibers. This layer - the mesocarp - is peeled off along with the exocarp immediately after the coconuts are on the ground. Before we part forever with these two layers, peeling them off the fruit, we note their exceptional importance in the distribution of the species, and see how this raw material is used. If the layer of fibers provides buoyancy for fruits falling into the water and being carried away by the current, and protection of the seed from overheating in tropical conditions, then the water-impervious endocarp serves as a reliable capsule. In unripe young fruits, the mesocarp is edible. After the removal of the exocarp and mesocarp, the fruit acquires the familiar look of a rounded brown “nut”, overgrown with brown fibers. Note that the phrase “coconut” familiar to us is incorrect from the point of view of botany. In fact, the fruit is a drupe.

The fibrous layer - coir or coir - is an important raw material, for which part of the crop is harvested unripe. Coir is not subject to rotting, and this property is unchanged at any humidity and temperature, it perfectly retains its shape and lasts an exceptionally long time. This material is used in the furniture industry as an elite filler for mattresses and upholstered furniture; mats, ropes and coarse fabrics are woven from it. The main producers of coir in the world are India and Sri Lanka.

The next shell of the coconut is the endocarp, a very strong brown "nutshell" by which we easily recognize coconuts on grocery store shelves. A hard shell covers a single seed, which consists of an embryo and endosperm - solid and liquid. From the inside, the "shell" is covered with a layer of solid white endosperm 1-2 cm thick, and the inner cavity is filled with liquid endosperm. Buying a coconut in a store, we expect to get a sweetish refreshing juice (i.e. liquid endosperm) and a layer of white fatty hard endosperm lining the "shell" from the inside, which is familiar to us from coconut flakes, widely used in the confectionery industry. It is from this layer that valuable raw materials are obtained - copra. A thousand nuts yield about 200 kg of copra. The annual production of copra in the world is about 5 million tons. The Philippines and Indonesia are leading in this production.

Before we get to the edible seed, let's look for a use for the "shell." In industrial production, the "nutshell" with the remains of the fibers is crushed and a coconut substrate is obtained, which is used for growing plants. It has high moisture capacity and air permeability, is biologically pure and does not rot. These properties also make it possible to improve the composition of any soil when mixed with it. They sell coconut substrate in the form of briquettes: 5 kg of pressed substrate turns into 80 liters of full-fledged soil when soaked.

Dishes have been made from the endocarp for a long time. In Russia, coconuts were first known in the 17th century under Peter I, who brought a goblet made of coconut shell from Europe. Since coconuts were considered an “Indian curiosity” in Europe, the price of this curiosity was royal, as was its design. Exhibits of historical museums of the world can serve as confirmation of this.

At the base of the fruit, three "eyes" are clearly distinguishable, not overgrown with fibers and making the fruit look like a monkey's muzzle. These are pores formed in place of three carpels. Three pores correspond to the location of three ovules, of which only one develops into a seed. The pore above the developing seed is easily permeable, it is through it that the sprout breaks out, while the other two are impenetrable.

Occasionally there are coconuts in which all three pores are impenetrable. In such "tightly sealed" fruits, the embryo can turn into a unique "coconut pearl". A beautiful white smooth and hard shell, reminiscent of mother-of-pearl, covers the embryo, turning it into a jewel. Coconut pearls are considered to be the only plant-based gemstone in the world. So everyone who opens a coconut has a chance to find in it this miracle of nature - pearls, which are much rarer than sea ones. True, the probability of such luck is extremely small and is approximately 1 chance in 7500 fruits. One of the famous coconut pearls is on display at the Fairchild Botanical Gardens (Miami, USA). Like any unique gem, she has a proper name - "Magaraja".

natural saline

Let's return to the contents of the opened fruit. Before splitting a nut, it is necessary to drain 0.5-1 l of a refreshing and always cool (thanks to the insulating layer of the mesocarp) liquid through a hole in a permeable pore. To obtain the maximum amount of coconut water, the fruits are removed in the fifth month of ripening. Its consumption increases lactation in lactating women and promotes the dissolution of kidney stones. As the liquid endosperm matures, the sugar content increases. Coconut water is sterile and close to blood serum in a number of parameters, being a natural saline solution. During World War II, coconut water was used as a blood substitute for blood transfusions in emergencies. It contains a large amount of potassium (about 294 mg per 100 g) and natural chlorides (118 mg per 100 g) with a low sodium content. Nowadays, coconut water is more often sold in canned form, because. its shelf life is short and is 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Delicacy for millionaires

As the fruit ripens, the copra begins to accumulate and release oil into the liquid endosperm, which causes it to become cloudy as a result of the formation of an emulsion with its subsequent thickening. In the future, the amount of proteins and fats increases, and by the 8-9th month of maturation, the seed forms a solid endosperm. By 10-12 months, the fruit is fully ripe and ready to germinate.

