Various types of coconut palms are commercially available, on the one hand the real coconut palm Cocos nucifera, on the other hand the Lytocaryum weddelianum cultivated as a houseplant. This comes from South America, resembles the real coconut palm, but has completely different requirements.

The real coconut palm needs a lot of sun, warmth and water for its well-being, as well as high humidity. These conditions can hardly be offered to her in a normal living room. A humidifier or regular spraying with low-lime water can help.

The right watering

Water your coconut tree regularly. Be sure to avoid waterlogging, otherwise the nut will begin to rot. The potting soil should not be too firm so that the irrigation water drains off well. In winter, your coconut tree needs a little less water than in the summer months. It is best to use lukewarm water with a low lime content.

The fertilizing

The coconut palm is quite demanding. Therefore, it should also be fertilized regularly in the summer months. Add some liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water about every 14 days from May to October.

The repot

The coconut palm needs a relatively large plant pot, not only for the nut, but also for the far-spreading roots. It should be repotted about every two to three years. Use palm soil from a specialist shop or garden soil mixed with sand. The top half of the coconut must always stick out of the potting soil.

The coconut tree in winter

Even in winter, the coconut palm likes it warm. It stops growing at temperatures below 16 °C. It is particularly important that you ensure sufficient humidity. Especially in winter, this can easily become a problem because of the dry heating air. Therefore, spray your coconut palm with lukewarm water every day.

The most common difficulties with a coconut tree

If your coconut tree does not appear healthy and, for example, develops brown leaf tips, then one of the following points could be the cause:

  • too low humidity
  • too little heat
  • too small plant pot
  • too little fertilizer

tips and tricks

Regular watering, plenty of warmth, high humidity and a large plant pot are the basic requirements for a long life of a coconut palm.

UE

Category:

Vegetable garden