Socratea exorrhiza, the strange tropical palm with aerial roots

The palm family is very large: there are more than 3000 accepted species distributed, mainly in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Most consist of a single stem or stipe and a crown of leaves, but there are some, like the Socrates exorrhiza, which also has aerial roots.

It grows naturally in the rainforests of South and Central America, but it can also grow in your garden 😉.

What is La Socratea exorrhiza like?

Our protagonist is a palm tree It can reach 25 meters in height, with a diameter of 16cm. The leaves are pinnate, with the tips that are shaped like a fish tail, green in color. The flowers are grouped in hanging inflorescences, yellowish-green in color. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to form, which will be ovoid and will measure about 3cm.

La Socratea exhorrizes has aerial roots Some of them think that they help them to "walk", which would allow them to move away from the germination point if another tree falls on the seedling and knocks it down. Although for now it is still not known for sure what function they have. Perhaps they will serve you simply to be able to grow taller and faster than the other plants that you have around it, thus being able to capture more light from the sun.

How do you take care of yourself?

If you live in a frost-free area, you can grow one or more Socratea outdoors. Here is your care guide:

• Location: semi-shadow.
• Soil or substrate: rich in organic matter, loose and with good sewer system. If you have it in a pot, we recommend mixing 60% black peat or mulch + 30% perlite + 10% horse manure or worm castings.
• Irrigation: it has to be frequent, especially in the hottest months.
• Subscriber: it must be paid regularly using fertilizers for palm trees following the indications specified on the packaging.
• Transplant / Planting time: in spring.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring. Direct sowing in seedbed.
• Rusticity: it is very sensitive to cold. Temperatures below 10ºC damage it.

Have you heard of this palm tree?