Adonidia merrillii aka Christmas Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Adonidia Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Adonidia merrillii, or the Manila palm or Christmas palm, is a palm tree species native to the Philippines and reportedly naturalized in the West Indies and Florida. It is typically small in size, reaching up to 25 feet or 8 meters in height, with 5-7 fronds when young, gradually building up its crown as it matures and sometimes reaching 10-12 fronds. During the holiday season, this palm has large clusters of bright red berries and its mature fruit turns bright red in winter. It grows quickly to about 6 feet, then slows, retaining its shape until it reaches its maximum height of 25 feet. It supports stiff, arching green leaves that are 4-5 feet in length and produces small clusters of cream-colored flowers and green fruit in mid-summer. It is sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures and is best planted in a container that can be moved indoors during the colder months. This palm is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, but can also be cultivated in containers indoors.

Common names

Christmas Palm, Manila Palm, Adonidia Palm

How to care for Christmas Palm

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Christmas Palm is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Christmas Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Christmas Palm requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Manila Palm is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Christmas Palm should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Christmas Palm as it grows vertically.

More info:
Wikipedia

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