Common
name: "Queen Palm" or "Cocos Palm"
Latin name: Arecastrum romanzoffianum
Native
to: Bahia to Argentina and Bolivia.
Growth habit: A graceful upright, open and airy
columnar palm with vase shaped growth habit. In it's natural
habitat it can reach 39 feet in height.
Flowers: No
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical. Pests: Watch for soft
bodied scale and spider mites.
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant:
14" Cocos Palm
Cultural
information: This tall, narrow palm is great to use
in high light areas such as atriums or home greenhouses. They can
be used outdoors in full sun or partial sun during the spring and
summer. Be sure to bring the plant indoors before first frost.
Place your "Cocos Plumosa" in either direct sunshine
or very bright indirect light. Since this plant is usually only
available in larger containers allow the soil to dry down several
inches between waterings. When watering... water the entire
surface area of the container allowing some water to drain to the
drip tray. Do not let the plant sit in a saucer of water. When
used outdoors in full sun... check for water daily. Feed monthly
with a balanced liquid plant food to maintain it's dark green
color. Keep an eye out for spider mites. Propagation is by seed.
"Queen Palms" are usually only available in large
14" containers between 6 to 8 foot tall. Occasionally small
10" plants can be found.
