Northeast Florida Spindle Palms

[jreich85]

I figured that I've drained enough knowledge and advice off of this forum that it has come time to share some of my own small successes that it may help others. Long story short, I live in east Jacksonville, FL, which is the coastal side of the "9a" climate. I have lived in my home for five winters, and have recorded an ultimate low of 28.6 degrees F. My freshman project was two coconuts, which I smoked over the winter. My second shot was the two spindles pictured. The winter before last, they were brought into my lanai for about six weeks. This last winter, they spent one weekend there, and were unphased by 32 degree temps later in the winter when left uncovered. I must admit that the pots they are in are filled half with crushed Styrofoam (remainders of my "poor man's perlite/ space filler" from my freshman project with the cocos) and only get watered and fertilized when I feel they are not growing fast enough for my tastes. The great part is, one is quicker growing (which of course is rewarding) and the other has much more orange in its rachis (or whatever the plural form of that is). Therefore, they are both very rewarding in their own ways. These guys are fast growing, pretty low maintenance, and judging by the reactions from my friends that visit, they are the pinnacle of my backyard.

I got these palms at your average big box store for about $20 apiece, not thinking much about whether they would last long or not. But they have certainly proven themselves, and I hope that they give other folks in a 9a/ 9b climate encouragement to grow them as well, knowing that they may need minimal protection but not too much help. Dragging them under cover once or twice a year is totally worth the pleasure they give us, and if once day they get too big to cover in winter, then I hope they'll find a new happy home to continue their growth.

[bubba]

That is what I am talking about!

[Rain52]

Here are a few older specimens…Jax beach. Pics taken summer 2024.