Copernicia hospita
Copernicia hospita
Cuban wax palm
★
Taxonomy
Family Arecaceae · Genus Copernicia
Description
Copernicia hospita, the Cuban wax palm, is a striking blue-silver fan palm with leaves coated in natural wax that shimmer in full sun. Slow and sculptural, it makes an unforgettable focal point in warm, dry, coastal, or tropical gardens.
Common Names
Cuban wax palmBlue wax palmWaxy fan palmCuban blue palm
Context
nativeRegion
Endemic to Cuba, on dry, open savannas and limestone flats.
usdaZones
10–11 (marginal in warm 9b with protection)
companionPlants
Bismarckia nobilis, Sabal palmetto, Thrinax radiata, Agave spp., Yucca rostrata, Dioon edule
culturalUses
Highly prized architectural specimen in tropical and xeric landscapes; iconic collector palm noted for its waxy, blue foliage and wind tolerance.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun; brightest color in unobstructed, all-day sun.
WateringModerate while establishing; drought-tolerant once rooted. In pots, water when top 2–3 inches are dry; never let sit in water.
SoilVery well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; thrives on alkaline/limestone substrates; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
FertilizerPalm-specific slow‑release fertilizer with micronutrients 2–3 times during the warm season; correct Mg/K if deficiency appears.
HumidityTolerates a wide range; performs well in dry to moderately humid air; good coastal wind tolerance.
TemperatureIdeal 65–95°F (18–35°C). Protect from frost; generally suited to USDA 10–11 (9b only with protection).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSolitary, upright fan palm with stout trunk and rounded crown of rigid, waxy costapalmate leaves.
Mature Size20–30 ft tall (6–9 m), 10–15 ft wide (3–4.5 m) crown.
Growth RateSlow-growing.
BloomingWarm season; branched inflorescences amid the leaves with small creamy flowers, followed by dark drupes.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in cool weather but no true dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsSeed
DifficultyModerate—fresh seed germinates slowly and benefits from steady warmth.
Best SeasonSpring to early summer (warm, stable conditions speed germination).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal; remove only completely dead fronds and spent inflorescences. Avoid over-pruning to preserve vigor and trunk aesthetics.
RepottingFor container culture, use deep, well-draining pots; repot infrequently due to sensitive roots and slow growth.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally hardy; occasional scale, mealybugs, spider mites. Watch for nutrient deficiencies (K, Mg) and avoid chronic wet soil to prevent root rot.
ToxicityNot known to be toxic to people or pets.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.