Lytocaryum weddellianumWeddell Palm

Lytocaryum weddellianum, the Weddell Palm, is a small, slow, single-trunked feather palm from the shaded floor of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Its fronds are unusually fine, with narrow dark green leaflets silvered beneath, and the whole plant has a softness that larger palms cannot offer.

It is a shade palm and should be treated as one: interior atriums, sheltered courtyards, and understorey groups beneath an established canopy. Hot dry wind ruins it.

Specifications

• Height1.5 to 3 metres
• Width1 to 1.5 metres (crown spread)
• Native toThe Atlantic coastal forest of south-eastern Brazil
• FoliageFine, arching pinnate fronds with narrow dark green leaflets, silvery beneath; evergreen
• Growth rateSlow

Conditions

• SoilPrefers moist, free-draining soils rich in organic matter, or a quality potting medium
• LightPartial shade to deep shade; bright indirect light indoors
• WaterModerate; keep evenly moist and never allow it to dry out completely
• ClimateThrives in humid subtropical and tropical understorey conditions and in interior spaces; frost sensitive and intolerant of hot dry wind

Additional Features

• FormSlender single trunk carrying a soft, finely divided crown
• UsesIdeal for interior landscaping, atriums and lobbies, sheltered courtyards and understorey planting beneath larger trees
• SpacingPlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a grouped understorey
• Low MaintenanceRemove spent fronds; keep out of direct sun and away from air conditioning outlets
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient; inspect for spider mite where interior air is dry
• VersatilityGrown as a container specimen or planted in ground as a shaded understorey palm

The Weddell Palm is the small shade palm to specify where a delicate texture matters more than stature.