Germination of the fruit begins with the appearance of a sprout from the pore, while primary roots begin to develop in the fibrous layer. The sprout at first covers the "heart of the palm tree" - the apical bud. Outside, it is covered with white edible fluff that tastes like marshmallows. A delicacy salad is prepared from the apical buds, which is called the "millionaires' salad" for the high cost of this dish, because each serving of this salad costs the life of plants that have lost their "heart". After 3-9 months, the first leaf appears, and the adventitious roots emerge from the mesocarp.

The palm tree does not yet have a trunk, it consists of a “nut” with a green bunch of leaves sticking out of it and an apical bud. Only after the kidney gains strength and grows to a certain size, the growth of the trunk will begin. It turns out that at first the palm tree grows "in width", and then rises "in height".

As practice has shown, the most productive palm trees begin to sprout first, in this regard, it is recommended to discard all fruits that have not sprouted within 5 months.

Young palms are planted in the ground at the age of 6-18 months. At the same time, the nut is left, because. a young plant up to three years continues to use the nutrient reserves contained in it. Planting can be done year-round, excluding the dry season. The plant is photophilous, so planting patterns should take into account the illumination, soil fertility and growth characteristics of a particular variety. Coconut palm can withstand groundwater salinity up to 3%. The planting density on the plantation is 100-160 specimens/ha. The large distance between the trees (9 m) allows the spreading leaves of each palm tree to receive their share of sunlight.

Having planted the next generation of palms, we will return to the freshly harvested crop

After the coconuts are on the ground, they are split and dried in the sun. White fatty endosperm is separated from the "shell". The collected raw materials are dried in the sun or in ovens to protect the product from bacteria and fungi and get copra, which contains about 70% oil. Coconut oil is extracted from copra by cold pressing or hot pressing. The resulting thick, fatty liquid is called thick coconut milk, which goes into desserts and sauces. It is made up of 27% fat, 6% carbohydrates and 4% protein and includes small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, C. Fresh coconut milk tastes like cow's milk and can be used to replace animal milk. The energy value of such milk is 230 kcal / 100 g. Butter from cream that has settled after cold pressing is much more valuable than that obtained after hot pressing.

In cold pressing, the mass of copra is re-dipped in water and squeezed again, obtaining liquid coconut milk. It is used in Southeast Asian cooking as an additive to soups and other dishes. The cake left after the production of oil is fed to livestock.

Copra is used in the confectionery industry in the form of the well-known coconut flakes. The high fat content determines its use in soap making, cooking, in the production of margarine, cosmetics, medicinal ointments and suppositories. Let's understand the properties of coconut oil and see why manufacturers use it so actively.

Coconut oil

The melting point of coconut oil is +25...+27°С, at lower temperatures it takes the form of a granular mass. It has a long shelf life and practically does not oxidize due to the high content of saturated fatty acids. The exceptional heat resistance of the oil, which does not lose its properties when heated to high temperatures, allows it to be effectively used in cooking for cooking fried and deep-fried dishes, in particular for making popcorn.

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, bactericidal effects on the body. It promotes the excretion of bile, prevents the development of obesity and urolithiasis, supports the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Lauric acid contained in coconut normalizes cholesterol metabolism in the body.

Coconut oil is almost indispensable in cosmetics. It has a healing and softening effect on the skin, promotes wound healing. Its beneficial properties are due to the presence of saturated fatty acids in its composition (lauric -50% of the total acid content, myristic - 20%, palmitic - 9%, capric - 5%, caprylic - 5%, oleic - 6%, stearic - 3% and polyunsaturated fatty acids - linoleic Omega-6 and linolenic Omega-3 acids - 1% each. Only refined oil can be used in cosmetic preparations. In face care products, its content should not exceed 10%, and in body care products - 30%.

Such a set of positive properties, and even in combination with cheapness, makes coconut oil irresistibly attractive for industrial production. No wonder the coconut palm has long been attributed to the main types of oilseeds in the world economy. The main world producers of coconut oil are now Malaysia, India, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Russia imports coconut oil mainly from India.

