Ivory Palm Plant Care
Phytelephas aequatorialis Spruce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The palm tree Phytelephas aequatorialis, commonly known as Ecuadorian ivory palm, is the main source of Ecuadorean vegetable ivory or tagua, a botanical alternative to ivory. It is found in the tropical rainforests of the western Andean slopes of Ecuador.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ivory Palm?
Water Ivory Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. 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 Ivory Palm?
Ivory Palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Phytelephas genus. Ivory Palm is native to ivory. Ivory Palm is also known as Tagua Nut, Vegetable Ivory.
Ivory Palm displays a slow-growing palm tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Ivory Palm produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ivory Palm?
Phytelephas aequatorialis 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 Ivory Palm Need?
Ivory Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ivory Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ivory Palm Prefer?
Phytelephas aequatorialis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ivory 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 Ivory Palm?
Well-draining, rich soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ivory Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ivory Palm?
Feed Ivory 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 Ivory Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. 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 Ivory Palm?
Ivory Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to large-fruited ivory palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ivory Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ivory 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 Ivory Palm?
Ivory 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 Ivory Palm Need?
Ivory Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Ivory Palm is native to ivory. In cooler regions, grow Ivory Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Ivory 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 Phytelephas genus — compare its care with other Phytelephas species on PlantoScan.
Phytelephas is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Ivory 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: Phytelephas aequatorialis Spruce, family Arecaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 11: 179 (1869)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ivory 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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