Photo: J. L. Gómez-HechavarríaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cuban palm Plant Care
Gaussia spirituana Moya & Leiva
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking fan-shaped, silver-blue leaves, Gaussia spirituana hails from the tropical forests of Cuba. This unique plant is highly sought after by collectors for its rare appearance and exotic origins, making it a prized addition to any plant lover's collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cuban palm?
Water Cuban palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cuban palm Native To?
What Is the Cuban palm?
Cuban palm (Gaussia spirituana) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Gaussia genus. Cuban palm is native to the Sierra de Jatibonico in east-central Cuba. Cuban palm is also known as palma barrigona.
Cuban palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cuban palm produces creamy white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cuban palm?
Gaussia spirituana 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 Cuban palm Need?
Cuban palm thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Cuban palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cuban palm Prefer?
Gaussia spirituana grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Cuban 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 Cuban palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cuban palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cuban palm?
Feed Cuban 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 Cuban 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 Cuban palm?
Cuban palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gaussia attenuata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cuban palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cuban 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 Cuban palm?
Cuban 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 Cuban palm Need?
Cuban palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cuban palm is native to the Sierra de Jatibonico in east-central Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Cuban palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cuban 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 Gaussia genus — compare its care with other Gaussia species on PlantoScan.
Gaussia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Cuban 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: Gaussia spirituana Moya & Leiva, family Arecaceae (first published in Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 12: 16 (1991 publ. 1993)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cuban 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: J. L. Gómez-Hechavarría, 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.
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