Benstonea monticola Plant Care

Benstonea monticola (Benstonea monticola) belongs to the Pandanaceae family within the Benstonea genus. Benstonea monticola is native to rainforested parts of north east Queensland, Australia.

Benstonea monticola displays a tall, clumping palm growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Benstonea monticola produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Benstonea monticola every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Benstonea monticola thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Benstonea monticola in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Benstonea monticola tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Benstonea monticola prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Benstonea monticola to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Benstonea monticola every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Benstonea monticola is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Benstonea monticola can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Benstonea monticola while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Benstonea monticola is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Benstonea monticola can be propagated through division, air layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to black palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Benstonea monticola 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.

Benstonea monticola grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Benstonea monticola is native to rainforested parts of north east Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Benstonea monticola as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.