Brahea dulcis

[AJQ]

Does this one grow OK in temperate climates or does it need mega heat?

My B edulis is quite fast here, 8 fronds a year compared to my B armata, 4 to 5 depending on if it is a good summer or not.

I have one arriving next week and quite looking forward to it, as these are not usually available this part of the world so something a little different for me

[gyuseppe]

Andy I think from you, should be fine

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

There are a lot of variations in dulcis, so there's no telling how the particular strain of dulcis will do for you. All the brahea are more or less adaptable to temperate conditions, but they're less frost hardy in wetter climates, and more prone to rot. Speed depends on the amount of heat and sun they get.

4 leaves in the short growing season you have is pretty significant growth. If you get that then you should be fine with any dulcis.

[AJQ]

Thanks for the info guys. Is this one faster, slower or the same as armata for speed of growth?

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

My silver-blue dulcis seems faster than armata but slower than clara.

[AJQ]

That is good to know, thanks Axel

[AJQ]

It would appear that my B.dulcis is not but probably a Super Silver.

Here are some photos for ID.

All thoughts as usual most appreciated

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

There's a hint of armament on the petioles that will become more prominent over time. Pretty sure that's a dulcis. Looks like you got the form that is hard to distinguish from super silver at seedling stage.

[AJQ]

Hmmmm........ Have to wait and see then. How fast or slow are they in comparison to each other? That may be of some help.

Guys in Italy on EPS site would seem to think it is Super Silver.

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

There was too much glare on my phone, now that I look at it in better light, seems like it's a super silver.

[AJQ]

Thanks Axel, is that good or bad news then?

Research is mixed about growth rates but hardiness would seem better, although I am not expecting to test it to those sort of limits.

Also further research would seem that there is not going to be too much of a size problem after all. Again any advice gratefully received

[gyuseppe]

Hello again Andy

for robustness in the cold I can not answer, I have no problems

for growth, perhaps super silver, grows a little faster, but the difference is little

for the size, those who said that the dulsis is smaller than the super silver?

brahea dulcis silver that is in botanical garden Naples, is quite huge!

brahea nitida is small

[Shirleypalmpaws]

We were just getting to planting out blue-form B. dulcis and B. super silver. I've read dulcis is smaller than super silver…..but I am very newbie, and Giuseppe says it is the other way around…..please help me

Hello again Andy

for robustness in the cold I can not answer, I have no problems

for growth, perhaps super silver, grows a little faster, but the difference is little

for the size, those who said that the dulsis is smaller than the super silver?

brahea dulcis silver that is in botanical garden Naples, is quite huge!

brahea nitida is small

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

Dulcis has a bigger trunk and bigger crown than super silver but super silver gets much taller. Super silver is faster in cooler climates because it originates in the upper desert of Central Mexico around 6,000 feet where nights are quite cool.

[tank]

Super silver, as a small plant, has been less cold hardy than B. dulcis for me. I've lost a few plants from temps in the mid 20Fs. Although it seems to take my humidity much better. Super silver seems to do well during my wet summers.

I've managed to kill two B. dulcis which appeared to be thriving (in the ground for 3 years) but crapped out after major tropical rain events lasting about a week or more last summer. I have one more three gallon dulcis that I'm going to try on an elevated berm.

[tank]

Does B. dulcis prefer well drained calcareous soils? My sand tends to be pretty acidic.

[AJQ]

Again, some great info guys it may be a blessing in disguise that I have the wrong palm sent but could very well be better off with the B. Super Silver after all

I'm sure that the seller wasn't aware either and not sure if he has anymore left, think mine may have been the last one.

[Mauna Kea Cloudforest]

Does B. dulcis prefer well drained calcareous soils? My sand tends to be pretty acidic.

B. dulcis grows out of rocks on limestone cliffs, it wants super well drained soil. I am pretty sure it's going to to prefer higher pH soils, but drainage will definitely be more of an issue.

How did you loose yours? Root rot or spear rot?

[Shirleypalmpaws]

Love all this info!!! ----PT'ers, you are BEST-EST EVER ----Thanks for specifics!

[tank]

Does B. dulcis prefer well drained calcareous soils? My sand tends to be pretty acidic.

B. dulcis grows out of rocks on limestone cliffs, it wants super well drained soil. I am pretty sure it's going to to prefer higher pH soils, but drainage will definitely be more of an issue.

How did you loose yours? Root rot or spear rot?

I assume root. After the tropical event, the older leaves went into decline and gradually went up the plant until the spear turned brown and pulled.