Coconut palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called coconut · Cocos nucifera · Arecaceae family
6 d in winter
How often to water the coconut palm?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 6 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Hard to keep for long indoors: it needs warmth (above 68 °F / 20 °C all year), sun and high humidity.
Misting every 2 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The coconut palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in May, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 5–8 ft (1.5–2.5 m) indoors.
Common problems
Browning tips
Cause: Air too dry. What to do: Mist it every day.
Fronds yellowing in winter
Cause: Cold or not enough light. What to do: Keep it warm, right next to a south-facing window.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the coconut palm?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 6 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the coconut palm?
The coconut palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the coconut palm?
Yes, misting every 2 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the coconut palm?
Every 2 years, ideally in May, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the coconut palm safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.