Water
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent excess moisture accumulation around the roots.
Also known as Brazilian Wax Palm · Carnauba Palm · Wax Palm
Copernicia prunifera, the Carnauba Wax Palm, is a striking palm tree native to Brazil, known for its valuable carnauba wax extracted from its leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and wax production.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-27°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent excess moisture accumulation around the roots.
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base of the trunk as needed. Avoid cutting green fronds, as they are essential for the plant's health and energy production.
Use clean, sharp tools for any cuts.
Propagation is typically done by seed. Seeds require warm temperatures and consistent moisture to germinate. Germination can be slow and sporadic. Cuttings are not a viable method for propagating this species.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring, or when root-bound. Mature plants rarely need repotting. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to accommodate growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Carnauba Wax Palm (Copernicia prunifera)
Where Carnauba Wax Palm (Copernicia prunifera) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Copernicia |
| Species | Copernicia prunifera |
Similar in genus Copernicia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data