Roundleaf Fan Palm Plant Care

Saribus rotundifolius Blume

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Saribus rotundifolius, also known as the footstool palm, is a common fan palm found in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the genus Saribus.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Water Roundleaf Fan 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Roundleaf Fan Palm Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Roundleaf Fan Palm (Saribus rotundifolius) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Saribus genus. Roundleaf Fan Palm is native to Southeast Asia. Roundleaf Fan Palm is also known as Fan Palm.

Roundleaf Fan Palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Roundleaf Fan Palm produces produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Saribus rotundifolius 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm Need?

Roundleaf Fan Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm Prefer?

Saribus rotundifolius grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite and sand. Good drainage is essential for Roundleaf Fan Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Feed Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Roundleaf Fan Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese fan palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Roundleaf Fan Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm?

Roundleaf Fan 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 Roundleaf Fan Palm Need?

Roundleaf Fan Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Roundleaf Fan Palm is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Roundleaf Fan Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Roundleaf Fan 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 Saribus genus — compare its care with other Saribus species on PlantoScan.

Saribus is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.

Roundleaf Fan 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: Saribus rotundifolius Blume, family Arecaceae (first published in Rumphia 2: 49 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Roundleaf Fan 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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