Florida Thatch Palm Plant Care

Florida Thatch Palm (Microcycas calocoma) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Microcycas genus. Florida Thatch Palm is native to a small area in western Cuba in Pinar del Río Province. Florida Thatch Palm is also known as Palmetto, Cabbage Palm.

Florida Thatch Palm displays a slow-growing palm-like tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Florida Thatch Palm produces cones with male and female reproductive structures.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Florida Thatch Palm every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Florida Thatch Palm thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Microcycas calocoma tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Florida Thatch Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Florida Thatch Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Florida Thatch Palm every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Florida Thatch Palm is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Florida Thatch Palm can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Florida Thatch Palm while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Florida Thatch Palm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Florida Thatch Palm can be propagated through seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Florida Thatch Palm is susceptible to scale insects, 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.

Florida Thatch Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Florida Thatch Palm is native to a small area in western Cuba in Pinar del Río Province. In cooler regions, grow Florida Thatch Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.