Now we can appreciate all the possibilities of using the coconut palm and its fruits and make sure that this plant is not without reason considered the “tree of life” in Southeast Asia.

Photo: Olga Shevtsova, Vladimir Sheiko, Maria Telnova, Natalya Aristarkhova, Rita Brilliantova

Homeland: coastal, tropical regions of South America.

In room culture, it is grown as an ornamental leafy plant.

Does not bloom at home.

Common species: Weddel coconut (Cocos weddeliana), walnut-bearing coconut (Cocos nucifera).

Buying a coconut tree

We buy a plant only if:

If there are no signs of disease on it (spots, spots, unpleasant odor, signs of decay);

If there are no pests on the plant, on the pot (including from its lower part);

If there is no damage to the trunk and growth buds.

A sign of a well-developed plant is the roots protruding from the pot.

Lighting

Optimum lighting - diffused sunlight. Coconut tolerates partial shade. Direct sunlight is allowed with one restriction: in the period from May to July from 11-00 to 15-00 it is necessary to shade.

With excessive lighting, the leaf begins to curl, sunburn appears on the leaf plate. Young palm trees (up to 5-6 years old) are highly sensitive to direct sunlight, under their influence the leaves quickly turn yellow and die. From six years of age and older, the coconut palm is less sensitive to direct sunlight: the leaf will brighten, but will not die.

In order for the plant to maintain symmetry, every two weeks, it is recommended to rotate it around its axis by 180 degrees.

The appearance of yellow or brown spots on the leaf plate in the summer indicates excessive lighting.

Temperature

The coconut tree is very sensitive to cold.

The optimal (average annual) temperature for the development of the coconut palm is 26-28 0 C. When the air temperature drops below 16-18 0 C for more than 2 weeks, the development of the plant stops.

A short-term decrease in temperature to 0 0 С is permissible.

Humidity

Optimum humidity is high (80-90%).

At a humidity of 50% (normal summer room humidity), the tips of the leaves begin to dry out. Also, it is unacceptable to put a coconut in a draft or in the path of a cold air flow from an air conditioner - otherwise, you will forget what a beautiful crown is.

Watering

In the period from April to August, the frequency of watering is without drying the earthen coma.

In winter - with a slight drying of the earthen clod.

A common cause of coconut death is over-watering at an early stage.

The soil

The coconut palm prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0.

Coconut is prone to rotting at an early stage, so the potting mix should be able to drain water quickly.

With properly composed soil, water, after watering, flows out of the pot through the drainage hole in a matter of seconds. If this happens within a few minutes, then such soil is not suitable for growing coconut.

The following materials are used for soil drainage: pebbles, pumice, very coarse sand, coarse perlite, wood chips (from 2 cm in size), granite and coarse peat.

Materials that reduce the drainage of the soil mixture: clay soil, fine sand (fraction less than 3 mm) or any other substrate consisting of fine solid particles.

The composition of the soil mixture: 1 part of sod land + 1 part of humus + 1 part of perlite + 1 part of leafy soil + 1 part of peat + 1 part of tree bark.

If it is problematic to make the right mixture, use clean coarse sand for planting (this is the native environment for coconut). In this case, it is necessary to responsibly approach the quality of dressings, because. there are no nutrients in the sand.

Fertilizer

For top dressing, it is better to use granular, slow-release fertilizers. In this case, they are brought in in the spring - once a season.

As top dressing, you can also use soluble mineral fertilizers or solutions of organic fertilizers in the recommended concentration. The best option is to use specialized fertilizers for palm trees. The frequency of feeding in this variant is once every three weeks. They are held from April to August.

Coconut Transplant

Coconut is a fast growing palm tree. In room culture, its life expectancy is 5-6 years.

The optimal period for transplantation is April.

Coconut transplantation must be carried out with the preservation of an earthy coma when the roots fill the entire pot. Coconut is transplanted every year into a larger container (10-15%). When transplanting, part of the roots that form the felt layer is cut off with a sharp knife so that the plant fits in a new pot.

When working with a palm tree, it is unacceptable to damage the trunk. If this already happened, then the wound must be treated with garden pitch. Remember - damage to the apical bud is tantamount to the death of the coconut.

Pests

Mealybug, spider mite, scale insects and false scale insects. See the Pests section for pest control methods.

