Photo: Marcos Rodriguez BobadillaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Coccothrinax rivalis Plant Care
Calyptronoma rivalis (O.F.Cook) L.H.Bailey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its striking red feather-like foliage, originating from the tropical regions of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Calyptronoma rivalis for its unique and vibrant appearance, making it a prized addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Coccothrinax rivalis?
Water Coccothrinax rivalis every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. 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 Coccothrinax rivalis Native To?
What Is the Coccothrinax rivalis?
Coccothrinax rivalis (Calyptronoma rivalis) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Calyptronoma genus. Coccothrinax rivalis is native to the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Coccothrinax rivalis is also known as Thrinax rivalis.
Coccothrinax rivalis displays a tall, slender palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Coccothrinax rivalis produces creamy white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Coccothrinax rivalis?
Calyptronoma rivalis 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 Coccothrinax rivalis Need?
Coccothrinax rivalis thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Coccothrinax rivalis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coccothrinax rivalis Prefer?
Calyptronoma rivalis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Coccothrinax rivalis 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 Coccothrinax rivalis?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Coccothrinax rivalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Coccothrinax rivalis?
Feed Coccothrinax rivalis 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 Coccothrinax rivalis?
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 Coccothrinax rivalis?
Coccothrinax rivalis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calyptronoma occidentalis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Coccothrinax rivalis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Coccothrinax rivalis, 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 Coccothrinax rivalis?
Coccothrinax rivalis 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 Coccothrinax rivalis Need?
Coccothrinax rivalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Coccothrinax rivalis is native to the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Coccothrinax rivalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Coccothrinax rivalis 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 Calyptronoma genus — compare its care with other Calyptronoma species on PlantoScan.
Calyptronoma is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Coccothrinax rivalis 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: Calyptronoma rivalis (O.F.Cook) L.H.Bailey, family Arecaceae (first published in Gentes Herbarum 4: 171 (1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coccothrinax rivalis, 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: Marcos Rodriguez Bobadilla, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Coccothrinax rivalis 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