How to Grow Livistona - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Trees Category   /   2023

Livistona, also known as fan palms, are a genus of palms native to southern China, Southeast Asia, Australasia, and Oceania. The genus includes about 35 species, all of which are single-trunked and have palmate leaves. The Livistona plant is a slow-growing palm that can reach heights of up to 20 feet. It is a popular houseplant and is easy to care for, making it a great choice for those new to palm gardening.

How to Grow Livistona - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Livistona plant? The Livistona is a genus of around 30 species of palm trees. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the southern Pacific Ocean, and Australasia. The genus includes both small and tall palms, as well as dwarf varieties. The Livistona is a versatile genus, with species that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. They are easy to care for and maintain, and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. While they are generally low-maintenance plants, they may need occasional pruning to remove dead or dying leaves.

Plant Size

How big can it be? The average height of a Livistona is 60 cm, however they can grow up to 2 m tall. When growing Livistonas in pots, be sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant's adult size. If you are unsure of the size of pot you need, ask a nursery employee for help.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Common ly found in Africa and Asia, the Livistona is a genus of palms with around 30 species. They are generally characterized by their large, palmate leaves and slender stems. Some species can grow to be over 100 feet tall, while others are only a few feet in height. The Livistona is a popular plant in many cultures and is often used in landscaping and as ornamental plants.

Livistona Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Tree
Family Aracaceae
Origin China, Japan, Taiwan

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? Since this plant is a perennial, it will last for over 10 years. The Livistona is a monocot, meaning it has one cotyledon, or seed leaf. The plant grows in a rosette shape and has long, blade-like leaves. The leaves are green and have white spots on them. The flowers are white and grow in clusters. The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? If the temperature is too high in summer, then the upper limit is + 75,2 ° F. The optimum temperature is + 64,4-69,8 ° F. It requires a cool wintering at a temperature of + 57,2-60,8 ° F, the minimum temperature is + 46,4 ° F.

Humidity

What about the humidity? Eventually, the leaves of the plant will turn brown and die off if the humidity is not increased, especially in the summer. It is required to regularly spray and wipe the leaves with a damp sponge. The palm tree tolerates the dry air of the apartments quite well.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? Although the Livistona prefers bright light, it is best to place the plant in a tub at the southern window and periodically turn the palm against the light source to prevent it from getting too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Livistona? Because the roots of the plant are in the wild airy and poorly developed, the soil for Livistona should not be too dense. A ready-made ground for palms is suitable. You can also prepare the soil yourself, taking 2 parts of sod land, 2 parts of wet peat or humus (leafy earth), 1 part of coarse sand or perlite. Drainage is required, so the pot must have a hole.

Watering Time

How much I must water Livistona? If you have a Livistona plant, you need to water it about 1-2 times a week in the summer. If it's winter, you only need to water it every 10-14 days. You should barely dampen the soil during winter.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Because this is a fast-growing evergreen, it depletes nutrients in the soil quickly. A lack of fertilizer will cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to become stunted. Fertilize regularly from spring to autumn, every 2-3 weeks, using a soluble fertilizer for palms.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Livistona? Sometimes, to get the seeds to germinate, you have to soak them in water overnight before planting. The ideal mixture for planting is peat and perlite. The temperature should be kept around 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. In about two to three months, the first leaves should appear. After that, you can remove the protective film.

Bloom

Why Livistona won't bloom? While in the home culture does not bloom, in nature, the inflorescence of this plant is a long panicle (up to 1 m) of cream flowers, followed by the appearance of dark blue berries.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Livistona? Unless it's absolutely necessary, it's best not to transplant a Livistona. The plant doesn't respond well to transplantation. If you must transplant, do so in the spring every 4 years. When transplanting, be sure to press the soil well around the plant, but be careful not to damage the thin roots.

Caring The Livistona

How to care the plant? Unless you live in a tropical climate, you will need to take your Livistona plant inside for the winter. When you do, give it a rest from watering and fertilizing. Cut back on watering even more if the leaves start to turn brown and fall off. These are all normal reactions to the plant being moved and adjusting to a new environment. Just give your Livistona time and it will rebound in no time.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Livistona plant? The reason for the problems - in the content. Liviston affected by spider mites, chervets, shields. The leaves turn yellow with insufficient watering, and brown tips are formed in dry air. Leaves wilted with a lack of moisture in the over-dried soil, and wilt and darken the leaves begin at too low a temperature. The growth of the palm tree slows down with insufficient nutrition. The lower leaves darken and die with age of the plant. This is a natural process.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Livistona poisonous? Sometimes, the Livistona genus is confused with the Licuala genus because of their similarities. Livistona is a genus of palms with around 35 species. The palms in this genus are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australasia, and Oceania. Some Livistona species are: L. chinensis, L. decipiens, L. inermis, L. saribus. These palms typically have fan-shaped leaves and can grow to be around 20 meters tall. The Livistona genus is sometimes confused with the Licuala genus because of their similarities. However, Livistona palms typically have larger leaves and grow taller than Licuala palms.