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KING PALM - ARCHONTOPHOENIX

Six Species -
Description, Growth & Culture


by Phil  Jesse Bergman

Description of Article

This article discusses King Palms and all six species within the genus of Archontophoenix.  Covered are characteristics of each species within this group, comments on cultural needs, care and usage in the landscape.

Introduction

King Palms are actually a group of species within the genus of Archontophoenix.  As discussed below there are six different species in this genus and all are from Australia.  There are differences between all of these species and this includes overall size and appearance, color of the crown shaft, the undersurface of the leaflets, seeds and flower traits.  From a landscape point of view, King palms are very popular and planted widely throughout the world.  But, the most common species, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, is the only species most gardeners and even some landscape architects are familiar with.   When the gardener says "King Palm", it's the cunninghamiana that he's referring to.  He may not even know there are five more types of King Palms.  

After reading this article, the reader will hopefully understand the differences between the various species of this genus and understand their usage in landscape and the cultural requirements of the genus.  I will start with a short introduction into the anatomy of a palm tree with specific comments on leaves and the crown shaft.  Perhaps one can even decide which species of this group they like the most.

The Crown Shaft

As mentioned above, the petiole attaches to the trunk with the leaf base or sheath.  On some species this sheath merely broadens out and fixes itself to the trunk.  But, sometimes this sheath is modified to wrap entirely around the trunk of the tree.  When it does this, one is left with what is called a "crown shaft".  It is below the crown of leaves and has no leaflets attached to it.  A petiole does exit the top of the crown shaft. 

This is what most people recognize as the smooth area of the trunk below the leaves. With Archontophoenix, it is smooth and an assortment of colors including lime green, a rusty green, purple and almost yellow.  It is one of the palm palm parts that is used in identifying species. 

As a crown shaft ages it turns colors.  old crown shafts become brown and dried in appearance.  If un-pruned, this old crown shaft will fall to the ground on its own.  This is what is meant by being "self-pruning".  After dropping and on inspection, one can see how it "wrapped the trunk".

ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA, The more Common form of King Palm

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA  

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MYOLENSIS 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX TUCKERI 

COLD AND HEAT TOLERANCE

Archontophoenix are native to the eastern part of Australia, especially along the coastal areas.  In habitat they see warm and sometimes humid weather and rarely a frost.  What we've found from domestic usage of these species is that they cold burn badly at 24 to 25 degrees F.  With colder temperatures, they are usually die below 23 degrees F.  On the high end, they can tolerate temperatures of near 100 degrees if they are watered heavily and do better if not in full sun with such temperatures. 

SUN EXPOSURE

In areas of high humidity, all Archontophoenix tolerate full sun.  But, if you live in Southern California where the air is more dry, full sun can result in some burn to the leaves.  This is particularly apparent on the tips of leaflets where "tip burn" is often seen.  King Palms that get less than full sun, and especially just morning sun, are often more beautiful and without sunburn blemishes.  Areas that are inland must plant their King Palms in either part day sun or morning light.  Archontophoenix do poorly in desert areas (unless in shade) and cannot tolerate direct sun.  Some growers feel that A. maxima might perform better in full sun with less tip burn. 

SOIL AND DRAINAGE

King Palms appreciate rich soil with good drainage.  Supplementing the soil with organic material such as mulch, fir or redwood shavings or leaf matter is very appreciated.  They can often tolerate heavy clay soil if not over-watered. If drainage is a problem, one could try amending coarse sand into the soil.  For all growers, amending the soil with organic material is recommended.  I'd estimate 20 to 30% organics blended into your soil should be adequate. 

WATER AND FERTILIZER

Archontophoenix species appreciate adequate water.  In fact, I've heard it said that, if drainage is adequate, "you can't over-water a King Palm".  Under-watering puts the tree at stress and one may see leaf burn, dried out leaves or tip burning.  So, if you are in doubt, there might not be too much risk with giving a plant more water.  Regarding fertilizer, we recommend a slow release preparation with an N/P/K ratio of 3:1:3 with microelements.  Remember, this is the ratio and not the formulae you see on the bag.  One could also use organics such as certain manures, blood meal or worm castings. 

USAGE OF KING PALMS AS INTERIOR HOUSE PLANT OR PATIO PLANT

For whatever reason, King Palms are a very poor choice for usage as a houseplant and we do not recommend it.  They usually succumb in a short time inside the home.  They can be grown in a warmer patio area, but prefer lots of water and part day sun.  Be aware, because they grow so fast, that they might outgrow your container very quickly.  Too much height makes them unstable in wind, which can make them blow over. 

PLANTING SINGLE PALM OR MULTIPLES (TRIPLES)

One commonly sees King Palms planted in groups of three or more plants.  Compare this to a single palm in the garden.  Many find multiple plants together more aesthetic.  The number can be two, three, or more plants.  There are two ways to do this.  First is the plant closely together individually grown plants.  When you do this, you tend to get multiple plants going straight up, side by side. There is no 'curving" to the trunks.  In contrast, when a nursery plant is grown from a seedling stage as multiple plants in the same container, you tend to get the trunks curving away from each other to make room for the clump.  This curve to the base of the trunks is usually what people are looking for.   This is critical because individually planted king Palms will never really give you that basilar curving if that's what you want.  Also, when grown from a small plant as a multiple, one tends to get a dominant plant and a "runt" that is shorter.  Sometimes this is very apparent, sometimes subtle.  Such plantings of "multiples" puts each of the individual plants in competition.  And, there's usually a winner and a loser.  I tell customers you get "Daddy, Mommy and the baby" and this is often the case.  Over many decades, these differences in size and height may diminish. 

CONCLUSION

The are six different species in the King Palm group.  All are of the genus Archontophoenix.  Ways to tell all six species apart are described above.  All are single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palms.  Some have silver coloration to the underside of the leaves/leaflets.  Some have different colors to their crown shafts.  Heights range from about forty feet to eighty feet.  Trunk diameter is usually about a foot or a bit more or less.  All trees have flowers and fruits are red.  All have cold tolerances of no less than 23 degrees and suffer badly below 25 degrees.  Growth rate is quick.  All types of King Palms like sun, but if you live in a drier area they prefer part day sun.  Otherwise, "tip burn" can occur.  In desert areas, they do not take any sun.  King Palms love water and rich soil.  With good conditions, they quickly put on trunk height.  Planting is groups of three (triples) gives an aesthetic look to the clump.  But, such triples should be grown as such from their onset as a nursery plant.  In gardens and commercial jobs, these plants are elegant and very appealing.