Black palm Plant Care
Normanbya normanbyi L.H.Bailey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Normanbya is a genus of palm trees containing the sole species Normanbya normanbyi, known by the common name black palm. It is endemic to Queensland, Australia and is threatened by habitat destruction.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Black palm?
Water Black palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black palm Native To?
What Is the Black palm?
Black palm (Normanbya normanbyi) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Normanbya genus. Black palm is native to Queensland, Australia. Black palm is also known as Normanby palm.
Black palm displays a tall, elegant palm tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Black palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black palm?
Normanbya normanbyi 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 Black palm Need?
Black palm thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Black palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black palm Prefer?
Normanbya normanbyi grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Black palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black palm?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Black palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black palm?
Feed Black 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 Black 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 Black palm?
Black palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Black palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black 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 Black palm?
Black 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 Black palm Need?
Black palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Black palm is native to Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Black palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Black 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 Normanbya genus — compare its care with other Normanbya species on PlantoScan.
Normanbya is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Black 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: Normanbya normanbyi L.H.Bailey, family Arecaceae (first published in Gentes Herbarum 2: 188 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black 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 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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