Growing needle palms is one of the easiest tasks for any gardener. This cold hardy palm plant from the southeast is highly adaptable to varying soils and sunlight amounts. It grows slowly but will reliably fill up those blank spaces in your garden and provide a green backdrop for flowers. Needle palm tree care is as simple as finding a good place for it and watching it grow.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rhapidophyllum hystrix, the needle palm, is a palm native to coastal margins of the subtropical eastern Gulf and south Atlantic states of the United States. Populations can be found from coastal southeast South Carolina, southward to Florida and west across the coastal plain of Mississippi and southern Alabama. It is one of the most cold-hardy palms in the world, and can be found growing in several areas with warm temperate climates.
It is the sole member of the genus Rhapidophyllum. The scientific name Rhapidophyllum means “needle-leaf”, while hystrix is from the scientific name of a genus of porcupines. The English name likewise refers to the needle-like spines produced at the petiole bases; for similar reasons, it is also occasionally called “porcupine palm”.
The needle palm assumes a shrublike clumping form with several stems growing from a single base, the stems growing very slowly and tightly together, eventually forming a dense base 1–1.2 m (3.3–3.9 ft) tall, with numerous sharp needle-like spines produced between the leaves; these are 10–25 cm (3.9–9.8 in) long and protect the stem growing point from browsing animals. The whole plant can reach 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall to the top of the erect central leaves.
It is a fan palm (Arecaceae, subfamily Coryphoideae), with the leaves with a long petiole terminating in a rounded fan of 8–16 leaflets; each leaf is up to 2 m (6.6 ft) long, with the leaflets up to 60–80 cm (24–31 in) long. The flowers are borne in dense, short clusters at the top of the stems; it is usually dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruit is a brown drupe about 2 cm (0.79 in) long.
The needle palm is very popular among palm enthusiasts in temperate climates for its ability to tolerate modest cold. Some reports have claimed survival of temperatures as low as −26 °C (−15 °F) with heavy damage, but with the palm recovering. More realistic estimates are closer to −21 °C (−5 °F) with foliar damage. Recovery of winter damage of needle palms is much more precarious in climates with cool summers like the Pacific Northwest and northwestern Europe.
In the United States, needle palms are reliably cultivated north along the East Coast to Connecticut, and along the West Coast of the US as far north as Seattle, Washington. Large, well-established specimens have been growing in Tennessee, the southern Ohio Valley, and Washington, DC at the United States National Arboretum since the 1960s, and more recently in the coastal New York City area at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It is becoming one of the most popular landscaping palms in the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland. Needle palms need hot summers to thrive and the species does not grow well in the cool summer climates mentioned above.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Needle palm flourishes optimally in partial sun conditions where it receives a gentle mix of sunlight and shade throughout the day. This moderate light ensures robust growth while safeguarding its foliage from the potential stress of relentless sun exposure. Remarkably resilient, needle palm demonstrates notable tolerance to full sun, yet excessive direct light could impede its vigor, leading to scorched leaves or stunted development. Adaptive in nature, needle palm’s leaves may exhibit protective responses under varying light exposures. Primarily an outdoor plant, it thrives when nestled in landscape settings that offer dappled sunlight, such as beneath open-canopied trees or on the eastern side of buildings where morning light is prevalent.
Watering
Originating from the southeastern United States, needle palm is accustomed to a moderately humid climate and can tolerate short periods of drought. This species thrives with a balance of moisture and well-draining soil conditions, showcasing its resilience in fluctuating water availability. Watering for needle palm should be scheduled for once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions. As an evergreen plant, needle palm maintains its foliage year-round, requiring consistent moisture levels to support its perennial nature, especially when grown outdoors where it can benefit from natural rainfall patterns.
Soil
Needle palm is easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates wet soils.
Fertilizing
For needle palm, fertilization enhances vigor and supports growth. Use balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and summer, transitioning to high nitrogen fertilizers during active growth. Quarterly applications are optimal, with a moderate dose as per product instruction avoiding over-fertilization. Adjust application in colder months to prevent root burn and support seasonal needs. Sprinkle the fertilizer at the plant’s drip line and water thoroughly to aid absorption, ensuring a slow-release to nurture needle palm effectively. Especially for beginners, always use gloves when handling fertilizer and store it out of reach from children and pets.
Propagation
Needle palm is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub known for its robustness and cold hardiness. Its propagation is most commonly achieved through sowing the seeds directly into a well-drained soil mix. For successful seed germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm, shaded environment, as needle palm prefers indirect light for germination. While patience is required due to needle palm’s slow growth rate, careful attention to the seedlings as they establish can result in a rewarding propagation experience.
Transplanting
The best time to reposition your needle palm is during the early spring to mid-summer (S3-S6), when the active growth phase supports recovery. Choose a partially shaded location for your needle palm, with well-drained soil. Remember to water deeply after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots.
Repotting
To ensure the health of needle palm, repot it every 1-2 years, preferably in spring to accommodate its slow growth habit. Choose a slightly larger pot to support its bush form and robust root system without overcrowding. After repotting, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering to promote recovery and avoid root rot. The resilient needle palm thrives with this tailored care and limited intervention.