Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Grugru Palm Plant Care
Acrocomia aculeata Lodd. ex Mart.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This palm species is recognized by its long, feather-like fronds that can reach up to 20 feet in length. Originating from tropical regions of South America, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in both tropical and subtropical climates.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Grugru Palm?
Water Grugru Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Grugru Palm Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Grugru Palm?
Grugru Palm (Acrocomia aculeata) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Acrocomia genus. Grugru Palm is native to the Neotropics. Grugru Palm is also known as Macaw Palm, Coyol Palm, Peixe Palm.
Grugru Palm displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Grugru Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Grugru Palm?
Acrocomia aculeata 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 Grugru Palm Need?
Grugru Palm thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grugru Palm Prefer?
Acrocomia aculeata grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Grugru Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Grugru Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Grugru Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Grugru Palm?
Feed Grugru 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 Grugru Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. 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 Grugru Palm?
Grugru Palm can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gru-gru palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Grugru Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Grugru 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 Grugru Palm?
Grugru Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Grugru Palm Need?
Grugru Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Grugru Palm is native to the Neotropics. In cooler regions, grow Grugru Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Grugru 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 Acrocomia genus — compare its care with other Acrocomia species on PlantoScan.
Acrocomia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Grugru 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: Acrocomia aculeata Lodd. ex Mart., family Arecaceae (first published in Hist. Nat. Palm. iii. 66. tt. 286 (1823).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Grugru 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: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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