Photo: Alfredo Gutierrez DipazCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Walking Palm Plant Care
Socratea exorrhiza (Mart.) H.Wendl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognized by its iconic stilt roots that extend from its base, allowing it to anchor securely in the swamps of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Socratea exorrhiza for its unusual and striking appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Walking Palm?
Water Walking 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 Walking Palm Native To?
What Is the Walking Palm?
Walking Palm (Socratea exorrhiza) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Socratea genus. Walking Palm is native to rainforests in tropical Central and South America. Walking Palm is also known as Stilt Palm, Cabbage Palm, Cabbage Bark.
Walking Palm displays a tall, single-stem palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Walking Palm produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Walking Palm?
Socratea exorrhiza 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 Walking Palm Need?
Walking Palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Walking 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 Walking Palm Prefer?
Socratea exorrhiza grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Walking 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 Walking Palm?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Walking Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Walking Palm?
Feed Walking 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 Walking 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 Walking Palm?
Walking Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Walking Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Walking 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 Walking Palm?
Walking 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 Walking Palm Need?
Walking Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Walking Palm is native to rainforests in tropical Central and South America. In cooler regions, grow Walking Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Walking 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 Socratea genus — compare its care with other Socratea species on PlantoScan.
Socratea is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Walking 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: Socratea exorrhiza (Mart.) H.Wendl., family Arecaceae (first published in Bonplandia (Hannover) 8: 103 (1860)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Walking 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: Alfredo Gutierrez Dipaz, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, 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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