FloridaLandscapeIQ
Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Christmas Palm — South Florida Plant Guide

Adonidia merrillii

Family: Arecaceae · Palm

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Usos en Paisajismo

specimenboulevardpoolsidefoundation plantingaccentmedian

Etiquetas de Estilo

tropicalresortformalmodern

Guía de Cultivo para el Sur de Florida

Requisitos de Luz

Full SunPartial Sun

Requisitos de Agua

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Christmas Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Requires consistent moisture — not drought tolerant. Design irrigation for 3x per week during dry season. Will show yellowing frond tips within 2 weeks of water stress. Install on a dedicated irrigation zone, separate from drought-tolerant natives. Do not allow root zone to dry out completely between irrigation cycles.

Suelo y Fertilización

sandylimestonefillloam

Fertilizer: 8-2-12-4Mg slow-release palm special (IFAS recommended)

Schedule: Primary application: April. Secondary application: October (optional). Use palm-specific slow-release fertilizer 8-2-12-4Mg. Rate: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft of canopy area. Apply under drip line — do not apply within 3ft of trunk. Do NOT use generic lawn fertilizer — causes potassium deficiency.

Tolerancia a la Sal

Moderate (5/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Altura Madura
1525 ft
Ancho Maduro
58 ft
Tasa de Crecimiento
medium
Demanda de Agua
3/10
Grado Florida
Florida #1
Costo Instalado
$$
Zonas USDA
10b, 11
Estado FLEPPC
None
Calificación Iguana
3/10

Dónde Comprar en el Sur de Florida

Encuentre Christmas Palm en viveros del Sur de Florida — consulte disponibilidad y precios en viveros cerca de usted.

Preguntas Frecuentes

How fast does Christmas Palm grow in South Florida?

Christmas Palm has a medium growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Christmas Palm safe for pets?

Christmas Palm is not safe for pets. Red fruit and seeds may cause GI distress in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity — vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation reported. Advise clients with pets to collect fallen fruit promptly during December-February fruiting season. Verify current ASPCA listing before installation at pet-heavy properties.

How much water does Christmas Palm need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Christmas Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Christmas Palm tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Christmas Palm has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Christmas Palm available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Christmas Palm is classified as: allowed. Non-invasive non-native.

Disponibilidad por Condado en el Sur de Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Non-invasive non-native. No DERM restrictions.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Ver Guía del Condado →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. No county restrictions.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Ver Guía del Condado →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Not on prohibited list.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Ver Guía del Condado →

Collier County

Allowed

Allowed inland. Not recommended for coastal exposure given salt sensitivity.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Ver Guía del Condado →

Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed with HOA approval. Salt sensitivity limits coastal use — best suited to protected inland locations.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Ver Guía del Condado →

Referencias completas de ordenanzas disponibles para suscriptores Profesionales. Siempre verifique los requisitos actuales del condado antes de la instalación.

¿Necesita una Hoja de Especificaciones?

Exporte un PDF listo para el cliente con especificaciones de Grado Florida, estado legal del condado y riesgos de falla. Disponible para suscriptores Profesionales.

Generar Hoja de Especificaciones →

Ask about Christmas Palm

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.