Image: AI generated
Rodrigues Palm Plant Care
Acanthophoenix rousselii N.Ludw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking red crownshaft and elegantly arching fronds, this palm species originating from the remote Mascarene Islands is a coveted addition to any plant collector's garden. The vivid coloration of its crownshaft and unique leaf shape make Acanthophoenix rousselii a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rodrigues Palm?
Water Rodrigues Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Rodrigues Palm?
Rodrigues Palm (Acanthophoenix rousselii) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Acanthophoenix genus. Rodrigues Palm is native to Rodrigues Island. Rodrigues Palm is also known as Roussel's Palm.
Rodrigues Palm displays a tall, elegant palm tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Rodrigues Palm produces produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rodrigues Palm?
Acanthophoenix rousselii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rodrigues Palm Need?
Rodrigues Palm thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Rodrigues Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rodrigues Palm Prefer?
Acanthophoenix rousselii grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Rodrigues Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rodrigues Palm?
Well-draining, rich soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Rodrigues Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rodrigues Palm?
Feed Rodrigues Palm every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rodrigues Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rodrigues Palm?
Rodrigues Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mascarena crinita plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rodrigues Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rodrigues Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rodrigues Palm?
Rodrigues Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rodrigues Palm Need?
Rodrigues Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Rodrigues Palm is native to Rodrigues Island. In cooler regions, grow Rodrigues Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Rodrigues Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acanthophoenix genus — compare its care with other Acanthophoenix species on PlantoScan.
Acanthophoenix is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Rodrigues Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acanthophoenix rousselii N.Ludw., family Arecaceae (first published in Palms (1999+) 50: 84 (2006)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rodrigues Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Rodrigues Palm Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species