Ruffled Fan Palm- Licuala grandis
Iconic for their pleated or ruffled fan-like leaves, the Ruffled Fan Palm is an incredibly elegant-looking, slow-growing palm hailing from the lowland rain forests of the Solomon Islands and the Vanuatu Islands near Australia’s coast.
These idyllic palms feature single slender trunks, large lush glossy leaves with structural pleats and notched edges and produce an inflorescence that later produces green fruit which turns red when ripe. Ruffled Fan Palms are a perfect addition to any home or garden making it a great way to add a little bit of tropical flair to any indoor or outdoor setting.
General Care
Sunlight
Partial to complete shade.
Water
Infrequent, deep watering. Mist the plant two or three times a week to keep humidity levels comfortable.
Humidity
Moderate humidity. Avoid frost.
Soil
Well-drained/sandy potting mix soil.
Common Problems
When kept as a houseplant, Ruffled Fan Palm can be plagued by common houseplant pests and diseases such as spider mites, scale and fungus gnats, and root rot from overwatering.
Excessive watering and cool temperatures may lead to root rot. Too much direct sunlight may scorch and burn the plants’ leaves.
Symptom
Yellowing Leaves
Cause
Overwatering/too-low humidity
Symptom
Browning Tips
Cause
Under watering, too high humidity or located in direct light. Check the plant for spider mites.
Precautions
Ruffled Fan Palm is somewhat toxic to cats, dogs, and people if ingested. It is also somewhat hazardous to eat since the leaves are very sharp, and the stems are spiny.
TIP: Deep watering is when you slow drip the water instead of dumping it all at once. This method usually works best for newly planted palms that don’t have an extensive root system.
