Stilt Palm Plant Care
Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Iriartea is a genus in the palm family Arecaceae. It is native to Central and northern and central South America.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Stilt Palm?
Water Stilt 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 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Stilt Palm Native To?
What Is the Stilt Palm?
Stilt Palm (Iriartea deltoidea) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Iriartea genus. Stilt Palm is native to Central and northern and central South America. Stilt Palm is also known as Barrigona Palm, Walking Palm.
Stilt Palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 40 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Stilt Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stilt Palm?
Iriartea deltoidea 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 Stilt Palm Need?
Stilt Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Stilt 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 Stilt Palm Prefer?
Iriartea deltoidea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Stilt Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stilt Palm?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Stilt Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stilt Palm?
Feed Stilt 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 Stilt 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 Stilt Palm?
Stilt Palm can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Stilt Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Stilt 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 Stilt Palm?
Stilt Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Stilt Palm Need?
Stilt Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Stilt Palm is native to Central and northern and central South America. In cooler regions, grow Stilt Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Stilt 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 Iriartea genus — compare its care with other Iriartea species on PlantoScan.
Iriartea is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Stilt 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: Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav., family Arecaceae (first published in Syst. Veg. Fl. Peruv. Chil. : 298 (1798)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stilt 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 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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