Water
Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding both drought stress and waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Also known as Sea Coconut · Troolie Palm
Manicaria saccifera, the Monkey Cap Palm, is a large, solitary palm from tropical South America, noted for its massive, undivided leaves and distinctive helmet-like fruit.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light is ideal.
60% intensity
Protect from harsh direct sun.
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
70% intensity
Water more in warm weather, less in cool.
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
50% intensity
Thrives in warm, tropical conditions.
90% intensity
Avoid temperatures below 15°C.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
50% intensity
Dilute to half strength every 4-6 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding both drought stress and waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base. Avoid cutting healthy foliage as it contributes to the plant's overall health and appearance.
Best propagated from fresh seeds, which require warm temperatures and consistent moisture to germinate. Seedlings grow slowly initially.
Young plants may need repotting every 1-2 years into a larger container. Mature plants are best left undisturbed in their pots or planted in the ground.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Monkey Cap Palm (Manicaria saccifera)
Where Monkey Cap Palm (Manicaria saccifera) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Manicaria |
| Species | Manicaria saccifera |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data