Attalea tessmannii Plant Care
Attalea tessmannii Burret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Attalea tessmannii is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is found in Brazil and Peru.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Attalea tessmannii?
Water Attalea tessmannii every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Attalea tessmannii?
Attalea tessmannii (Attalea tessmannii) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Attalea genus. Attalea tessmannii is native to Brazil and Peru.
Attalea tessmannii displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Attalea tessmannii produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Attalea tessmannii?
Attalea tessmannii 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 Attalea tessmannii Need?
Attalea tessmannii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Attalea tessmannii Prefer?
Attalea tessmannii grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Attalea tessmannii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Attalea tessmannii?
Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Attalea tessmannii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Attalea tessmannii?
Feed Attalea tessmannii 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 Attalea tessmannii?
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 Attalea tessmannii?
Attalea tessmannii can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to attalea amygdalina plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Attalea tessmannii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Attalea tessmannii, 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 Attalea tessmannii?
Attalea tessmannii 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 Attalea tessmannii Need?
Attalea tessmannii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Attalea tessmannii is native to Brazil and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Attalea tessmannii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Attalea tessmannii 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 Attalea genus — compare its care with other Attalea species on PlantoScan.
Attalea is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Attalea tessmannii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Attalea Species
Other Attalea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Attalea tessmannii Burret, family Arecaceae (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 538 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Attalea tessmannii, 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 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.
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