Heart-shaped Fan Palm

Heart-shaped Fan Palm Care

Licuala cordata

What is the plant

Introduce yourself to the world of a captivating evergreen Palm called the Heart-shaped Fan Palm. Its heart-shaped, striking green leaves make the Palm a popular choice among gardeners and plant lovers.

Also known as Heart-shaped Fan Palm and Heart-shaped Licuala, Licuala cordata is a captivating member of the Arecaceae family. Native to the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, Licuala cordata typically grows to a height of 12-20 feet (4-6 m) and reaches 3-6 feet (1-2 m) in width. Its foliage is deeply pleated and has a rounded heart shape. The leaves form a symmetrical rosette, and their dark-green glossy texture contributes to the general plant’s appearance. Heart-shaped Fan Palm produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by small red fruits in early autumn.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 22°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
As a tropical plant, Heart-shaped Fan Palm thrives in a humid environment and appreciates regular watering. Give your greenie a drink when the top inch (3 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure to keep the ground consistently moist but not soggy.
Pruning
Remove the leaf fronds that appear unhealthy or have started to dry with a sterile pruning tool. Make sure to cut at the base of the plant to promote its overall health and stimulate the growth of new leaves.
Fertilizer
Licuala cordata is not a heavy feeder, so it’s recommended to nourish it with a balanced, slow-release, specifically formulated for the tropical plants fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
A spot with bright, indirect light would be the most comfortable for this plant. Place the Heart-shaped Fan Palm where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of filtered or indirect sunlight daily. An east-facing window would be the best option.
Soil
Slightly acidic to neutral (6-7 pH) soil would benefit this plant the most. Plant the Palm in a well-draining, rich in organic matter soil mix. It’s also recommended to ensure proper drainage, as the Heart-shaped Licuala is vulnerable to root diseases.
Propagation
The best way to propagate Heart-shaped Licuala is by root division. Gently unpot the plant and separate the root system into multiple sections, ensuring each section has sufficient roots and foliage. Plant the separated sections into individual pots using a well-draining potting mix.

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Temperature
This plant grows best in mild climate of 60-70°F (15-21°C) temperature. It’s recommended avoid exposing the Palm to temperatures below 70°F (15°C) and higher than 80°F (27°C) when grown indoors.
Container
Growing Heart-shaped Fan Palm indoors, choose a large enough pot that would fully accommodate the plant’s root system. It’s recommended to choose a pot that is 2-3 times larger than the plant’s root ball. Opt for a pot with drainage holes to allow excess moisture to flow out, preventing root issues.
Fun fact
Originating from the tropics, the Heart-shaped Licuala’s leaves are not only visually distinctive but also serve a practical purpose. Their shape helps to collect and funnel rainwater toward the center of the rosette, creating a natural reservoir. Thus, the plant can capture water, especially in its native rainforest habitat.