Diseases

1) Yellowing of the lower part of the crown, gradually spreading to the entire crown, indicates infection with phytoplasma diseases. There is no treatment - the plant is disposed of.

2) Black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola), Pytium rot (Helminthosporium, Pythium, Fusarium), leaf spot.

3) Pink rot.

Weakened plants are susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms: the disease affects the leaf plate, the leaf may rot from the base, young shoots are stunted - damaged by rot. Sometimes the trunk can also rot. Pinkish spore masses can be observed along with a thick brown liquid.

Ways to fight. Treatment of the plant with fungicides containing methyl thiophanate and mancozeb, the treatment interval is a week. The plant is processed until complete recovery.

Physiological problems of development of the coconut palm

1) Chlorosis of young leaves. The reason is a lack of nutrients.

A high pH of the medium can cause manganese and iron deficiencies, and can lead to interveinal chlorosis of young leaves. When the situation worsens, chlorotic tissues turn into necrotic spots.

Action to be taken: Maintain soil pH below 7. Foliar application of appropriate substances will correct the problem. The result, as a rule, will not be fast.

2) Growth arrest.

Symptoms - weak or absent growth, leaf chlorosis, especially the lower ones. Soil temperature control at 25-27 0 C. The main growth of coconut palm roots stops at 16-17 0 C, root activity slows down, so that nutrient absorption is reduced. This decrease in absorption may not be uniform, which is why some micronutrient deficiencies occur in cold weather.

3) Magnesium deficiency.

Symptoms - chlorosis of the lower leaves, which first develops along the edge of the leaf, eventually progresses to the entire surface of the leaf plate. This is a fairly common deficiency.

Method of elimination: when compiling the soil mixture, add dolomite flour; the situation can also be corrected by the introduction of microfertilizer (magnesium sulfate) in the form of root or foliar top dressing.

4) Edge burn of leaves.

Symptoms - burnt edges of the leaf plate. Coconut is sensitive to waterlogged or poorly aerated soils. Leaf marginal scorch usually occurs relatively shortly after root injury begins. It is necessary to change the soil substrate (complete or partial), in parallel watering is reduced.

5) Copper toxicity.

Symptoms are elliptical spots on leaf feathers that look a bit like fungal leaf spots.

Avoid using fungicides containing copper. The concentration of copper used in mixed microfertilizers is not considered a potential problem when used at recommended rates.

6) Fluorine toxicity.

Symptoms: the tips of the feathers die off, turn brown.

Avoid known sources of fluoride, especially superphosphate, which is used in many potting mix recipes.

pruning coconut

Cut off dead and broken leaves.

Do not cut: leaves that have partially changed their color to yellow or brown. The reason is that a palm tree draws nutrients from dying leaves.

When pruning, do not damage the trunk of a palm tree. Damage to the apical bud leads to the death of the coconut. If during transplantation the earthen ball collapsed and the roots were exposed, then half of the leaves must be removed to reduce evaporation.

Never remove more leaves in a year than there are in a year.

Coconut is characterized by drying of the tips or edges of the leaf plate. The death of parts of the leaf is usually associated with extreme heat or lack of watering. The brown tips of the leaves must also be trimmed.

Coconut propagation

Coconut fruit 10-30 cm long, covered with a hard shell, may be ovoid, angular or spherical in shape. There are pores on the surface of the hard shell. When germinating through the pores of the shell, the stem and root system come out.

The coconut germ, which is inside the fruit, quickly loses its germination capacity, especially when it dries out.

For reproduction we use a fresh green, unripe fruit. Ripened fruits germinate worse. Coconut seeds do not have a dormant period. When choosing a fruit for germination, shake it. A fruit capable of sprouting, when shaken, will make a splashing sound of liquid. Before planting, soak it in water for a day (water temperature is not lower than +25 0 C).

For planting, we use a container whose diameter is 1.5-2 times greater than the length of the fruit. The volume of the container should be equal to five to six volumes of the fruit, the depth of the pot should be about 40 cm.

1) ¾ fill the container with soil mixture. The composition of the soil mixture: 1 part of rotted manure + 1 part of leafy soil + 1 part of perlite.

2) We put the fruit on a hard surface to find the equilibrium position. Keeping the resulting position, we transfer it to the pot and put it on the substrate.

3) Half the height of the fruit is covered with a substrate. Watering.

