cocoanut

Also known as: coconut; coconut oil plant; coconut palm; porcupine wood; sugar palm; wine palm

A single-stemmed palm, forming a tree to 25m in the tropics, prized for its elegant form and edible seeds (coconuts). In frost-prone areas, young specimens can be grown as short-lived foliage plants in a warm conservatory, or as houseplants

Scientific classification

Species: cocoanut (Cocos nucifera)
Genus: Cocos
Family: Arecaceae

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Toxicity: Palms · Trees · Fruit Edible
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

cocoanut pictures

Distribution of cocoanut

Distribution map

Coastal tropical regions

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of cocoanut

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cocoanut care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by soaking a fresh coconut (with husk still on) in warm water for 3 days. Then half bury the coconut, pointed end down, in a pot of loam-based compost with additional sharp sand and fibrous organic matter. Water well and seal the whole lot up in a large plastic bag, putting it in a warm place and checking frequently for signs of germination; this may take 3-6 months

Growing

Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost with additional sharp sand and fibrous organic matter, in full or bright filtered light with moderate humidity. In the growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors

More growing and care information →