Make sure a thermostatically controlled plug point
is close at hand. Any good qualified electrician can run a supply
from your house to a junction box mounted on the garden wall or
fence. From there it is relatively easy to run a circuit to a number
of waterproof sockets around the garden and power them with a thermostat
back at the junction box set to come on once the temperature drops
below +4°C. Short of a fuse blowing or a power strike this system
works well. Never be tempted to set the temperature too high. It
is essential that your plant remains dormant during winter.
Whilst using electricity around the garden it might
be worth fitting a circuit breaker, especially with kids around.
Beware in March/April when it is still too cold
to dispense with protection; the sun shining through the plastic
covering your plant can literally cook it alive. Never allow your
heating cable runs to touch one another, this can cause overheating
and probably result in damage to the cable, and never allow the
cable to come into direct contact with the leaves.
Well there you have it. Not cheap. The essential
heating system can be quite expensive depending on how many sockets
you install, but on the other hand no serious palm nut should be
without it. Owning what must surely be one of the most beautiful
palms in the world and to enjoy sitting under its swaying fronds
on a hot summer day sipping your favourite cocktail more than justifies
all that expense and trouble.
Phoenix roebelenii
