Totai palm (Acrocomia totai)
Care, watering, light and tips for Totai palm on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Arecaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 15–40 °C
About Totai palm
Acrocomia totai, commonly known as Totai or Paraguayan coconut palm, is a robust and spiny palm native to South America. It is characterized by a thick trunk covered with black spines and large, pinnate leaves, reaching heights of up to 15 meters. It is ideal for landscaping in warm climates, bringing an exotic and tropical touch to large parks and gardens.
Native range
South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay)
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and tolerates drought well once established, though it appreciates regular watering in summer. It prefers well-drained soils, preferably sandy or loamy, and is sensitive to waterlogging. A common mistake is trying to grow it in cold climates, as it does not tolerate frost and needs consistently warm temperatures.
How to save a dying Totai palm
- Warning signs
- Yellowing lower leaves, dry tips, soft or spotted trunk.
- First aid
- Check drainage, reduce watering, apply fungicide if rot is present.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage. Does not tolerate waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. Trunk rot is critical.