Photo: P JeganathanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Buri palm Plant Care
Corypha utan Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With large, fan-shaped leaves that can reach up to 10 feet in width, this plant hails from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Corypha utan for its striking silhouette and unique palm-like appearance, making it a standout addition to any exotic plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Buri palm?
Water Buri palm 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Buri palm Native To?
What Is the Buri palm?
Buri palm (Corypha utan) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Corypha genus. Buri palm is native to Asia and Oceania. Buri palm is also known as Talipot palm, Gebang palm, Fan palm.
Buri palm displays a single trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Buri palm produces creamy white flowers in large panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Buri palm?
Corypha utan 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 Buri palm Need?
Buri palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Buri palm Prefer?
Corypha utan grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Buri palm 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 Buri palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Buri palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Buri palm?
Feed Buri 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 Buri palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. 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 Buri palm?
Buri palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to corypha lecomtei plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Buri palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Buri 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 Buri palm?
Buri 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 Buri palm Need?
Buri palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Buri palm is native to Asia and Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Buri palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Buri 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 Corypha genus — compare its care with other Corypha species on PlantoScan.
Corypha is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Buri palm 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: Corypha utan Lam., family Arecaceae (first published in Encycl. 2: 131 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Buri 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.
- Photo: P Jeganathan, 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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