Norfolk Island Palm Plant Care
Rhopalostylis baueri H.Wendl. & Drude
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rhopalostylis baueri is a species of palm native to Norfolk Island (Australia) and to the Kermadec Islands. Norfolk Island is the type locality.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Norfolk Island Palm?
Water Norfolk Island 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Norfolk Island Palm Native To?
What Is the Norfolk Island Palm?
Norfolk Island Palm (Rhopalostylis baueri) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Rhopalostylis genus. Norfolk Island Palm is native to Norfolk Island (Australia) and to the Kermadec Islands. Norfolk Island Palm is also known as Lord Howe Island Palm.
Norfolk Island Palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Norfolk Island Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Norfolk Island Palm?
Rhopalostylis baueri 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 Norfolk Island Palm Need?
Norfolk Island Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island Palm Prefer?
Rhopalostylis baueri grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Norfolk Island Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Norfolk Island Palm?
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Good drainage is essential for Norfolk Island Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Norfolk Island Palm?
Feed Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island Palm?
Norfolk Island Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nikau palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Norfolk Island Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island Palm?
Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island Palm Need?
Norfolk Island Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Norfolk Island Palm is native to Norfolk Island (Australia) and to the Kermadec Islands. In cooler regions, grow Norfolk Island Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Norfolk Island 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 Rhopalostylis genus — compare its care with other Rhopalostylis species on PlantoScan.
Rhopalostylis is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Norfolk Island 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: Rhopalostylis baueri H.Wendl. & Drude, family Arecaceae (first published in Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 35(no. 40): 637. 1877 [5 Oct 1877] : errat.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Norfolk Island 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 13a, 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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