Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Prince Royal Palm Plant Care
Roystonea princeps Burret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Known for its strikingly large, fan-shaped, bright green leaves, this palm species originates from the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Jamaica. Plant collectors are drawn to Roystonea princeps for its majestic appearance and ability to thrive in tropical climates, making it a desirable addition to any lush garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Prince Royal Palm?
Water Prince Royal Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Prince Royal Palm Native To?
What Is the Prince Royal Palm?
Prince Royal Palm (Roystonea princeps) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Roystonea genus. Prince Royal Palm is native to western Jamaica.
Prince Royal Palm displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Prince Royal Palm produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Prince Royal Palm?
Roystonea princeps 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 Prince Royal Palm Need?
Prince Royal Palm thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Prince Royal Palm Prefer?
Roystonea princeps grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Prince Royal 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 Prince Royal Palm?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Prince Royal Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Prince Royal Palm?
Feed Prince Royal 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 Prince Royal 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 Prince Royal Palm?
Prince Royal Palm can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cuban royal palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Prince Royal Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Prince Royal 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 Prince Royal Palm?
Prince Royal Palm is susceptible to spider mites, palm aphids. 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 Prince Royal Palm Need?
Prince Royal Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Prince Royal Palm is native to western Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Prince Royal Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Prince Royal 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 Roystonea genus — compare its care with other Roystonea species on PlantoScan.
Roystonea is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Prince Royal Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Roystonea Species
Other Roystonea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Roystonea princeps Burret, family Arecaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 63: 76 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Prince Royal 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, 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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