Livistona fulva

copper-back palm

Elegant, flat, leathery leaves with coppery undersides. Sun-loving. Choice. To 10ft in 20 years.

Height15–20
Width10–15ft
ToleratesCold, Heat
Water needsModerate

This palm should be watered deeply every week or two once it's established. It doesn't want to ever dry out completely.

Hardy to24°F
ExposureFull Shade – Full Sun
Plant traitsPalm, Solitary, Tropical, Trunking
Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
DrainageIn Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
FertilizingPalm Fertilizer
OriginE Australia
Sunset zones15–17, 19–24

Growing Notes

Palms are generally heavy feeders, so if you want them growing quickly and looking their best, they should be fertilized at least three times a year. Fertilizing at spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox will allow for a winter rest. Be sure to feed your palm with a fertilizer that contains micronutrients (especially including magnesium), especially if you see yellowing leaves or yellow spots on the leaves.

This solitary palm will grow only one trunk during its lifetime. If you have a pot with multiple trunks in it, that's because multiple separate palm trees were germinated in the pot. The good news is that you won't need to thin out suckers over time to maintain the number of trunks you started out with.

The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.

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