Nipa Palm Plant Care
Oncosperma tigillarium (Jack) Ridl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Oncosperma tigillarium, commonly known as Nibong palm is an Asian species of palm tree in the family Arecaceae.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Nipa Palm?
Water Nipa 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.
What Is the Nipa Palm?
Nipa Palm (Oncosperma tigillarium) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Oncosperma genus. Nipa Palm is also known as Nibong Palm, Attap Palm.
Nipa Palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Nipa Palm produces produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nipa Palm?
Oncosperma tigillarium 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 Nipa Palm Need?
Nipa Palm thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Nipa 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 Nipa Palm Prefer?
Oncosperma tigillarium grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Nipa 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 Nipa Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Nipa Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nipa Palm?
Feed Nipa 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 Nipa Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Nipa Palm?
Nipa Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nibong palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Nipa Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Nipa 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 Nipa Palm?
Nipa 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 Nipa Palm Need?
Nipa Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Nipa Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Nipa 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 Oncosperma genus — compare its care with other Oncosperma species on PlantoScan.
Oncosperma is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Nipa 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: Oncosperma tigillarium (Jack) Ridl., family Arecaceae (first published in J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 33: 173 (1900)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nipa 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Nipa Palm Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species