It is possible to grow a coconut palm indoors! Grand trees reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) are coconut palms. Because of this, using coconut palms as indoor plants seems unfeasible. Although they are commonly available as houseplants, indoor coconut palms won’t bear fruit. The indoor plant section of nurseries is usually where you can find the seedlings. An indoor coconut tree might be a palm in one of many other genera, like Washingtonia or Phoenix, rather than a Cocos nucifera.
Can a Coconut Tree Be Grown Indoors?
Most likely, an indoor coconut palm tree plant is not a real coconut. They are accessible, though. A houseplant with a coconut palm grows fairly slowly. They don’t start fruiting outside until they are about 8 years old, which is when they reach maturity. In a landscape setting, plants can live up to 100 years. Unfortunately, indoor coconut palm plants have a limited height due to the container in which they are grown and have a short lifespan.
Indoor Maintenance for Coconut Palms
Because they are somewhat picky, coconut seedlings do require adequate lighting and lots of water. It can be challenging to replicate outside in their tropical ranges the conditions they enjoy inside the home. But a few pointers will ensure the happiness and health of your little indoor palm tree.
Brightness
This plant gets lots of sunlight where it is native. Coconut palms indoors should be placed next to a window facing south or west. Give them as much sunlight as you can—eight hours or longer is ideal. Invest in a good plant light to supplement the light source if your home is a little dark. During the summer, potted palms can be moved outside; just make sure to bring them inside before the threat of cold weather arrives.
Water
The habitat of Cocos nucifera is hot, humid climates. As you can imagine, the fruits require a lot of moisture because they contain a lot of coconut water. The plant has to be kept moist but not soggy inside the house, particularly in the winter when the central heating is running. Check the moisture content of the soil a few inches (7.62 cm) deep with your fingers. Give the plant plenty of water, but avoid leaving it in a saucer to prevent rotting disease from developing in the roots.
Climate and Humidity
Being tropical plants, coconut palms cannot withstand severe cold. Temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C) are ideal for their growth. As previously noted, these palms thrive in environments with high levels of tropical humidity, which can be challenging to replicate indoors. Place the plant on a saucer that has water and pebbles in it to provide ambient humidity while keeping the roots out of the water. To keep the leaves of the plant moist, mist it often.
Soil
When mixed with ⅓ sand or other grit, well-quality potting soil is ideal for the growth of indoor coconut palms. Having soil that drains well is essential. As an alternative, combine two parts grit and two parts peat-free compost.
Apply fertilizer
Plants in containers will benefit from fertilization. Phosphorus and nitrogen deficiencies are particularly common in coconut palms. Applying a liquid all-purpose plant food every two weeks is recommended from April to mid-September. You could also look for food specifically designed for palm trees.
Issues, Insects, and Illnesses
Indoor lighting is a common source of concern. Place the container on coasters if needed so you can move it to the rooms in your house that get the most light. Plants that spend the summer outdoors are susceptible to aphids, palm leaf skeletonizer, and scale. Additionally, they are vulnerable to a deadly disease called yellowing that is spread by leafhopper insects.
How to Grow a Coconut Palm Indoors
You can plant seedlings you’ve purchased at any time of year. A 3 gallon (11 L) pot is a good choice for young plants. Although the plant’s root system is not very large at first, after six months it will need to be moved to a container that is twice as large or larger.
Trimming
removed any damaged or dead leaves whenever possible. With time, the older leaves will usually wither and can be removed.
Transmission
Processing considerations may prevent purchased coconuts from germinating. You can cultivate a small seedling if you can obtain a fresh nut. Verify that the water within the fruit is audible. Give the fruit a few days to soak. Next, place it in potting soil that drains well, pointed side down. The top 3 inches (7.5 cm) of the fruit should remain exposed to the soil. To keep the soil damp but not soggy, give it just enough water. Put the container somewhere with a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), if not higher.
Repetting
Repotting is necessary for coconut palms every few years. As needed, increase the container’s size. Use a soil that has some grit and little to no peat. Verify that there are plenty of drainage holes in the container.
Wintering Over
Before the temperature falls below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (10 C), bring indoor plants that have been moved outdoors for the summer. If a light frost occurs in a warm climate, cover the plant with frost barrier fabric. Take it off during the day as the weather gets warmer.
Types of Indoor Coconut Palms
Evergreens marketed as coconut palms may belong to entirely different genus. Among the possibilities are Washingtonia, Chamaedorea, Howea, Rhapis, and Chrysalidocarpus.
Why Are My Coconut Palm’s Leaves Turning Brown?
Sunburn could be the cause of discolored leaves if the plant is too near a bright window. Take the plant a step back. It can also happen as a result of a number of dietary deficiencies, particularly potassium. The leaves of the plant get yellow spots that eventually turn reddish brown when potassium levels are low. The leaf eventually takes on a brown, dry appearance. Insufficient humidity given to the plant may also be the cause of the issue.
What is the lifespan of coconut palms?
A coconut palm grown in a container should last five to ten years. Container-bound plants will be stunted and will not receive all the elements required for such a lifespan, whereas outdoor plants can live to be 100 years old.
