Coco de Mer Plant Care
Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lodoicea, commonly known as the sea coconut, coco de mer, or double coconut, is a monotypic genus in the palm family. The sole species, Lodoicea maldivica, is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles, and was historically found on the neighboring small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris, and Ile Ronde.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Coco de Mer?
Water Coco de Mer every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Coco de Mer Native To?
What Is the Coco de Mer?
Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Lodoicea genus. Coco de Mer is native to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles, and was historically found on the neighboring small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris, and Ile Ronde. Coco de Mer is also known as Double Coconut.
Coco de Mer displays a large palm tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Coco de Mer produces large inflorescence with small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Coco de Mer?
Lodoicea maldivica requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Coco de Mer Need?
Coco de Mer thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coco de Mer Prefer?
Lodoicea maldivica grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Coco de Mer prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coco de Mer?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Coco de Mer to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Coco de Mer?
Feed Coco de Mer 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 Coco de Mer?
Repot every 3-4 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 Coco de Mer?
Coco de Mer can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Coco de Mer Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Coco de Mer, 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 Coco de Mer?
Coco de Mer is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. 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 Coco de Mer Need?
Coco de Mer grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Coco de Mer is native to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles, and was historically found on the neighboring small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris, and Ile Ronde. In cooler regions, grow Coco de Mer as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Coco de Mer 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 Lodoicea genus (family Arecaceae) — search all Lodoicea species in the plant lookup.
Coco de Mer 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: Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers., family Arecaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2: 630 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coco de Mer, 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 13b, 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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