Queen palm - Syagrus romanzoffiana (Care, Characteristics, Culture, Images)

Queen palm

Also known as: Cocos palm

Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is a fast-growing tree with a smooth gray trunk and gracefully arching, feather-like fronds. It blooms cream-colored flowers and produces bright orange fruit that grows in heavy clusters. It is moderately salt tolerant, prefers full sun, and is commonly planted in city landscapes along streets and sidewalks. Grows to 15 m tall.

Scientific classification

Species

Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)

Palms, bullanocks, and allies

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Palm

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Winter, Spring

Harvest Time

10 m to 15 m

Plant Height

6 m to 9 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 6 mm

Flower Size

Yellow, Orange

Fruit Color

Cream

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Images of Queen palm

Distribution of Queen palm

Distribution Map

The queen palm is native to South America but has been introduced to Australia, Central America, and the United States. In the only American state it has been introduced to, Florida, it is considered an invasive species. It is well accustomed to forested areas and moist areas such as river banks and sea coasts. It is often used in landscaping as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Ornamental garden

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Queen palm is a popular tree prized for its shape and long, drooping fronds. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree and is essential in tropical landscapes. Plant it with copper plant, hibiscus, Ligustrum Sinensis, Cape Tecoma honeysuckle, jasmine, bush allamanda, and burgundy loropetalum for color and texture.

Interesting Facts

The queen palm's latin name references famous Russian Foreign Minister Nikolay Rumyantsev. He is famous for funding the first Russian global circumnavigation expedition. It is ironic because the queen palm is known to grow in tropical areas and Russia does not have this type of climate.

Name Story

Queen palm: This palm is easy to grow in containers while young. Its remarkable appearance makes it the favorite of the British Royal Garden, this is also probably why it is called queen palm.

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Quickly Identify Queen palm

Impressive height of up to 50 feet (15 meters)

Elegant, arching fronds with vertically oriented leaflets

Creamy flowers and bright orange seeds in warmer seasons

Skirt of leaf bases and fibers near the crown

Smooth gray bark transitioning from leaf bases

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Care Guide for Queen palm

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Queen palm, native to South America's tropical environments, thrives in high humidity and regular rainfall. It is moderately drought-tolerant, preferring consistent moisture. Water every 1-2 weeks. Ideal for outdoor cultivation in full sun, queen palm benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture in hot or dry conditions.

Fertilize: Proper fertilization of queen palm is vital for growth, using a balanced N-P-K granular fertilizer in spring and summer, and high-nitrogen formulas during growth. Apply quarterly, avoiding over-fertilization, especially in cooler months. Water well after applying to enhance nutrient absorption while adapting to queen palm's size and soil needs.

Pruning: Queen palm features arching fronds and a slender trunk. Prune dead fronds in early spring for health and aesthetics. This promotes air circulation and disease prevention. Use sharp, clean tools and wear protective gear to prevent infections while pruning.

Propagation: Queen palm is propagated by sowing fresh seeds, which should be soaked for 1-2 days. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact and maintain moisture in a well-draining medium. Germination may take months; seedlings need bright, indirect light, transitioning gradually to direct sunlight.

Repotting: Repot queen palm every 1-2 years in spring using a larger, well-draining container to support its extensive roots. After repotting, maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light to help queen palm recover and grow healthily.

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