Peruvian Wax Palm Plant Care
Ceroxylon peruvianum Galeano, Sanín & K.Mejia
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ceroxylon peruvianum is a species of palm tree. It is endemic to Peru.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Peruvian Wax Palm?
Water Peruvian Wax Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Peruvian Wax Palm Native To?
What Is the Peruvian Wax Palm?
Peruvian Wax Palm (Ceroxylon peruvianum) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Ceroxylon genus. Peruvian Wax Palm is native to Peru.
Peruvian Wax Palm displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 40 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Peruvian Wax Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Peruvian Wax Palm?
Ceroxylon peruvianum 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 Peruvian Wax Palm Need?
Peruvian Wax Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Peruvian Wax Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Peruvian Wax Palm Prefer?
Ceroxylon peruvianum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Peruvian Wax Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Peruvian Wax Palm?
Well-draining, rich soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian Wax Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Peruvian Wax Palm?
Feed Peruvian Wax 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 Peruvian Wax 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 Peruvian Wax Palm?
Peruvian Wax Palm can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andean wax palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Peruvian Wax Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Peruvian Wax 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 Peruvian Wax Palm?
Peruvian Wax 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 Peruvian Wax Palm Need?
Peruvian Wax Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Peruvian Wax Palm is native to Peru. In cooler regions, grow Peruvian Wax Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Peruvian Wax 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 Ceroxylon genus — compare its care with other Ceroxylon species on PlantoScan.
Ceroxylon is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Peruvian Wax Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ceroxylon Species
Other Ceroxylon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ceroxylon peruvianum Galeano, Sanín & K.Mejia, family Arecaceae (first published in Revista Peru. Biol. 15(Supl. 1): 65 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Peruvian Wax 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 9b – 11a, 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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