Butia capitata v.35

Depending on rainfall, plants of Butia capitata need to be watered weekly through the first growing season. A slow, one hour trickle of water should do the job. During hot spells thoroughly soaking the ground up to 20 cm every few days is better than watering a little bit daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance. To check for soil moisture use your finger or a hand trowel to dig a small hole and examine the soil. If the first 5-10cm of soil is dry, it is time to water. Monitor new plants through the first two years to make sure they are getting the moisture they need. After that they should be sturdy enough to survive on their own. Apply fertilizer in spring. Ordinary, well-drained soil. Very carefree and easy to grow. Remove dead fronds to keep plant looking tidy. The bark and parts of the fronds can be rough and spiky so best to wear gloves when pruning.