Pond Palm Plant Care
Jubaeopsis caffra Becc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Jubaeopsis afra, the Pondoland palm, is a flowering plant species in the palm family (Arecaceae). It belongs to the monotypic genus Jubaeopsis.
Every 10–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pond Palm?
Water Pond Palm every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Pond Palm?
Pond Palm (Jubaeopsis caffra) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Jubaeopsis genus. Pond Palm is also known as Water Palm.
Pond Palm displays a slow-growing solitary trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Pond Palm produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pond Palm?
Jubaeopsis caffra requires watering every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pond Palm Need?
Pond Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pond Palm Prefer?
Jubaeopsis caffra grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Pond Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pond Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pond Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pond Palm?
Feed Pond Palm every 8 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 8 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 Pond 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 Pond Palm?
Pond Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Pond Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pond 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 Pond Palm?
Pond 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 Pond Palm Need?
Pond Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Pond Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pond 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 Jubaeopsis genus — compare its care with other Jubaeopsis species on PlantoScan.
Jubaeopsis is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Pond 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: Jubaeopsis caffra Becc., family Arecaceae (first published in Webbia 4: 173 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pond 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 12a, 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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