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Macarthur Palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii), Palm
Palm

Macarthur Palm

Ptychosperma macarthurii

Varieties We Bring In

StandardPtychosperma macarthurii
Sizes & Pricing
15 galFrom$275.00

Last received Mar 11, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightPart Shade, Full Sun, Part Sun
WaterHigh
Mature size15-25 feet × 6-10 feet
Visit Nursery

Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew

Pet safety guide

About Macarthur Palm

MacArthur Palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii) is a clustering tropical palm from New Guinea and Australia with slender multi-stemmed canes topped by arching pinnate fronds and small red fruits. Prized for shade tolerance and graceful tropical form, it makes a striking understory or patio specimen. In NE Florida (zone 9b) it requires a sheltered microclimate and frost protection, as it is most reliable in zone 10 and warmer.

Plant details

Bloom Season
Year-round
Flower Color
White
Growth Rate
Moderate
Foliage
Evergreen
Soil
Clay, Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained

Best planting months

Recommended months: May, June, July, August, September.

January, other month
February, other month
March, other month
April, other month
May, good window
June, good window
July, good window
August, good window
September, good window
October, other month
November, other month, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

In bloom. Good planting window.

Care essentials

Light

Adaptable from full sun to dense shade; MacArthur palm performs best in partial shade in NE Florida, where its preferred tropical understory conditions can be simulated. Protect from cold north winds.

Water

Requires consistently moist soil and high humidity; water regularly and deeply. In NE Florida, supplemental irrigation is needed during dry periods. This palm has no drought tolerance and suffers in dry conditions.

Soil & Fertilizer

Plant in any well-drained soil amended with organic matter; use a palm-specific slow-release fertilizer (8-2-12 with micronutrients) three times per year to prevent magnesium and manganese deficiencies common in Florida. Note: best suited to zone 10+; protect from freezes in 9b.

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Common questions

Is Macarthur Palm a good plant for St. Augustine?

Macarthur Palm is a palm. Mature size: 15-25 feet × 6-10 feet. Light: Part Shade, Full Sun, Part Sun. Water needs: High.

Care information verified from

Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.