The coconut palm is a very decorative and popular houseplant that is often offered at a low price. It is considered hardy but is quite demanding and needs lots of sun, warmth and water to thrive.
What you should pay attention to when buying
Coconut palms are often offered quite cheaply, but don't let that tempt you into making a hasty purchase. You can only enjoy a healthy plant for a long time, a sick or weakened plant is susceptible to pests and can also pose a threat to other plants in its vicinity.
A healthy coconut tree has glossy green leaves. If the leaves are dull and silvery, then the palm could be suffering from spider mites. The reason for this is often insufficient humidity. If the palm has suffered from prolonged drought, it shows this with yellow leaf edges. You shouldn't buy this palm either.
The right location
Coconut palms love sun, warmth, lots of water and high humidity. These are not exactly ideal living conditions for people. Nevertheless, a coconut tree can also feel comfortable in your living room if you help it out a little.
Place your coconut tree in a sunny location right by the window and ensure an even temperature of at least 20 °C, even at night. In summer, your coconut tree is welcome to move to the balcony or terrace. If the nights are cool, however, she should not sleep outside.
The essentials in brief:
- at least 20 °C, also at night
- lots of lukewarm water
- no waterlogging
- high humidity
The optimal care
Water your coconut tree regularly. It is best to use lukewarm, lime-free water for this, rainwater is ideal. Your palm can also be sprayed with lukewarm rainwater, which also ensures the necessary humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant.
Your coconut palm needs a new plant pot about every two years so that the roots have enough space. Use substrate or mix potting soil with sand. Make sure half the coconut is still sticking out of the ground.
tips and tricks
If you only buy a healthy coconut tree, ensure the ideal location and water your coconut tree regularly, you will be able to enjoy it for a long time.