Giant King Palm Plant Care
Archontophoenix maxima Dowe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Archontophoenix maxima, commonly known as the Walsh River palm or Oaky Creek Archontophoenix, is a large tree of the palm family Arecaceae. It is endemic to Queensland, Australia, and was first described in 1992.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant King Palm?
Water Giant King 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant King Palm Native To?
What Is the Giant King Palm?
Giant King Palm (Archontophoenix maxima) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Archontophoenix genus. Giant King Palm is native to Queensland, Australia, and was first described in 1992.
Giant King Palm displays a tall, elegant palm tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Giant King Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant King Palm?
Archontophoenix maxima 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 Giant King Palm Need?
Giant King Palm thrives in bright indirect to full sun. The optimal light range is 2,000–8,000 lux. Avoid placing Giant King Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
2,000–8,000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant King Palm Prefer?
Archontophoenix maxima grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Giant King Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant King Palm?
Well-draining, rich soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Giant King Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant King Palm?
Feed Giant King 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 Giant King 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 Giant King Palm?
Giant King Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to piccabeen palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant King Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant King 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 Giant King Palm?
Giant King 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 Giant King Palm Need?
Giant King Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Giant King Palm is native to Queensland, Australia, and was first described in 1992. In cooler regions, grow Giant King Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Giant King 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 Archontophoenix genus — compare its care with other Archontophoenix species on PlantoScan.
Archontophoenix is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Giant King 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: Archontophoenix maxima Dowe, family Arecaceae (first published in Austrobaileya 4: 235 (1994)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant King 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
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