Licuala elegans
Description
Licuala elegans is a striking, slow-growing palm known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and elegant appearance. It is a small to medium-sized palm that adds a tropical flair to gardens and indoor spaces. The unique, pleated leaves create a lush, exotic look that makes it a standout feature in any setting.
Flowers
The flowers of Licuala elegans are small, cream to white, and appear on branched inflorescences among the leaves. They are not particularly showy but add a delicate charm to the plant when in bloom.
Foliage
The leaves are the main ornamental feature of Licuala elegans. They are large, circular, and deeply pleated, creating a fan-like shape. Each leaf is divided into numerous segments, giving it a textured and elegant appearance. The foliage is glossy, dark green, and can reach up to 1 meter in diameter.
Fruit
The fruit of Licuala elegans is a small, red to orange drupe that appears after flowering. While not particularly significant for ornamental purposes, the fruit can add a touch of color and interest.
Form and Size
Licuala elegans typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and a spread of 1-2 meters. It has a single, slender trunk and a slow, upright growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens and indoor containers.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives in moist, loamy soils.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter climates.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It benefits from higher humidity levels.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. It is frost-sensitive and should be protected from cold temperatures and strong winds.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as an understory plant. It can also be used in containers for patios and balconies.
- Indoor Plant: Thrives as an indoor plant in bright, indirect light. Adds a touch of tropical elegance to interior spaces.
- Ornamental: The unique, fan-shaped leaves provide a bold, exotic look that enhances the aesthetic of any garden or indoor environment.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Notes
Licuala elegans is a relatively low-maintenance palm that adds a distinctive tropical flair to gardens and indoor spaces. Its elegant, fan-shaped leaves and compact size make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
- Spathiphyllum spp. (Peace Lily)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Alocasia spp. (Elephant Ear
Common Name
Elegant Fan Palm, Licuala Palm
Botanical Name
Licuala elegans
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand
Read lessPlease note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting