Copernicia macroglossa

Copernicia macroglossa, commonly referred to as the Cuban Petticoat Palm, is a small palm measuring 10-20 feet in height. This ornamental palm is native to Cuba. Its foliage is long and fan-shaped with a great deal of old fronds that give off a petticoat-like look. This is where the tree gets its unique name. The Cuban Petticoat Palm thrives best when grown in full sun with regular watering and is grown in USDA Zone 9-11.

This is an easy to care for and undemanding palm. It loves lots of light and water and will thrive when this is provided. It also likes well-drained soil, but is not overly particular. Feed the Cuban Petticoat Palm with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Pruning is not necessary with this type of palm tree.

For those living in colder climates, the Cuban Petticoat Palm can be grown in a container and must be brought indoors in the winter months. When growing in pots, prepare a potting mix using equal parts of soil, peat moss and horticultural perlite. In the winter, keep the plants in a room that has a temperature of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce watering to just once per month. Feeding should also cease during the winter months.

Similar plants:

• Copernicia baileyana (Bailey Palm, Yarey Palm)
• Copernicia fallaensis (Giant Yarey Palm)
• Copernicia prunifera (Carnauba Wax Palm)
• Copernicia sp. (Copernicia)