How to Grow Palm Trees From a Coconut

Growing palm trees indoors requires diligence. After some hard work, you will be rewarded with a tropical palm. The palm will not be as tall or full as palms grown in the tropics, but it will be beautiful nonetheless. Although palm trees can be grown from a variety of fruits and vegetables, it is easiest to use a coconut as your seed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coconut
• Soil
• Large pot

1. Select a coconut that has fallen from a tree. Listen for sloshing milk when you shake the coconut.

2. Leave the husk of the coconut intact. Soak the coconut in a bucket of water for 3 days before planting.

3. Pick a container that is at least 10-inches deep and large enough to hold the nut. Use a container that has a hole in the bottom for drainage.

4. Plant the nut, pointed end down, into well drained soil. Leave the top third of the nut exposed.

5. Water the nut frequently, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Do not let the soil dry.

6. Keep the pot in a sunny, warm location. Keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Repot the tree after 5 years. Plant it in a pot larger than the root ball of the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilize the tree regularly after the first year of growth.
• Use a warming lamp to keep the plant warm if your house is cooler than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

[dennis41]

on 10/24/2008 A friend has a palm tree in a pot. It is about 5'3" now & has developed brown leaves and looks very sad. What does she need to do? She doesn't know what type of palm it is.