Germination conditions:

• soil temperature 27 - 35 0 С;

• humidity 100%;

• lighting - bright diffused light;

• the soil mixture should not dry out.

Germination period is 3 to 6 months.

Articles

Coconut palm is easy to find in flower shops, it is popular with flower growers, but how long does an exotic beauty linger in average apartments? Unfortunately, she was measured no more than 2 - 3 years, and all because most people have no idea what a capricious pet they bring into the house. The coconut palm looks attractive and original, reminiscent of distant hot countries, is associated with its sweet fresh fruits, from which many manage to get a plant on their own, and it suffers precisely because of its attractiveness. To change the situation, we propose to consider in detail all aspects of caring for a coconut palm. Spoiler - it's not just complicated, it's super complicated!

Coconut palm

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Arriving at a flower shop, you can see a lot of plants that are passed off as coconut palms either unknowingly or intentionally. Usually on the shelves are Weddel coconuts, lithocarias, butias. These are also palm trees, they are difficult to care for, but the difficulties cannot be compared with those that await the owners of real Cocos nucifera.

In nature, coconuts grow in the tropics, but not everywhere, only on the coasts. Their sizes are amazing, but in the conditions of greenhouses more than three meters they do not stretch, and in a very mature state. Palm trees rarely live up to it, so they usually look much more modest.

From the point of view of decorativeness, a young coconut is very beautiful. The nut from which it grows protrudes above the soil surface and sharply contrasts with its rough surface with the tenderness of the greenery of a slender sprout. Gradually, the palm tree becomes more elegant and impressive, the leaves turn from whole to pinnate. In nature, they can reach 2 - 3 meters in length, at home - much less. Palm trees do not bloom within the four walls, no matter how careful the care is, so, of course, you cannot count on getting your own coconuts. But the nut from which they grow is preserved throughout almost the entire life, respectively, and the impressive original appearance is not lost.

Read also:

How and when to water the plants in the garden - tips for increasing the yield

Coconut tree care at home

Coconut could be an interesting interior detail if it could exist in this interior. In principle, if your goal is to decorate, and not to get a beautiful healthy plant, you can buy a pet and replace it about once every two years. But even with such plans, one cannot do without tireless care and the creation of the maximum possible comfortable conditions. We repeat - it will be possible to grow a more or less normal specimen exclusively in a greenhouse.

Coconut tree care

Coconut Tree Lighting

The first problem when working with a palm tree is the organization of lighting. It should be bright, intense, year-round and with a long daylight hours. If this condition is not met, the plant will die. You can create something close to the declared one by placing a tub on a south-facing windowsill and organizing artificial lighting.

Comfortable temperature conditions

Coconut is not only the most light-loving, but also the biggest fan of heat. Throughout the year, it requires heat - from 23 degrees and above. It can survive short-term drops in temperature, but not less than 17 degrees.

In this case, the palm tree needs access to fresh air. The issue is solved by regular ventilation, but the organization of the process is a separate difficulty, because the slightest draft can slow down the growth of a plant, affect its appearance and even kill. A sharp drop in temperature and humidity is also detrimental - this makes winter ventilation almost impossible.

Irrigation of the coconut palm and air humidity

Since coconut is a tropical plant, regular watering will not work. Moreover, any deviation can result in the loss of the plant: one-time or prolonged drying of the soil, the lack of a stable application of liquid. The soil should always be moist, only a few upper centimeters can dry out. It is important to monitor this constantly and take action in time.

Irrigation of the coconut tree

It will not work to drink a palm tree for the future - it does not like excessive moisture just like drought. When setting a schedule, be guided by summer watering 3 times a week, winter - one. But each situation must be considered individually.

Read also:

Cumin: planting, care, reproduction

The issue of watering, in principle, is easily solved with the help of responsibility and regularity, which cannot be said about the level of humidity. For the proper development of a palm tree, an indicator of at least 70% is needed! As soon as it drops, problems with decorativeness begin: first the tips of the leaves dry out, then the entire canvas, the shoots die off. Therefore, maintaining humidity levels is vital.

To achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to install a special humidifier, otherwise you will have to spray the plant at least 6 times a day.

For all procedures, only settled water of the same temperature as the environment is used, exceptionally soft.

Fertilizer for coconut

Fertilizers are an important point in growing. There are many special products for palm trees on sale, but flower growers note that they do not give the desired effect. Based on many years of experience, the ideal top dressing was determined - a mixture of fertilizers for citrus plants and bonsai.

