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Unconditional Satisfaction GuaranteeNo Shipping Fees Above 302 Months to Decide. Returns Simplified.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.
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.
Ideal temperature: 2030C (6886F)
Minimum temperature: Not frost-hardy protect from temperatures below 10C (50F)
Hardiness rating: RHS H1b (minimum 1015C); 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 frequency: Water when the top 35 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 type: Well-draining palm mix or a blend of compost, sand, and perlite.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.07.0)
Repotting: Every 23 years or when rootbound. Use a heavy container to stabilise the plant as it matures.
Growing season (springsummer): Feed every 46 weeks with a palm-specific fertiliser, ideally one that includes magnesium and trace elements.
Autumnwinter: Feeding can be reduced or paused unless under grow lights or in a heated conservatory.
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.
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.
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: Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Pet-friendly: Safe to grow around cats and dogs no known risks of ingestion.
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.
