Acrocomia aculeata — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Acrocomia aculeata

Acrocomia Aculeata

Updated · 28 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Acrocomia aculeata is a species of palm native to the Neotropics, from southern Mexico and the Caribbean south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. Common names include grugru palm, gloo gloo, macaúba palm, coyol palm, and macaw palm; synonyms include A. lasiospatha, A. sclerocarpa, and A. vinifera. The fruit turns yellow when ripe and has a hard outer shell. The pulp is slightly sweet and is extremely slimy and sticky.

A note from PlantMom

The Macaw palm is fairly disease-resistant and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. The Macaw palm is suitable for anyone who has outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and it does not require extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Acrocomia Aculeata.

Light

The Macaw palm grows well with plenty of sun exposure. This is a practice it is familiar with from its original environment. Whether it's in its early growth stage or mature phase, ideal lighting is vital. Both excessive and insufficient exposure can be detrimental, leading to unhealthy development or a lackluster appearance.

Water

The macaw palm comes from dry regions and is well-suited to conditions with little moisture, showing a strong tolerance to drought. To prevent over-saturation, it should be watered every 2-3 weeks. Being an evergreen, the macaw palm needs soil with excellent drainage to stop root rot and promote healthy growth.

Temperature

The Macaw palm is native to hot weather climates and thrives best in temperatures between 68 and 100°F (20 to 38℃). It is recommended that during colder seasons, a tropical environment that closely mirrors its original habitat is maintained, to promote maximum growth.

Fertilizer

Opt for organic fertilizers such as compost or fish emulsion instead of synthetic ones for Macaw palm. Young plants need more nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Either before or after planting, blend in the compost or fertilizer. For fully grown plants, use a balanced or deficiency-specific fertilizer in the spring. Lack of nutrients can result in undersized leaves, stunted branches, leaves with a yellow or bronze hue, sour tasting fruits, early fruit shedding, and splitting.

Pruning

The macaw palm has a spiky trunk and large, feathery fronds. To promote growth and remove dead fronds, prune it in early spring. Keep the trunk clear by regularly removing the lower fronds, but be careful not to over-prune, as this can cause stress. Proper pruning not only improves the plant's appearance and air circulation but also reduces the risk of disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Acrocomia
Family
Arecaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
14.94 m to 20.12 m
Mature Spread
7.92 m
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Fall, Winter
Native Area
Colombia, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, United States, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Paraguay palm en Corozo en Macaw palm en Mucaja acrocomia en Totai palm en Gru Gru Boeuf Palm
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Macaw palm in the most effective way?

Watering your Macaw palm is a flexible process, allowing you to use various tools like watering cans, hoses, or even cups. Just make sure to water the plant directly on the soil, ensuring all areas are evenly moistened to provide the entire root system with sufficient water. It's advisable to use filtered water instead of tap water, which may contain harmful particles. Additionally, using water at or slightly above room temperature is ideal, as extremely hot or cold water can be a shock to the plant. Nevertheless, the Macaw palm generally responds well to any type of water.

How much sunlight does Macaw palm need to grow?

Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are well-suited to areas with strong and direct sunlight, as they need this light to flourish. In their natural habitats, they tend to grow in open fields or along forest edges, where they can enjoy abundant sunlight all day long.

What temperature is best for the Macaw palm?

To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.

What should I do if I give my Macaw palm too much water or too little water?

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, can suffer from lack of watering. It is essential to consistently water them enough for the first few months, particularly when the tree is small or recently planted. Once the roots are established, the Macaw palm can rely on rain for most of its water needs. However, when Macaw palms are planted in pots, overwatering is a common issue. If you accidentally overwater your Macaw palm, take immediate action to address the situation. First, stop watering the plant to minimize the impact of overwatering. Then, remove the Macaw palm from its pot and examine its roots. If no root rot is found, you can place the plant back in the container. But if there are signs of root rot, trim affected roots and consider using a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, repot the Macaw palm in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply increase the frequency of watering. It is typically easy to address and can be recognized by drooping, drying, and falling leaves, which will bounce back after sufficient watering. Remember to adjust your watering routine promptly if underwatering occurs.

What happens if a Macaw palm tree doesn't get enough sunlight?

Tropical ornamental plants that need full sun may face issues if they don't receive enough sunlight. They might become leggy and weak, and their leaves could turn yellow or pale. Furthermore, they may stop producing flowers. Ultimately, if these plants continue to lack the required amount of direct sunlight, there is a possibility that they may die.

