Canterbury Palm Plant Care
Hedyscepe canterburyana H.Wendl. & Drude
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hedyscepe canterburyana, the big mountain palm or umbrella palm, is the sole species in the genus Hedyscepe of the family Arecaceae. It is endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia and is threatened by habitat loss.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Canterbury Palm?
Water Canterbury Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. 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 Canterbury Palm Native To?
What Is the Canterbury Palm?
Canterbury Palm (Hedyscepe canterburyana) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Hedyscepe genus. Canterbury Palm is native to Lord Howe Island, Australia. Canterbury Palm is also known as Umbrella Palm.
Canterbury Palm displays a solitary trunk, crown of arching, pinnate fronds growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Canterbury Palm produces creamy white to pale yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canterbury Palm?
Hedyscepe canterburyana 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 Canterbury Palm Need?
Canterbury Palm thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Canterbury Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canterbury Palm Prefer?
Hedyscepe canterburyana grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Canterbury 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 Canterbury Palm?
Well-draining, rich soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Canterbury Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canterbury Palm?
Feed Canterbury 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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury Palm?
Canterbury Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Canterbury Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canterbury 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 Canterbury Palm?
Canterbury Palm is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, 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 Canterbury Palm Need?
Canterbury Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Canterbury Palm is native to Lord Howe Island, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Canterbury Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Canterbury 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 Hedyscepe genus — compare its care with other Hedyscepe species on PlantoScan.
Hedyscepe is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Canterbury 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: Hedyscepe canterburyana H.Wendl. & Drude, family Arecaceae (first published in Linnaea 39: 204 (1875)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canterbury 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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