Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Carana Palm Plant Care
Mauritia carana Wallace
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 feet long. Originating from South America, specifically the Amazon rainforest, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and tropical vibe it brings to any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Carana Palm?
Water Carana Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Carana Palm?
Carana Palm (Mauritia carana) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Mauritia genus. Carana Palm is native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Carana Palm displays a tall, single-stemmed palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Carana Palm produces creamy white inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Carana Palm?
Mauritia carana 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 Carana Palm Need?
Carana Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Carana Palm Prefer?
Mauritia carana grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Carana 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 Carana Palm?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Carana Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Carana Palm?
Feed Carana 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 Carana 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 Carana Palm?
Carana Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moriche palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Carana Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Carana 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 Carana Palm?
Carana 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 Carana Palm Need?
Carana Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Carana Palm is native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Carana Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Carana 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 Mauritia genus — compare its care with other Mauritia species on PlantoScan.
Mauritia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Carana 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: Mauritia carana Wallace, family Arecaceae (first published in Palm Trees Amazon : 53 (1853)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Carana 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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