310 - 340cm XXL Veitchia Merrillii 50cm Pot House Plant

🌴 Veitchia merrillii — Christmas Palm / Adonidia Palm

Veitchia merrillii, commonly known as the Christmas Palm or Adonidia Palm, is a compact, elegant palm tree native to the Philippines. Its name comes from the clusters of bright red fruit it produces in winter, resembling festive decorations — hence the name “Christmas Palm.” This palm is admired for its smooth, slender grey trunk, neatly ringed with leaf scars, and its crown of arching, feathery fronds that create a classic, tropical silhouette. Unlike many tall-growing palms, Veitchia merrillii remains relatively compact, making it a popular choice for small tropical gardens, patios, and large indoor spaces. Often grown as a single-stemmed tree or in clumps of three for added visual impact, this palm is both ornamental and tidy in habit. Its manageable size, low-maintenance requirements, and tropical charm make it a superb specimen plant for containers or sunny indoor settings. Outdoors, it thrives in warm climates, while indoors it adds a luxurious, resort-like aesthetic to bright rooms and conservatories.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Outdoors: Thrives in full sun; best frond colour and form achieved with plenty of direct light.

• Indoors: Requires bright, indirect light or a few hours of direct sun daily. A south-facing window or bright conservatory is ideal.

• Low light: Causes poor growth and weak fronds — not suitable for dim rooms.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Ideal temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)

• Minimum temperature: Not frost-hardy — protect from temperatures below 10°C (50°F)

• Hardiness rating: RHS H1b (minimum 10–15°C); best grown as a houseplant or patio plant in the UK

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; misting is beneficial in dry indoor environments.

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil feels dry. Maintain even moisture, but avoid waterlogging.

• Tip: Reduce watering slightly during cooler months, especially indoors.

• Container care: Ensure good drainage and never let the plant sit in water.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Well-draining palm mix or a blend of compost, sand, and perlite.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Use a heavy container to stabilise the plant as it matures.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed every 4–6 weeks with a palm-specific fertiliser, ideally one that includes magnesium and trace elements.

• Autumn–winter: Feeding can be reduced or paused unless under grow lights or in a heated conservatory.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal — only remove yellowing or dead fronds at the base. Never cut green fronds, as this weakens the palm.

• Self-cleaning: Fronds fall away naturally as they age, keeping the trunk tidy with little effort.

• Frond care: Wipe occasionally to remove dust and keep the foliage vibrant.

🌾 Propagation

• By seed: The primary method of propagation. Seeds should be fresh and kept warm and moist during germination.

• Clump-forming: In group plantings, each palm grows independently; they are not propagated by division.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs — more common indoors.

• Symptoms: Sticky residue, yellowing fronds, or webbing.

• Treatment: Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain humidity and airflow to prevent infestations.

• Common issues:

  • Brown tips or frond edges: Usually caused by low humidity, over-fertilisation, or inconsistent watering.

  • Nutrient deficiencies: May result in pale leaves — use a balanced fertiliser with micronutrients.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets.

• Pet-friendly: Safe to grow around cats and dogs — no known risks of ingestion.

🏡 Indoor & Outdoor Care Highlights

• Perfect for patios, balconies, and poolside planting in warm weather.

• Indoors, it makes an excellent specimen for bright living rooms, sunrooms, or conservatories.

• A great alternative to taller, more demanding palms — offers tropical appeal in a smaller footprint.

• Often planted in clusters of three for a dramatic, designer look.

• Combines beautifully with broad-leaved tropicals, ferns, and other palms in mixed displays.