Last updated on December 26th, 2024 at 08:38 am
The Pindo Palm Tree (Butia capitata). Is a great Palm tree for the Southwest especially in places where temps get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It will grow to about 20 ft. tall or so. Much shorter than other palms like the Mediterranean, Mexican, and California palm trees.
How Cold Hardy is this Palm Tree?
Their cold hardiness is down to about 5° this means you can plant this tree in Santa Fe, NM or Phoenix AZ. It does like more water than some of the other palm trees but still considered a drought-resistant palm tree. Remember if you plan to place it in a container it will need additional watering.
Does it have a flower?
They have long creamy yellow to reddish flower clusters that produce a sweet, edible fruit called Pindos thus its name.
Can you plant Pindo Palms in a pot?
They will do great in a container as they are a slow growing palm tree. They love the full hot sun but can be planted in partial shade.
Long palm fronds that are light to dark green and bluish color depending on the season. Like most palm fronds they do have thorns so be sure to wear good heavy types of gloves when pruning the Pindo palm or any palm for that matter.
The fruit is edible and from my research, it is used to make jellies and jam.
Is it suitable for a pool landscape?
The Pindo Plam tree is suitable to plant next to or near a pool. Feed it Palm tree food in early spring just before it starts to produce new palm fronds.
The Care of Pindo Palms
Like most palms, they are susceptible to Ganoderma Butt Rot. However, it is rare in the Southwest. Wet and rainy regions make Palm trees susceptible to Root rot and Phytophthora Disease.
Pindo palms are easy-care options for your yard, but they need some specific attention. Water them deeply during dry spells, especially when they’re young, to help the roots grow strong. Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for palms twice a year—once in spring and again in mid-summer. Yellowing leaves? That’s often a sign of magnesium or potassium deficiency, which you can fix with supplements. Trim dead fronds carefully, cutting them close to the trunk, but leave the healthy ones alone—they’re essential for the tree’s growth. With proper care, your Pindo palm will thrive and reward you with its signature blue-green leaves and fruit clusters.
The Coconut mealybug and the Palmetto scale will attack palms. But, again this is rare in the Southwest regions of the U.S. Here is some good information on these palm insects. Bugs Living in Palms.
USDA zones 7-9
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