Overview
Adonidia palm, often called Christmas palm, is a compact tropical palm with a smooth ringed trunk, green crownshaft, feathery leaves, and red fruit clusters.
Mature Size and Habit
A single trunk commonly reaches 20 to 25 feet with a compact crown about 6 to 8 feet wide. Double and triple arrangements need more planting space.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as an accent, in small groups, near pools, or in large containers. Keep falling fruit away from high-traffic paving.
Sunlight
Full sun produces the strongest form. Partial sun works when the site remains bright.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently during establishment. Mature palms handle brief dry periods but look better with moderate irrigation.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Late spring through early fall provides warm soil for rapid root growth. Maintain irrigation during the first year.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove only fully brown fronds. Do not over-prune green fronds. Remove fruit clusters when dropped fruit creates a maintenance issue.
Wildlife Value
Birds may use the red fruit.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
This palm is cold sensitive. Place it in a protected warm site in Tampa and protect young palms during unusual freezes.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Roots are generally nonaggressive. Provide room around foundations and pool structures. Fruit may stain or create litter.
Invasive Concerns
It is native to the Philippines, not Florida. UF/IFAS does not currently consider it a problem species.
Helpful Resources
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions and UF/IFAS nonnative plant assessment
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.