Brighamia insignis, a palm from Hawaii

Brighamia insignis is a real paradox. This palm, which is not a palm, has become very rare in its natural environment, the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Niihau. However, thanks to a conservation program, it is now easy to find in garden centers and in our homes.

How to recognize the Hawaiian palm, Brighamia insignis?

The Hawaiian palm is an upright succulent plant. It can reach a height of two meters and a spread of one meter.

Brighamia insignis is neither a palm nor a shrub. It has neither stipe nor trunk. It develops a swollen stem, thicker at the base than at the tip. Green and smooth, it turns gray and develops leaf scars over the years.

Leaves grow in a rosette at the top of the stem. Light green, they form a dense tuft. The fleshy, ovoid leaf blades can measure up to 30 centimetres long and twelve centimetres wide. They are enhanced by a white midrib.

The Hawaiian palm blooms in winter. Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom at the base of the leaves. They grow in groups of three to eight on short peduncles. Their color helps differentiate the species. Botanical Brighamia insignis has cream flowers. Those of the "Kirsten" cultivar, found in florists' shops, are white. Finally, brighamia rockii has white flowers with a green tube.

In the wild, a moth pollinates the flowers. They then give rise to a capsule containing the seeds. Unfortunately, this insect has practically disappeared, and the flowers must now be pollinated by hand.

The sap of the Hawaiian palm contains a white latex. But the plant is not toxic to us. Nor would it be dangerous to our pets.

Our maintenance tips

Don't be surprised if your Hawaiian palm 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

When the soil is dry on the surface, for about five centimetres, water generously, but without flooding the pot. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater. If you don't have any, you can use tap water that has been left to stand for 24 hours. Always ensure that the water is at room temperature.

As with most plants, stagnant water causes roots to rot. If your Hawaiian palm pot is on a saucer, empty it after watering. If your plant is too large to be moved, raise the pot above the saucer (by placing it on gravel or clay balls) or remove the saucer.

Spray

Your Brighamia insignis appreciates a misting of its foliage and fruit. Spray it with non-calcareous water at room temperature. In addition to improving humidity, you'll prevent the appearance of pests.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Brighamia insignis to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

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 the Hawaiian Palm in the center. Top up with substrate and tamp to keep the plant stable.

To encourage rooting, water at room temperature.

The Hawaiian Palm appreciates humidity. Place its pot on a saucer filled with wet clay balls.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

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

Prune

To encourage the growth of your Hawaiian palm, prune regularly.

You don 't need to prune the Hawaiian Palm. 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	Hawaiian palm - Brighamia insignis
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