Adonidia merrillii
AH-doh-nid-ee-ah mer-RILL-ee-eye
Common Names: Christmas Palm, Manila Palm, Pacific Palm
Family: Arecaceae
Origin: Phillipines, Malaysia
Growth: Upwards, old fronds naturally fall off
Light: Full sun
Foot Candles: 250+
Water: Regularly. Keep evenly moist. Can tolerate short periods of drought.
Humidity: 50% - 90%
Temperature: 16°C - 30°C
Soil: Well-draining mix
Height: 21"" pot = approx. 14'
Nutrients: 20-10-10 monthly
Propagation: Seed or splitting
Interiorscape Use: Atrium, Large Potted Plant, Patio
Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.
Common Issues: Old fronds naturally get pushed off.
Comments: Named after Christmas due to the bright red fruit during the holiday season. One of the most popular palms for interiorscape use. Its fruits are sometimes used as a substitute for the betel nut in preparing buyo for chewing. Often grown in clumps of two to four. Particularly vulnerable to spider mites. Very rarely flowers or produces the iconic fruit when grown indoors.
