Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana

Water

The King Palm should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season in spring and summer, it typically requires watering once a week, but this may increase to twice a week in very hot weather. The amount of water needed at each watering session is approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons for an outdoor plant, depending on the size and the weather conditions. Reduce watering frequency during the fall and winter to every other week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Always ensure that the plant has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

The King Palm thrives in bright, indirect light when grown indoors and partial shade to full sun outdoors. It should be protected from direct midday sun to prevent leaf burn. The best spot for a King Palm would be in an area where it can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day or direct sun during the morning hours.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for a King Palm is between 65°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 35°F, but frost can cause damage to the foliage. It's important to ensure that the palm is not exposed to sudden temperature drops and to protect it from cold drafts.

Pruning

Prune the King Palm to remove dead or yellowing fronds, which will promote healthy growth and improve the plant's appearance. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. It's typically only necessary once a year or less often, as the palm has a self-cleaning habit where old fronds naturally drop off.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The King Palm thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A good mix consists of peat, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand, which ensures proper moisture retention and aeration. Regularly check the soil pH to maintain these ideal conditions.

Repotting

King Palms should be repotted every two to three years in their juvenile stage to accommodate their growing root systems. Mature palms, however, can be repotted less frequently, possibly every 3-5 years, and ultimately, they may settle well into a large pot or be planted out.

Humidity & Misting

King Palms prefer high humidity levels of around 60% or higher. To achieve optimal growth indoors, it's beneficial to use a humidifier or regularly mist the leaves to maintain these humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from wind, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9b-11 USDA

Life cycle

The King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in the warm, moist conditions of its native rainforest understorey. Germination can take several months, after which a single shoot emerges, developing into a juvenile palm with a slender stem and feathery leaves. As the palm matures, it grows upright, forming a smooth, gray trunk with ringed scars from fallen leaves, and its canopy expands with pinnate leaves that can reach several meters in length. Upon reaching sexual maturity, which can occur within 5 to 7 years, it produces inflorescences of small, white to lilac flowers from among the leaves, followed by bright red or purple fruits. The fruits are often eaten by birds, which aid in seed dispersal. The King Palm can live for several decades, continuing to grow taller, with some specimens reaching up to 40 meters high.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The King Palm, more formally known as Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, is best propagated through the sowing of seeds. The ideal time to propagate by seed is during the warmer months when temperatures remain consistently above 75°F (24°C), as this tropical plant requires warmth for optimal germination. Fresh seeds exhibit the highest viability and should be sown directly in a moist, well-draining growing medium. After sowing, the seeds need a consistent supply of moisture and should not be allowed to dry out, but they also must not be waterlogged. It generally takes several weeks to a few months for King Palm seeds to germinate, and patience is key in this process. Once seedlings have emerged and established a few sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots to continue their growth.