The composition is introduced during the period of active growth, that is, almost all the time of life at home. If you refuse top dressing, the risk of losing the attractive appearance of the plant increases, so it is better not to risk it. Some flower growers recommend limiting themselves to fertilization in early spring, mid-autumn and summer, but in this case concentrated formulations are needed, which often adversely affect the condition of the plant.

pruning coconut

Palm tree crown formation is not required, but it is necessary to clean the plant from dried leaves. It is important to remove only completely dry ones, without touching those that are just starting to change color.

Palm tree crown formation is not required

Coconut transplant and substrate

Young palm trees should be transplanted no more than once every two years. If the plant has already dropped the nut, once every 6 years is enough. At the same time, it is important not to damage the roots of the plant, so it is transshipped, trying not to touch them at all.

For purchased palms, the first transplant into a permanent tub is carried out next spring, but always after the end of the adaptation period. In the future - according to the schedule indicated above. In years when there is no procedure, it is necessary to replace the topsoil.

In the process of transplanting, it is important to ensure that the nut is no more than half immersed in the ground. Excessive deepening is dangerous, it is better if the protruding part is larger. When moving an old plant, the depth level is maintained.

Coconut palm - in Sanskrit means "a tree that gives everything you need in life." In fact, the benefits of the coconut palm are all-encompassing.

The leaves of this palm tree, very tough and durable (resistant to tearing under the influence of winds), are used to cover the roofs of local houses, the manufacture of various household items - baskets, hammocks, brushes. Leaf stalks are used in construction as a roof skeleton. A wooden trunk of a palm tree is used as a building material for the production of walls of houses. Pots, various dishes and decorations are made from coconut shells, which are made by local artists. Palm fruits are widely used in cooking, cosmetology, and medicine.

Where does the coconut palm grow and what does it look like

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) - is a powerful tree, lives more than 100 years, with a straight trunk, up to 30 m high, crowned with thirty - forty large (4-5 m) pinnate leaves. Single-sex flowers are collected in individual short inflorescences emerging from the axils of the leaves, and since the inflorescences grow from the corner of each new developing leaf, approximately in a monthly rhythm, successively ripening fruits can be collected from the tree almost all year round. Almost a year passes from the fertilization of the flower to the full ripening of the fruit., which also allows you to collect nuts in different stages of maturity.

The origin of the coconut palm is not fully understood., but, most likely, it comes either from the islands of Polynesia and Indonesia, or from East Africa. Already in very early historical epochs, about 4000 years ago, the cultivation of this palm spread to many countries outside the original zone. It is claimed that sea currents carried coconuts to the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This theory is not reliable, but has many supporters, as it is a fact that coconut palm fruits can drift up to 4500 km by sea, while maintaining their germination. Currently, the coconut palm is widely distributed both in cultivated and wild form in the tropical zones of both hemispheres. It loves a warm sea climate and often grows even on salty coastal sands.

How coconuts are harvested (video)

Fruit

The fruit of the coconut palm, from a botanical point of view, is a drupe, but since its design resembles a walnut, it was named coconut (often referred to simply as coconut). A mature coconut weighs 2 to 4 kg, is 20 to 35 cm long and 15 to 20 cm in diameter. The outer soft shell of the coconut is 5 to 10 cm thick and consists of closely intertwined fibers called coir. They are light and resistant to abrasion, and their length ranges from 15 to 30 cm.

The coir of young nuts is tender and soft. A favorite delicacy of children who love to chew and suck it. But, above all, coir is of industrial importance, since the fibers of which it is composed are very strong, durable, elastic and do not rot for a very long time under the influence of ordinary and sea water. Ropes for marine vessels, fabrics, paths and carpets are made from it. Arab travelers wrote about coir products in Java already in the 11th century, and Marco Polo two centuries later. At present, most of the industrial coir products are produced in India.

If you remove a mature coir from a coconut, you get a spherical, slightly elongated nut. At one end of the nut there are three holes covered with a thin membrane through which the seed can germinate. Inside it is filled with a 1-2 cm dense and hard layer of the nut kernel. The rest of the inside of the nut is filled with coconut juice, clear or slightly cloudy, resembling diluted milk, which is why it is called coconut milk.

Europeans became interested in the palm only in the middle of the 19th century, when coconut oil began to be used for the production of soap, and then as cooking oil, mainly for frying and for the production of margarines.

