The Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree, scientific name Copernicia macroglossa, is native to Cuba. The unique feature of this palm is its fan-shaped leaves that have no petioles. If not removed, dry old leaves form a “petticoat” giving them a palm “dressed” appearance, hence the name Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree. This slow-growing palm can tolerate drought and is cold-hardy. It can also be grown indoors.

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Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree Info

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Scientific name: Copernicia macraglossa or Copernicia torreana.

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Common names: The Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree is also known as Petticoat Palm, Cuban Palm.

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Family: Arecaceae

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Origin: Copernicia macroglossa is native to Cuba.

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Appearance: Cuban Petticoat Palm has a single gray trunk that is topped with a crown of 10-12 fan-shaped, stiff, erect fronds that grow in the form of a spiral. The leaves have almost no petioles and grow from the top of the trunk. Outer leaflets are covered with sharp thick long spines. If not trimmed, old leaves form a skirt or a petticoat, hence palm’s common name Cuban Petticoat Palm.

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Flowers/Fruits: In the summer, it produces small creamy flowers. Male and female flowers are born on the same inflorescence. Flowers are followed by black oval berry-like fruits that are about 1in. in diameter.

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Growth Rate: Slow. This palm can slowly grow up to 20 – 30 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide.

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Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both.

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Cold Tolerance: This palm is cold-hardy and can tolerate cold down to 25F. It is perfect for USDA Zones 9b (25 to 30 F) to 11 (above 40 F).

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Light Req: Partial shade to Full sun.

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Water Req: Moderate. Likes moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate drought.

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Maintenance: Easy to Moderate.  Requires trimming of old fronds if you don’t want to create a skirt. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has continuous release formula twice a year during the growing season.

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Propagation: Propagated by seeds, which take about two months to germinate.