Contents
Description
Socratea exorrhiza, commonly known as the Walking Palm, is a unique tropical plant that belongs to the Arecaceae family. This palm tree is native to Central and South America and is famous for its ability to move towards sunlight. The Walking Palm can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a slender trunk that is about 30 centimeters in diameter. It has a crown of large, feathery leaves that can reach up to six meters in length.The Walking Palm’s most distinctive feature is its stilt roots, which are long and thin and can reach up to 20 meters in length. The roots grow horizontally on the ground, and the palm tree can use them to “walk” towards sunlight or to find a more suitable habitat.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Socratea |
Appearance
The Walking Palm has a slender trunk that is covered in brown, fibrous material. The trunk is about 30 centimeters in diameter and can grow up to 25 meters tall. The crown of the palm tree is made up of large, feathery leaves that can reach up to six meters in length. The leaves are bright green and have a glossy appearance.The Walking Palm’s most unique feature is its stilt roots, which are long and thin and can reach up to 20 meters in length. The roots are covered in a brown, woody material and grow horizontally on the ground.
Care Guide
The Walking Palm is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your Walking Palm healthy:- Water: The Walking Palm prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.- Fertilization: Fertilize the Walking Palm once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Walking Palm prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The Walking Palm prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but will grow best in a sunny location.- Hardiness Zones: The Walking Palm is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Walking Palm is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. Mealybugs are white, cottony pests that can infest the roots and leaves.To prevent pests and diseases, make sure to keep the plant clean and dust-free. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with a suitable insecticide or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Walking Palm is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where it can be found in rainforests, swamps, and riverbanks. The plant prefers wet, humid environments and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Walking Palm really walk?
A: While the Walking Palm cannot actually walk, it can move towards sunlight by growing new roots in a different direction.
Q: Is the Walking Palm a good indoor plant?
A: The Walking Palm can be grown indoors, but it requires bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Walking Palm?
A: Fertilize the Walking Palm once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Walking Palm?
A: The Walking Palm can live for several decades and can reach a height of up to 25 meters.
Related Plants
– Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)- Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)- Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)- Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
References
– “Socratea exorrhiza: The Walking Palm.” The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2021, www.thespruce.com/socratea-exorrhiza-the-walking-palm-1902931.- “Socratea exorrhiza.” Floridata, Accessed 6 July 2021, www.floridata.com/plant/779.
