Christmas palm (Adonidia merrillii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Christmas palm on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Arecaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 15–40 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Christmas palm
Adonidia merrillii, also known as 'Petit palmier des Philippines' or Christmas Palm, is a medium-sized, slender, and relatively fast-growing palm native to the Philippines. It features a single, smooth, ringed trunk topped with bright green pinnate leaves, giving it an elegant and tropical appearance. It is ideal for enhancing small gardens, patios, or as an indoor plant in temperate climates, adding an exotic and festive touch.
Native range
Philippines
Care tips
It prefers full to partial sunlight and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm months; reduce in winter. A common mistake is over-fertilization, which can burn the roots; fertilize sparingly. Protect from severe cold, as it is not frost-tolerant.
How to save a dying Christmas palm
- Warning signs
- Yellowish/brown leaves, dry tips, slow/no growth, soft trunk.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist, not soggy soil), place in bright spot without intense direct sun. Lightly fertilize with palm food.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or extreme underwatering (dehydration). Also low temperatures or too much intense direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotted and trunk is still firm. Act quickly and consistently.