Mountain Palmetto Plant Care
Schippia concolor Burret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Schippia concolor, the mountain pimento or silver pimento, is a medium-sized palm species that is native to Belize and Guatemala. Named for its discoverer, Australian botanist William A.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain Palmetto?
Water Mountain Palmetto 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.
What Is the Mountain Palmetto?
Mountain Palmetto (Schippia concolor) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Schippia genus. Mountain Palmetto is native to Belize and Guatemala.
Mountain Palmetto displays a clumping palm growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mountain Palmetto produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mountain Palmetto?
Schippia concolor 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 Mountain Palmetto Need?
Mountain Palmetto thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mountain Palmetto in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Palmetto Prefer?
Schippia concolor grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Mountain Palmetto 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 Mountain Palmetto?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Palmetto to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain Palmetto?
Feed Mountain Palmetto 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 Mountain Palmetto?
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 Mountain Palmetto?
Mountain Palmetto can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Mountain Palmetto Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain Palmetto, 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 Mountain Palmetto?
Mountain Palmetto 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 Mountain Palmetto Need?
Mountain Palmetto grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mountain Palmetto is native to Belize and Guatemala. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Palmetto as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Mountain Palmetto 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 Schippia genus — compare its care with other Schippia species on PlantoScan.
Schippia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Mountain Palmetto 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: Schippia concolor Burret, family Arecaceae (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 11: 868 (1933)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain Palmetto, 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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