Care of the palm tree Cocos nucifera or Coconut palm |
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The genus Cocos, family Arecaceae, includes a single species of palm tree: Cocos nucifera. Its origin is unknown. Common names: Coconut tree, Coconut palm. They are large palm trees that reach 30 meters (98.4 feet) in height; indoors it reaches 3 meters. They have brown fiber covered trunks and leaves with fine, shiny leaflets and long petioles. They are used as indoor plants in homes or in greenhouses. They don't live for many years. Cocos nucifera needs a light exposure but without direct sun and minimum temperatures of 16 ºC (60.8 ºF) in winter and 25 ºC (77 ºF) in summer. The soil should be a mixture of 50% leaf mulch and 50% garden substrate with some coarse sand. Transplant when the roots appear below the pot. Water abundantly in summer, reducing watering in winter, but always keep the soil moist. If it's very hot it is important to spray the leaves with lime-free water. Fertilize every 10 days with mineral fertilizer throughout the spring and mid-summer. They can be attacked by mealybugs and mites if the humidity is low. They propagate by planting a coconut in a pot (with half the fruit on the outside). |
Images of the palm tree Cocos nucifera or Coconut palm |
 Cocos nucifera  Cocos nucifera |