When we hear the words ‘palm tree’, most of us think of cocus nucifera: big fronds, long bowing trunk, coconuts hanging. It’s one of the world’s most famous trees. It’s been around for an awfully long time, with recorded mention as far back as 1BC. It’s an incredibly useful plant, providing everything from food to cosmetics to mattress stuffing.

The coconut grows all over the world, but mostly in tropical Asia. It loves anywhere with warm and moist conditions. That can make it a challenging indoor plant, but an impressive one. It likes steady, warm temperature, bright light and very high humidity. Basically, it’s not a plant you can just leave to its own devices. It needs regular attention and patience. It will also enjoy a monthly feed in spring and summer. 

If you can give it everything it wants, it looks fantastic. Are you up for the challenge?

Did you know?

The coconut isn’t a nut at all. It’s a drupe, or a stone fruit, like a peach or an apricot.