Does the Macaw palm need different temperatures at different stages of growth?

The Macaw palm does not require changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, but it is important to maintain consistency. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth, regardless of its current phase. Therefore, it is best to keep the palm in a controlled environment. The optimal temperature range for the Macaw palm is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with staying above the lower limit being particularly important. While temperatures above 90℉ (32℃) are not ideal, the tropical plant can tolerate them fairly well. However, temperatures below 50℉ (10℃), especially below 40℉ (5℃), will directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

How often should I water my Macaw palm tree?

To ensure proper growth of outdoor plants, they generally rely on natural rainfall. However, if your area doesn't receive enough rain, it's important to water them adequately every 2 weeks during spring and fall, and more frequently during summer. During winter, when growth slows down, reduce watering. In fact, you may not need to water at all during this time. Young or newly planted Macaw palms require more frequent watering to help them establish and grow into drought-tolerant plants. For potted Macaw palms, there are two main approaches to determine watering frequency. One is to follow a set schedule, such as watering once a week or every other week. However, this method may not be accurate for your specific growing conditions. Another option is to judge watering frequency based on soil moisture. Ideally, wait until the top two to four inches of soil, or about one-third to one-half the depth of the pot, have completely dried out before watering again. This method ensures the plant gets the right amount of water, especially during the high-water-demand summer months.

What will happen if the Macaw palm gets too much sunlight?

Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require ample direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to intense sunlight can harm them. Prolonged periods of direct sunlight can cause sunburned leaves or the development of unsightly brown spots. Additionally, if the soil dries out too rapidly in full sun, these plants may become dehydrated.

Does the Macaw palm require different temperatures for different seasons?

The Macaw palm is a tropical plant that doesn't require different temperatures for different seasons. To ensure its optimal growth, it is recommended to maintain the temperature within a specific range. Keeping the plant indoors allows for better temperature control regardless of the outside climate. For tropical plants like the Macaw palm, light is essential, and they prefer partial side-level sun exposure. This means that the light they receive should be filtered or dappled, with bright but indirect light being the most suitable option for indoor growth. Excessive direct sunlight can harm the plant's leaves and hinder its growth potential.

How much water does my Macaw palm tree require?

To effectively water your Macaw palm, it's important to note that it doesn't always require a large amount of water. Simply check if only a few inches of soil have dried since the last watering. In those cases, giving it around five to ten ounces of water each time will support healthy growth. Additionally, you can also gauge the amount of water based on the soil moisture by observing the inches of dried soil between waterings. To ensure that your Macaw palm receives enough moisture, it's recommended to moisten all layers of dry soil since the last watering. If over half of the soil is dry, consider giving more water until excess water drains from the pot's holes. If your Macaw palm is situated in an outdoor area that receives ample rain, it may not need additional watering. However, when the palm is young or establishing, it should receive 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows and becomes established, it can solely rely on rainwater unless there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks during hot weather, in which case a full watering should be provided to prevent stress.

How can you protect the Macaw palm tree from too much sun?

To protect tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun, it's important to find a spot with ample direct sunlight but some shield from the intense midday heat. If you're growing these plants in containers, you can move them to a shadier area during the hottest hours to shield them from excessive sunlight. Another option is to offer shade using a shade cloth or umbrella during the peak heat of the day.

What temperature is best for keeping your Macaw palm healthy?

Here are three tips to help you take care of your plants: 1. Keep your plants away from windows during colder months: Cold air can leak into your home through cracks in the windows, and any plants placed near them will be affected. Move tropical plants to an area with bright but indirect light, while avoiding potential drafts. 2. Watch out for dry patches, which may indicate too much sunlight or heat: If you notice white or scorched leaves, your plant may be getting too much heat or sunlight. This can lead to dehydration and hinder growth. Dry spots can spread and eventually cause your plants to die if left unaddressed. 3. Be cautious of frost: Colder temperatures and frost can damage plants by disrupting their water circulation. This can lead to a lack of moisture in the stems and leaves. Look out for signs of hydrosis (a water-soaked appearance) and if the issue persists, the plant may shrivel and turn dark brown or black, eventually leading to death.

PLATES
Acrocomia aculeata fruit
PLATE 01 · fruit
Acrocomia aculeata fruit
PLATE 02 · fruit
Acrocomia aculeata bark
PLATE 03 · bark
Acrocomia aculeata bark
PLATE 04 · bark
Acrocomia aculeata other
PLATE 05 · other
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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