Palisota, also called velvet plant or parlor lily, is a genus of about 150 species of flowering plants in the family Commelinaceae, native to Africa. The genus includes both herbaceous plants and woody shrubs.
Is it easy to grow Palisota plant? Sometimes, people have a lot of trouble when it comes to growing plants. They either can't get the right amount of sunlight or they water it too much. With the Palisota plant, you won't have to worry about any of that. This plant is very easy to grow and it doesn't require a lot of care. All you need to do is give it some water and it will grow just fine.
How big can it be? Although it is a plant that can reach a considerable size at home, in its natural environment it only reaches 30-50 cm in height and width with leaves up to 80 cm long.
How fast is the growth? When young, plants of the Palisota genus increase in height by a few centimeters per year. As the plants age, the diameter of the rosette increases by 10 to 15 centimeters per season.
| Plant Form | Herbaceous |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Western Africa |
How long is the lifespan? Common in zones 9-11, Palisota can be found in woodlands and on hillsides. It is a fast-growing, woody perennial that can reach up to 20 feet in height. The plant has large, oval leaves and produces clusters of white or pink flowers.
What is the ideal temperature? The reason it is better to maintain a temperature of 60.8-64.4 degrees Fahrenheit is to prevent the plant from getting too cold and dying. In the summer, the plant does better in temperatures of 64.4-75.2 degrees Fahrenheit because it is used to warmer climates.
What about the humidity? Sometimes, the plants in our homes can get a little too comfortable. They know they won't be moved around and they have a nice spot by the window with some sun. And they get a little finicky. They might stop blooming or producing fruit. Or they might start shedding leaves. When this happens, we have to take a step back and analyze the situation. Is the plant getting too much sun? Not enough water? Not enough nutrients? In the case of Palisota, it might be the humidity. Palisota likes a humidity of about 50%. You can raise the humidity around your Palisota by spraying it 3-4 times a week. Make sure the clay pot it's in has wet expanded clay at the bottom to help hold moisture. In winter, when homes tend to be drier due to indoor heating, it's best to move Palisota away from radiators to prevent dry tips from forming on the leaves.
What amount of light this plant needed? Common Palisota (Palisota hirsuta) is an ornamental plant that is often used in landscaping. It is a herbaceous perennial that is native to Africa. It prefers bright diffused light (eastern or western windows) but can easily adapt to semi-shade. Palisota hirsuta can grow to a height of 0.5-2 m and has showy, brightly colored flowers.
What is good soil for Palisota? Although the Palisota genus is mostly found in tropical Africa, a few species grow in the southeastern United States. The soil requirements for these plants are very specific. The soil must be well-drained and have a high organic content. A good homemade mix for Palisota plants would be one part humus, one part coarse sand or perlite, one part sod land, and one part peat. This mix will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs and the drainage it requires.
How much I must water Palisota? known as Costa Rican Rose, this plant flourishes in humid weather and needs little maintenance. Palisota hirsuta can grow to be about 6 feet tall and just as wide, so it's important to pick a planting spot that can accommodate its size. The plant does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun. When it comes to watering, this plant likes its soil to be constantly moist but not waterlogged. The best way to achieve this is to water it deeply about three times a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out in between watering.
About fertilizer. When and how much to fertilize your Palisota. Fertilize your Palisota every 2-3 weeks with liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer.
How to reproduce Palisota? So, the best way to propagate this plant is by division during transplantation. You can also do it by seed, but that's not as common. Sow the seeds in a bowl with a mix of leaf, peat, turf, and sand. They germinate best at a temperature of 71.6-75.2 degrees Fahrenheit. After germination, transplant the seedlings into separate pots.
Why Palisota won't bloom? When in bloom, this plant has small pink flowers that resemble ears of corn. The flowers are collected at the base of the leaves in inflorescences. Later, red fruits appear in place of the flowers. This gives the plant a special decorative effect. The red fruits remain during the winter.
How much I must water Palisota? Eventually, the pot becomes too tight for the overgrown roots and the plant needs to be transferred. Palisota prefers not to be transferred too many times.
How to care the plant? Sometimes, when watering your Palisota plant, water can accidentally enter the center of the outlet and cause the plant to rot. To avoid this, be careful not to allow water to enter the center of the outlet when watering your plant.
What is the challenge when caring Palisota plant? The leaves of the plant are quite large, and the tips of the leaves dry out when the plant is exposed to too much light or heat. The roots of the plant can decay if the plant is overwatered. If the leaves of the plant turn yellow, it is usually because the plant has been exposed to too much light.
Are Palisota poisonous? While the plant is beautiful, it is important to be aware that it contains calcium oxalate. This means that if it is ingested, it can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of calcium oxalate poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure. If you suspect that someone has ingested this plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