Useful and healing properties of coconut

Coconuts are very important in terms of trade and nutrition, in some parts of the world they are the main food of the population. Coconut is a nut whose health effects are appreciated not only by its lovers, but also by scientists. No wonder - coconut pulp is rich in fiber, contains potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as folic acid. However, the saturated fatty acids contained in coconut pulp are of the greatest importance.

These are not the saturated fatty acids found in most animal products, i.e. long chain triglycerides (LCT), which contribute to high cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis. The saturated fatty acids found in coconut are medium chain triglycerides.(MCT), which are metabolized in a completely different way. Due to the fact that their molecules are smaller, the process of their metabolism is faster. It does not require the presence of enzymes that take part in the metabolism of LCT fats, i.e., lipase and bile. MCT acids bypass fat cells in the gastrointestinal tract, entering directly into the portal vein. Due to this, they are not deposited as a spare material, but are a quickly available source of energy.

100 g of coconut contains a large amount of lauric acid (15.3 g), as well as 5.06 g of myristic acid. Coconut palm fruits are rich in natural amino acids (data per 100 g):

• isoleucine - 121 mg;
• leucine - 233 mg;
• lysine - 140 mg;
• phenylalanine - 158 mg;
• valine - 186 mg;
• arginine - 513 mg;
• alanine - 158 mg;
• aspartic acid - 308 mg;
• glutamic acid - 708 mg;
• glycine - 149 mg;
• proline - 130 mg;
• serine - 158 mg.

Ripe coconut kernels contain about 50% water, 25-35% fat, 4% protein and 8% sugar. They are highly nutritious not only because of their high calorie content, but also because of the exceptional quality of the protein they contain.

How to choose the right coconut

In the store, before buying, you should carefully examine the "nuts". There should be no white spots on the coconut. You should also carefully examine its three holes. Check if they are all tight and tight. A soft hole in a coconut does not bode well. The nut is damaged and the water is sour (smell and color of spoiled whey). If you shake the coconut, you should hear the sound of water. The more water, the fresher it is.

How to open a coconut (video)

What is the name and benefits of coconut pulp

The hard endosperm of a coconut dried in the sun or in an oven is called copra. Copra contains only 7% water, while 60-70% fat, 14% sugar and 7% protein. It is ground into flakes, shavings or coconut flour, which are of great use in baking and confectionery.

As you know, a person cannot limit himself to vegetable protein, but he must consume at least a small amount of animal protein daily. So, coconut protein is able to completely replace animal proteins in the diet, and because of this, coconut is an especially important food industry raw material in a vegetarian diet.

From copra, a very valuable product is obtained, used in the food industry and in technology, due to its consistency, it has the name - coconut oil. It, at temperatures below 20-26 ° C, has a constant consistency resembling butter, and at a higher temperature it is liquid. good, fresh coconut oil is pure white, has a light taste and a delicate, peculiar smell.

In countries where the coconut palm is mass grown, especially in Indonesia, coconut flakes or simply grated fresh coconut kernel are added to all kinds of dishes, especially rice fried in coconut oil.

How to open a coconut and extract the pulp

Having bought a coconut, of course, it must be opened. To do this, following a certain order of actions, is quite simple:

1. there are three small holes in the place where coconut seeds germinate, with a corkscrew or a sharp knife you need to punch two of them, then pour the coconut milk into a bowl;
2. to make it easier to open the nut, you can put it in a warm oven for a few minutes. After cooling, place it on a board and hit with a meat mallet at a distance of one third from the eyes to the opposite end;
3. turning the coconut, continue to strike until the fruit splits;
4. in order to separate the pulp from the shell, you need to insert a knife blade between them and gently pry;
5. coconut ready!

Milk can be drunk immediately or mixed with alcohol or other juices as a drink. You can also use it to prepare dishes with a tropical aftertaste. For the first time real coconut juice, it is better to drink in small sips, because the real taste of coconut is significantly different from those synthetic ones that many have become accustomed to. The pulp is eaten in the form of strips or dried and crushed into shavings. It is used mainly in cooking, as the main accent of a dish or decoration.

