Brighamia rockii, the rarest of Hawaiian palms

Brighamia rockii is extremely rare. Only a handful remain in their natural habitat, the cliffs and rocky coasts of the Hawaiian archipelago. But, unlike the Hawaiian palm, Brighamia rockii is not yet widespread in our homes.

How to recognize the Hawaiian Palm Brighamia rockii?

Brighamia rockii is neither a palm nor a shrub. It's a succulent herbaceous plant with an upright habit. Most specimens measure two meters in height with a 60-centimeter spread. But some botanists claim to have come across specimens over five meters tall!

The stem is pachycaule. Its base is swollen, like an elephant's foot, while the top is thinner. The thick part serves as a water reservoir. Tender green, the stem turns gray with age. Falling leaves leave scars on the false trunk.

The false stipe is crowned by a tuft of leaves, giving the plant a palm-like appearance. The green leaf blades grow in a rosette. Oval and fleshy, they measure between ten and twenty centimetres long and nine to fifteen centimetres wide.

Brighamia rockii blooms in late autumn. Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in groups of three to eight on a five-centimetre stalk. They are white, with a yellowish-green tube. But you'll have to get up early to see them! The flowers only open at night.

When the flowers are fertilized, they produce an oblong capsule. This fruit contains the seeds and releases them when ripe. But the moth that pollinates the flowers has all but disappeared, reducing Brighamia rockii's chances of spontaneous multiplication to almost zero.

The sap of Brighamia rockii contains a white latex. But the plant is reportedly harmless to humans. Just keep it out of reach of your cat or dog. The Hawaiian palm is a delight for animals in the wild. A success that is contributing to its extinction.

Our maintenance tips

Don't be surprised if your Brighamia rockii loses a few leaves in summer. Its growth period is reversed: it flowers in winter and rests in summer. The dropping of the lower limbs is natural. On the other hand, you should be concerned if the plant fails to produce new leaves.

Watering

Your Brighamia rockii tolerates drought better than too much water.

Water only when the substrate is dry at depth (at least 5 centimetres). Drain any stagnant water from the saucer.

Spray

Mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This will temporarily increase humidity and prevent pest attacks.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Brighamia rockii to give it more space.

Choose a pot with holes larger than the root ball. Pour clay balls or pebbles into the bottom to promote drainage.

Add a layer of potting soil. It should be light. For example, you can mix equal parts of potting soil for cacti and potting soil for green plants. Or mix one-third potting soil, one-third sand and one-third garden soil. Plant brighamia rockii in the center. Top up with substrate and tamp to keep the plant stable.

To encourage rooting, water at room temperature.

Brighamia rockii appreciates humidity. Place its pot on a saucer filled with wet clay balls.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Brighamia rockii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Fertilize your Brighamia rockii with a green plant fertilizer to support growth. Remember to halve the dose prescribed by the manufacturer.

Prune

To encourage the growth of your Brighamia rockii, prune regularly.

You don 't need to prune brighamia rockii. Old leaves fall off naturally, leaving the leaf scars on the false trunk.

However, if you find the yellow limbs unsightly, you can remove them with clean pruning shears. Cut off the petiole two centimetres from the stem. It will fall off after a few days.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Campanulaceae - Campanulaceae
Type	Brighamia - Brighamia
Species	Brighamia rockii - Brighamia rockii
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Flowery Succulent
Tags	Beginner Flowery Fritillary
Origin	Polynesia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors