Pindo Palm Guide: How to Grow a Pindo Palm Tree

A pindo palm, known by the scientific name Butia capitata or by the common name jelly palm, is a variety of palm tree in the family Arecaceae that tolerates relatively cooler temperatures for palm trees. They are native to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, and can be found in many coastal areas in the United States, including in California and Florida.

Pindo palms have blue-green fronds that grow a series of spiky, thin leaves. These fronds grow outward from a thick trunk that grows between fifteen and twenty feet in height with a twenty-foot spread. The alternate name “jelly palm” comes from the edible fruits that this tree grows, which are often used to make jams and jellies.

The best way to grow a pindo palm tree is to start with a young plant, which you can find at most garden centers. You can also propagate them from seeds, but the seeds are very difficult to germinate and can take up to a year to sprout. If you live in a climate that reflects temperatures of USDA hardiness zones eight through eleven, you can plant your pindo palm outside directly in your garden. Otherwise, consider planting it in a pot and keeping it as a houseplant that can be moved outside in warmer temperatures. Now that you have the basics, here is an overview of how to plant a pindo palm from a young tree you’ve purchased at a nursery.

1. 1. Choose a location with lots of space and sunlight. A fully grown pindo palm can grow up to twenty feet tall at its mature height with a twenty-foot spread, so you want to choose a planting location with plenty of space for your plant to mature. Your pindo palm will also prefer lots of full sun and direct sunlight to thrive, although in very hot climates you can get away with a few hours of partial shade.
2. 2. Prepare your soil. Pindo palm plants can tolerate almost all soil types and will do well even in dry conditions. However, they will do best in well-draining soils, so consider adding some sand to your mix.
3. 3. Remove the palm and prepare for planting. Very gently remove your pindo palm from its growing container and lightly knead the roots to loosen them.
4. 4. Dig a hole and plant your pindo palm. Dig a hole about twice as deep and wide as the root ball of the pindo palm. Place the plant in the hole, backfill it with soil, and tamp the soil down gently. You can also add compost to the soil at this stage to help introduce more organic matter and nutrients.
5. 5. Water immediately after planting. Water your palm after you finish planting it so that the soil is moist. You can optionally add some mulch over the soil to help the root ball retain moisture and insulate the plant from extreme temperatures.

Pindo palms are very hardy and can thrive in many conditions, which is why you can often find them in xeriscaping setups like rock gardens, or even in parking lot landscapes or walkways. Keep an eye on your pindo palm for the first year after planting to help it establish. Once the root system is mature, it should thrive on its own. Aside from that, follow these tips to set your pindo palm up for success.

1. 1. Water your pindo palm to establish it. Pindo palms are drought-tolerant and can survive in dry soil, but they will need regular waterings as they are getting established. It’s important to keep the soil moist at the roots, which you can gauge simply by sticking a finger in the soil to make sure that water is penetrating it. Only water your palm if the soil feels dry throughout. Once it is established, your pindo palm may not need any watering at all, and overwatering can cause root rot.
2. 2. Prune very sparingly. You can prune your pindo palm for aesthetics or shape it once a year or to remove diseased or dead fronds. You can also remove any damaged or rotten fruit left on the tree. However, your pindo palm doesn’t need pruning to stay healthy.
3. 3. Fertilize for new growth. Your pindo palm shouldn’t need any fertilizer when you plant it, but it can be helpful to use a slow-release palm fertilizer right when your plant begins growing new spears.

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