How to care for Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera) - Expert Tips for Thriving Plants

Do you have dreams about vacations with white beaches, Palm trees and sipping from coconuts? This plant brings that paradise right inside your urban jungle, the Coconut Palm. She has a pretty and minimalistic look, which we all love. These plants come from tropical coastal areas worldwide. Coconuts are the biggest crops being produced within the tropics. Normally, the shells would go to the waist, but we found use of the waste products. Think of cocos fibre in our soil mixes and coconut shells as candle holders or bowls!

If you want your Coconut Palm to thrive for a long time in your home, you need to give it some special attention. It needs lots of light, higher humidity and a proper watering routine to be a really happy houseplant. It’s worth getting to know it as it's really beautiful as a houseplant!

Coconut Palm Care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Coconut Palm needs your home in the brightest spot. The perfect spot would be near a west- or south-facing window, as there is lots of natural light and some direct sunlight.
2. Be careful with direct sunlight. While Coconut Palms love bright light, direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Keep your eye on them, and when you see that soil dries out too fast or leaves are reddish/yellow, it might be too harsh for it.
3. It’s best time to water it when half of the soil is dried. Just stick your finger into the soil and feel it. It's still moist, wait for a few more days.
4. Be careful not to overwater. Your coconut Palm is really sensitive to overwatering and root rot. Always check the soil before watering it again.
5. Coconut Palms really appreciate high humidity. If your home is dry, consider placing a humidifier nearby or occasionally misting the plant.
6. Your Coconut Palm's leaves may have brown tips if the air humidity is too low or too thirsty. You just need to act fast to prevent further damage!
7. Coconut Palms are really sensitive to cold and chilly drafts. As tropical Palms, they love warmth! Ensure they're not placed near drafty windows or doors, especially during the colder months.
8. Fertilise it regularly during the growing season. Just add some liquid fertiliser to your watering routine every 3-4 weeks from spring to summer.
9. Give it enough space to shine. Coconut Palms can grow quite tall, even indoors. Ensure you have ample vertical space or be prepared to prune occasionally to control its height.
10. Be patient with its growth. When you have a small Coconut Palm, it can take some time for it to grow into a bigger one.

Coconut Palm care

Light requirements

Your Coconut Palm thrives in bright, indirect light with some direct sunlight. In its natural habitat, it's used to receiving ample sunlight. Choosing the brightest spot in your home near the south- or west-facing window is best. Just be careful with the direct sun, as in midday, it can be really intensive, and your Coconut Palm soil will dry out faster and may damage its leaves. If the light seems too intense, use curtains or blinds to diffuse the intensity.

Expert tip! If you aim for decorative central room placement, ensure the room receives ample ambient light throughout the day. Also, consider supplementing with grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Coconut Palms do not tolerate shadier spots at all. It will show signs like yellow leaves, slow and leggy growth, and maybe even drooping and falling leaves. However, it is normal for some older leaves to be yellow from time to time as they age.

Watering

Since the Coconut Palm is a thirsty lady, it likes to have moderately moist soil at all times. This will result in her needing water several times a week. This will increase in summer when it's warm or when the humidity is low. However, do not overwater it. The best time to water your indoor Coconut Palm is when the top 2-4 cm of topsoil feels dry to the touch.

Expert tip! Coconut Palms are sensitive to overwatering. You’ll see mushy roots and stems, yellowing leaves and possible leaf drop. Make sure your Coconut Palm pot has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining and airy. Don’t let the soil to be too waterlogged.

Fertilisation

You can provide your Coconut Palm with some PLNTS liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Add a portion to your water every 2-4 weeks, that should be enough. In the dormant months of fall and winter, reduce fertilising or stop it altogether since the plant's growth slows and requires fewer nutrients. While they can tolerate periods without fertilisation, providing them with the necessary nutrients ensures robust growth and a healthier appearance.

Temperature & humidity

Due to her tropical heritage, she would prefer a temperature between 20 to 24°C. Her bare minimum is 18°C. Any lower can cause stress or damage to the plant. It’s also really sensitive to cold drafts, so be extra careful during winter with open windows and doors. It needs a humid environment, preferably above 50%, since it is a tropical plant. Consider raising your room's air humidity when it's too dry.

Expert tip! A bright bathroom or kitchen may be perfect for your Coconut Palm since the air there is probably more humid!

Repotting & soil

Usually, a coconut Palm needs repotting every after 2-3 years. Younger, faster-growing Palms may need repotting more often, while older Palms that have slowed down in growth might be okay for longer periods. If you notice roots poking out from the bottom, it's a clear sign the plant needs more space. Choose well-draining houseplant soil for your Coconut Palm. You can also add some coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage and give your plants a feeling of home.

Coconut Palm Propagation

The only way to grow a Coconut Palm is directly from a coconut. These coconuts should have husk on them and water inside of them. You can soak it in water for three days and then plant it. Very slowly, you will have a Coconut Palm.

Most common pests on Coconut Palm

You should keep your eyes open for mealybugs, spider mites, scale and thrips. You can have a little plant inspection from time to time. A loupe might help since some pests are so tiny that it’s hard to see them with the naked eye. You can always go to our PLNTSdoctor page to diagnose your plant and see what the best remedy is to solve your itchy problem.

Are Coconut Palms poisonous for your pets or children?

No! Our lovely coconut lady is safe to have around our beloved children and pets. :)

Buy your new Coconut Palm online at PLNTS.com

Are you up for tropical vibes in your urban jungle?! At PLNTS.com, you can buy Coconut online, like the Coconut Palm. Whether you like your Coconut Palm big from the start or prefer to grow them from tiny BabyPLNTS into full-grown PLNTS - we’ve got you covered!