How to Care for Licuala Grandis (Ruffled Fan Palm) Like a Pro

Licuala grandis, commonly known as the ruffled fan palm or Vanuatu fan palm, is a short, trunked palm tree with wide, pleated leaves with a vibrant green hue. Licuala grandis grows best in warm, humid conditions and requires bright sunlight and well-draining soil. 

It thrives outdoors in tropical climates but makes an attractive tall houseplant, too. In the early summer, this palm produces white flowers that give rise to small round, red fruits but take note that flowering and fruiting are typically only seen on licuala grandis grown outdoors. 

Licuala Grandis Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a licuala grandis.  

• Plant in well-draining soil. 
• Choose a location that receives bright, indirect light.
• Water regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy.
• Apply a slow-release, well-balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer.

Light

The licuala grandis does best in full sun conditions but prefers to receive indirect light. Outdoors, it will thrive in a spot that receives dappled sunshine for about eight hours a day. Indoors, place the palm in a location with bright, indirect light. 

Soil

Soil conditions should be moist but well-draining for this palm species. A well-aerated potting mix that contains perlite, peat moss, and potting soil is ideal. This palm will do fine in acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil pH levels. 

Water

This palm tree requires regular watering to maintain adequate soil moisture. You’ll have to keep a closer eye on licuala grandis kept as indoor plants to avoid overwatering the potted plant.

As a rule of thumb, don’t allow the soil to dry out completely; water the ruffled palm when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

Temperature and Humidity

Native to the South Pacific, the licuala grandis prefers a warm, humid climate. It does best with temperatures between 75°F and 80°F, but it is cold hardy to 32°F once mature. 

Fertilizer

Licuala grandis are a rather slow-growing species but you can support the palm’s growth habit with a slow-release fertilizer formula.

Pick a palm-specific fertilizer formula, which has lower levels of phosphorus and more balanced amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Apply according to the package instructions during the growing season. 

Pruning

Heavy pruning is not necessary to maintain the shape and appearance of the licuala grandis. However, lower fronds may turn brown with age; these can be removed as needed. 

How to Grow Licuala Grandis from Seed

Licuala grandis are somewhat rare and expensive, so you might consider starting the plant from seed. If you do, be prepared for a rather long germination process.

However, with patience and the right growing conditions, you can succeed. You will need small pots, moist, well-draining potting mix, and a heating tray. Then, follow these steps.

1. Place the seeds in water and soak them for 24 to 48 hours. 
2. After soaking, plant each seed in a small pot with a moist, well-draining potting mix. The seed should be lightly covered rather than deeply buried. 
3. Cover the pots with transparent plastic material and place them in a warm environment. The use of a heating tray is recommended to ensure that the seeds stay warm and to encourage germination. 
4. Keep the soil moist. Germination can take between three and six months. 
5. Once the seeds have germinated and growth is visible, remove the plastic covering. Continue to water to maintain soil moisture. 
6. Avoid transplanting until the seedling has at least two true sets of leaves. 

Potting and Repotting Licuala Grandis

Due to its slow-growth habit, the licuala grandis is a good choice for growing in a container. Over time, however, it will need to be repotted to allow for further growth and to ensure that soil nutrients remain available to the plant. You will only need to repot the licuala grandis every two or three years. 

When it’s time to repot, here’s how to do it. Choose a pot with drain holes that is one or two sizes larger than the current pot. Gently tip the potted palm onto its side and tap the pot to loosen the roots. Slide the palm out and plant it into the new container with a well-draining soil mix. 

Common Problems With Licuala Grandis

Under the right climate conditions, licuala grandis encounter relatively few problems. When grown as an indoor plant, you may need to keep a closer eye on the plant’s light and moisture levels to avoid issues. 

Leaves Turning Yellow

The leaves of the licuala grandis are the main attraction and if they begin to turn yellow, it’s a clear indicator that an adjustment needs to be made in the plant’s care routine.

Yellowing leaves can be a sign that the licuala grandis is receiving too much direct sunlight. Remember that dappled light is best for this species.

For indoor plants, a south- or west-facing window provides enough light exposure but you may need to move the plant towards the interior of the room to prevent overexposure. 

Another reason that licuala grandis leaves turn yellow is oversaturated soil. If the soil has remained overly wet for an extended time due to overwatering or poor drainage, root rot can develop and yellow leaves are one of the key indicators of trouble below the soil line.

Inspect the root ball, looking for brown, stringy, and foul-smelling roots. To save a ruffled palm affected by root rot, you will need to prune away any unhealthy roots, sterilize the container, and repot the plant in fresh potting mix. 

Browning Tips

If the tips of a licuala grandis turn brown, it’s likely a sign that humidity levels are too low. For indoor palms, try misting the plant with water several times per week or using a humidifier to raise the humidity level in the room.

You can increase the frequency of watering but be careful not to oversaturate the soil. 

Overexposure to sunlight can also cause browning tips. The leaves of the licuala grandis can become scorched if light levels are too intense.

Usually, the leaves will first turn yellow and then turn brown and crispy. Move the plant to a new location that receives less direct sunlight.