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Washingtonia - a popular perennial palm tree, the height of which in its natural environment reaches more than 20 meters. Types of Washington are very similar, but at the same time have a number of distinctive features. The plant belongs to the Palm family( Palmae).Distribution received from the southwest of the USA, and also northwest of Mexico. The name of the palm tree was given in honor of the first American president, the famous George Washington.
Biological description
The plant grows mainly in regions in which the Mediterranean climate prevails. The current two types of Washington palm trees in natural habitats can withstand short frosts, not exceeding -12 degrees.
Initially, Washington was used as an ornamental plant only in California cities, in some cases in Florida. It is very difficult to grow it in room conditions; in such an environment, this type of palm tree never blooms. The interior design is most often used very young copies. However, on the balcony or in the backyard, if the climate permits, the plant can grow quite successfully.
It is worth considering that Washington is not suitable for landscaping production areas, as it does not tolerate high air pollution.
Appearance
If Washington palm species grow in their natural environment, then these are fairly tall plants with large leaves. The plant has branched buds and leaves, the diameter of which reaches 1.5 m. The trunk of a palm tree is rough, gray in color, does not exceed 30 m. Old leaves can not fall off for a long time, as a result of which the trunk is covered with a dense “skirt”.
in the country. The plant is among the so-called fan palms, as its leaves take the form of a fan. The resulting fruits have a spherical shape, they are quite fleshy, the seeds are woody. They are often loved to peck birds.
Washington DC
There are only two types of palm trees in its genus:
- Washingtonia is fiber-bearing( washingtonia filifera).The name of this species is translated from English as "Californian fan palm".This is due to the fact that the plant originally grew only in the deserts of this state. In these places Washingtonia filamentous, as it is also called, forms forests and reaches a height of 20 meters. Its grayish-green fan-shaped leaves are rather large, they have thin threads of white color. This caused the appearance of the name of this species. The flowers of the plant are collected in paniculate inflorescences. In winter, the plant prefers quite low temperatures - up to 15 degrees.
- Washingtonia powerful( washingtonia robusta).This species is originally from Mexico. In nature, such a palm tree reaches an impressive height - up to 25 meters. However, the diameter of the trunk itself remains relatively thin and does not exceed 70 cm. Unlike the previous type, Washington, as it is also called, is distinguished by a more spreading crown. Its leaves are not so large, bright green, do not have threads, but there are sharp thorns on the leaf petioles. The flowers of this species become pink in color, inflorescences are quite long. Palm is sensitive to low temperatures, and therefore during the rest period should remain warm.
turn yellow on the windowsill?
In order for a plant to develop at a normal pace, certain conditions are required. Washington needs a bright light, in summer the temperature should be at least 20 degrees. As for air humidity, 55% will be enough, and the maximum threshold is 75%.Palm tree reacts positively to fresh air, so by the end of spring it is desirable to transfer it to the garden. At the same time, it should be protected from drafts, as well as precipitation, since such conditions will only harm Washington. If you grow it in the house, then you need to choose the most warm and lighted rooms. Only adult palms can withstand poor lighting.
Read also: How to properly pick a petunia AS 
During warm periods of the year, abundant watering is required. It is recommended to use warm water for this. Watering should be carried out intermittently, so that the topsoil can dry out. In winter, you can restrict rare watering, and therefore short-term drying will not do any harm. However, you should avoid strong drying of the soil.
In the summer, it is desirable to maintain a high level of humidity in the room where washingtonia grows. To do this, you can spray the plant. If the room temperature exceeds 20 degrees, the plant can easily withstand such conditions, but for better development it is better to install it on a wet gravel tray. At the same time should regularly wipe the leaves from dust. To the palm tree covered with leaves evenly, you can deploy it relative to the source of natural light.
For normal palm growth, you can use a ready-made substrate. Top dressing should be carried out in the spring and summer, about once every 15 days. To do this, you can use ready-made liquid fertilizers, which are designed for fertilizing palm trees.
Interesting about Washington - video
During warm periods of the year, abundant watering is required. It is recommended to use warm water for this. Watering should be carried out intermittently, so that the topsoil can dry out. In winter, you can restrict rare watering, and therefore short-term drying will not do any harm. However, you should avoid strong drying of the soil. 
