Photo: Nicolás Baresch UribeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cochineal Palm Plant Care
Parajubaea cocoides Burret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parajubaea cocoides, also known as the mountain coconut palm, is distinct for its large, circular fan-shaped leaves and striking silver-green color. Its impressive height and graceful growth habit make it a coveted addition to any tropical or subtropical landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cochineal Palm?
Water Cochineal 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 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cochineal Palm?
Cochineal Palm (Parajubaea cocoides) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Parajubaea genus. Cochineal Palm is native to Bolivia, Peru. Cochineal Palm is also known as Mountain Palm.
Cochineal Palm displays a tall, solitary trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cochineal Palm produces creamy white to yellow flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cochineal Palm?
Parajubaea cocoides 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 Cochineal Palm Need?
Cochineal Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cochineal Palm Prefer?
Parajubaea cocoides grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Cochineal Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cochineal Palm?
Well-draining soil with added sand and perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cochineal Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cochineal Palm?
Feed Cochineal Palm 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 Cochineal 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 Cochineal Palm?
Cochineal Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to parajubaea sunkha plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cochineal Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cochineal 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 Cochineal Palm?
Cochineal 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 Cochineal Palm Need?
Cochineal Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cochineal Palm is native to Bolivia, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Cochineal Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Cochineal 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 Parajubaea genus — compare its care with other Parajubaea species on PlantoScan.
Parajubaea is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Cochineal 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: Parajubaea cocoides Burret, family Arecaceae (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 11: 48 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cochineal 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: Nicolás Baresch Uribe, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11a, 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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