Beaucarnea stricta, commonly known as the bottle palm or elephant foot, is a tree-like evergreen plant belonging to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. B. stricta is natively to Mexico where it is found in the southern state of Oaxaca. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall with a palm-like head that houses thin and straight green leaves. There is a large caudex that is textured with scales that develops at the base of the trunk as the plant matures. Large cone-like clusters of flowers emerge from the apex and house many small cream white blossoms. Beaucarnea stricta is grown as a conservation attempt due to its state of vulnerable extinction and for its large unique stem. B. stricta grows best in full sun to partial shade, sitting in well-draining soils. Water the plant adequately during summer and sparingly during the winter. It is a drought-tolerant species and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. USDA plant hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Beaucarnea stricta seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not remain soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain humidity are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well-draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown ¼ inch deep. Germinating pots should be kept indoors, out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:
All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.