The use of coconut in cooking

Coconut oil- can be used instead of butter on bread or for frying dishes in a pan. Due to its low melting point (26 degrees Celsius), it is suitable as a base for sauces.

coconut water effectively quenches thirst thanks to the content of magnesium and calcium. Coconut drink should be drunk immediately after training, in order to replenish fluids.

grated coconut- a wonderful addition to a sweet dessert. It can also be added to a healthy fruit and milkshake.

fresh coconut- satisfies hunger well. Rapidly metabolized fats will replenish energy, and fiber will give a feeling of satiety. 200 g of coconut contains 18 g of fiber, which is two-thirds of the daily requirement.

Coconut milk- can be used to prepare Thai dishes or added to fragrant morning coffee, getting a depth of coconut taste. Coconut milk is also used for smoothies, cakes and creams. The thick part of coconut milk can be whipped cream for use in desserts.

coconut sugar- despite the fact that it is devoid of the taste of coconut, it has a light caramel note. Brilliant as a substitute for regular white sugar as it has a lower glycemic index.

Valuable minerals and an extremely valuable type of medium-saturated acids will certainly enrich the daily menu.

Coconut oil in cosmetology

In the cosmetic industry, pure oil is used for body or massage, as an additive to cosmetics for very dry and flaky skin. It is also used for mature, sun-damaged skin and in preparations for the care of dry and damaged hair.

Hair oil

It acts on the hair and scalp, penetrating deep into, and delivering useful fatty acids, vitamins and minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. Restores hair scales, making them elastic. Thanks to this, the hairstyle takes on a beautiful look, and the ends stop splitting. The oil also has a good effect on the scalp, preventing the destruction of hair follicles and preventing the formation of dandruff.

Oil should be applied to damp hair, and then put on a foil cap and wrap your head with a towel. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 2 hours or, for best results, leave it overnight and then wash your hair thoroughly.

The oil can also be used without rinsing. However, one should be careful with the amount so as not to burden the hair. A drop of oil, rubbed with fingers and applied to the ends of the hair, is an excellent care. Treatment can be applied 2-3 times a week.

Coconut oil for face

A little oil should be warmed between the fingers and applied to slightly damp skin of the face, neck, décolleté and eye area. In case of very dry skin, coconut oil can be used as a make-up remover.

Healing recipes with coconut

• All over the world, coconut is used in the treatment of various diseases: ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, injuries, burns, colds, constipation, kidney stones and many others.
• Coconut oil, due to the construction of its molecules, does not have a negative effect on cholesterol levels and helps in protecting against heart disease, which gives it a unique position among fats.
• Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
• Acts as a protective antioxidant, protecting the body from free radical damage that causes premature aging and degenerative disease.

Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm

Used externally, promotes wound healing, slows down the appearance of spots on the skin, has a softening effect in skin diseases (eg eczema). Apply as a serum or mask.

coconut water

According to many, this liquid can be considered an elixir of eternal youth and health. Coconut water is nothing but the endosperm of the kernels of not quite ripe, green coconuts, which has the appearance of a clear liquid. Each fruit can contain from 200 ml to a liter of drink.

It is extremely rich in elements and minerals important for life - contains, for example, more electrolytes than most drinks produced for athletes. Lots of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. It is also a very rich source of potassium - there is more potassium in 100 ml of the drink than in two bananas. A real treasure trove of B vitamins. Coconut water is rich in vitamin C. Coconut water mixes easily with blood and is quickly absorbed by the human body.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains so-called MCT fats. They are very well absorbed, they are saturated fats, which the body digests more easily than other fatty acids. Stimulate metabolism. Coconut oil contains lauric acid. This acid is converted in the human body into monolaurin. This substance has antiviral and antibacterial characteristics. Overcomes without much difficulty, in particular, influenza viruses, hepatitis C viruses. Lauric acid is non-toxic, thanks to this, it is an excellent alternative for drugs used in viral diseases and bacterial infections.

coconut flour

Coconut flour is obtained from the hard parts of the nut, which are ground into a fine powder. It contains more protein than wheat flour, rye or corn flour. Due to the high fiber content and relatively low amount of carbohydrates, it does not cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it perfect for diabetics. Also ideal for people who are gluten intolerant.

According to various studies, the inclusion of coconut flour in the diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels. It has a delicate aroma and taste of coconut. Great for sauces and baked goods such as muffins, pancakes and pies.

Useful properties of coconut (video)

Contraindications and harm of coconut

There are no contraindications. An exception can be considered individual intolerance.

Few plants are so comprehensively used by man as the coconut palm. The coconut palm is justifiably of great economic importance, and many of its properties are not fully understood. It is truly a tree of a thousand uses.