Licuala grandis is grown both as an outdoor plant in tropical climates and as an indoor plant in cooler areas. It is one of the pleated palms and the foliage is very attractive, large, glossy green on tall stems.
Commonly called the Ruffled Fan Palm, this an understory plant in its natural habitat, it grows well in dappled shade as well as indoors.
Growing from a single main trunk, the foliage appears on stems radiating from the trunk.
Care
In the garden, sub tropical conditions will be required. Dappled shade and humus rich moist soil. Good amounts of compost and mulch should be used at least to the drip line.
Indoors use a humus rich potting mix and again dappled shade or filtered light. In cooler climates the plant will benefit from some time outdoors during the warmer months, again in dappled shade.
Propagation
Easy from seed.
Summary Information
- Botanical/Scientific Name – Licuala grandis
- Common Names – Ruffled Fan Palm, Vanuatu Fan Palm.
- Origins – South East Asia.
- Light – Dapped shade.
- Soil – Humus rich moist.
- Height – To around 2 metres
- Spread – To around 1 metre.
- Foliage – Large rounded pleated and glossy green.
- Root system – Shallow
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought Tolerant – No
Licuala grandis is available for sale from the following nurseries.
In Queensland Try
Tropical Coast Palms (07) 4061 2909
Innisfail, Queensland
Oxley Nursery
174 Dowding Street, Oxley QLD 4075
Palms For Brisbane
451 Lytton Rd Morningside Queensland 4170