African cabbage palm Plant Care
Eremospatha macrocarpa Mann & H.Wendl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eremospatha macrocarpa is a striking plant known for its large, fan-shaped leaves that resemble a cabbage. Native to the tropical forests of Madagascar, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in shady indoor spaces.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African cabbage palm?
Water African cabbage 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 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the African cabbage palm?
African cabbage palm (Eremospatha macrocarpa) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Eremospatha genus. African cabbage palm is native to Madagascar. African cabbage palm is also known as Madagascar cabbage palm.
African cabbage palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. African cabbage palm produces creamy white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African cabbage palm?
Eremospatha macrocarpa 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 African cabbage palm Need?
African cabbage palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African cabbage 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 African cabbage palm Prefer?
Eremospatha macrocarpa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. African cabbage palm 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 African cabbage palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for African cabbage palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African cabbage palm?
Feed African cabbage 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 African cabbage 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 African cabbage palm?
African cabbage palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eremospatha laurentii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African cabbage palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African cabbage 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 African cabbage palm?
African cabbage 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 African cabbage palm Need?
African cabbage palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African cabbage palm is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow African cabbage palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
African cabbage 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 Eremospatha genus — compare its care with other Eremospatha species on PlantoScan.
Eremospatha is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
African cabbage palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eremospatha Species
Other Eremospatha species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eremospatha macrocarpa Mann & H.Wendl., family Arecaceae (first published in Hamburger Garten- Blumenzeitung 31: 163 (1875)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African cabbage 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 11a – 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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