Photo: Dominik Maximilián RamíkCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mascarena macrosperma Plant Care
Carpoxylon macrospermum H.Wendl. & Drude
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This palm species is known for its large, fan-shaped fronds that can reach up to 10 feet in length. Originating from the island of Mauritius, Carpoxylon macrospermum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and exotic appearance, adding a touch of tropical elegance to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mascarena macrosperma?
Water Mascarena macrosperma 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mascarena macrosperma Native To?
What Is the Mascarena macrosperma?
Mascarena macrosperma (Carpoxylon macrospermum) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Carpoxylon genus. Mascarena macrosperma is native to Vanuatu, and the only species in the genus Carpoxylon. Mascarena macrosperma is also known as Mascarena macrospadix.
Mascarena macrosperma displays a tall, solitary palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Mascarena macrosperma produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mascarena macrosperma?
Carpoxylon macrospermum 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 Mascarena macrosperma Need?
Mascarena macrosperma thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mascarena macrosperma Prefer?
Carpoxylon macrospermum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Mascarena macrosperma prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mascarena macrosperma?
Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mascarena macrosperma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mascarena macrosperma?
Feed Mascarena macrosperma every 8 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 8 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 Mascarena macrosperma?
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 Mascarena macrosperma?
Mascarena macrosperma can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Mascarena macrosperma Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mascarena macrosperma, 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 Mascarena macrosperma?
Mascarena macrosperma is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, palm aphids. 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 Mascarena macrosperma Need?
Mascarena macrosperma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Mascarena macrosperma is native to Vanuatu, and the only species in the genus Carpoxylon. In cooler regions, grow Mascarena macrosperma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Mascarena macrosperma 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 Carpoxylon genus — compare its care with other Carpoxylon species on PlantoScan.
Carpoxylon is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Mascarena macrosperma 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: Carpoxylon macrospermum H.Wendl. & Drude, family Arecaceae (first published in Linnaea 39: 177 (1875)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mascarena macrosperma, 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: Dominik Maximilián Ramík, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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