Livistona rotundifolia

footstool palm

A gorgeous little gem of an indoor palm tree, with glossy palmate leaves, a miniature palm compared to other cousins of his.

A great addition to any setting, and a very easy to care for house plant.

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Origin: East Asia (Southern China, Southern Japan)
Genus: Saribus
Species / Cultivar: rotundifolius
Common Name: footstool palm
Synonym: Saribus rotundifolius, Corypha rotundifolia, Livistona chinensis

Plant Biography

Originating in South East and East Asia, the footstool palm was first described in the 18th century under the genus Corypha and soon reclassified under the genus Saribus. However, various other names are popular with growers throughout the world as the footstool palm is a popular houseplant. This is the main reason why most of the time, in Europe, you’ll find this little gem under the name Livistona.

The plant has become extremely popular as an ornamental tree throughout Asia, and in Colombia. In temperate Europe is kept as a houseplant.

Its leaves are often use for the thatching of roofs and wrapping food.

Livistona rotundifolia
Light: Bright Indirect
This plant likes sun, but keep out of direct sunlight. Best placed in an area near a window.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Temperature: 13 - 27°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Slow
Expect to see quite small amounts of growth over the years.
Humidity: Medium
Easygoing in regular home conditions, keep away from cold draughts and heat sources.
Maintenance: A little
Easy to care for, just keep an eye on any extra environmental needs such as humidity.
Eventual Height: 15m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 3m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Expert Tip

Frequent repotting is highly discouraged as the L. rotundifolia does not like its roots to be disturbed. Repot in spring only when it becomes severely pot bound. The plant grows slowly, repotting may not be necessary for 3-5 years.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water less in winter and check the top 3 inches to be dry to touch. Use filtered, distilled or rain water to avoid chemicals in the tap water.

Most indoor plants like a steady diet of liquid plant food, but not palms. Palms are slow-growing, especially indoors, and don’t need much fertilizer.

Expert Tip

Avoid watering at the base of the trunk as this may lead to rot.
Brown leaves tips

Brown leaves tips

Most of the time, the indoor plants will develop brown tips because of stress factors in the environment:

low moisture in the air – mist the plant every other day or place on a tray with pebbles that is always topped up with water. Alternatively, a cool-mist humidifier can help.

dry soil – do not allow the soil to dry completely

salts accumulating in the soil – tap water is most of the time very hard and deposits of limescale can form on the roots. use filtered, distilled or rain water

1 customer review for Livistona rotundifolia

Item arrived on time and in generally good condition – a little dusty, though, and all the leaf tips are browned. Nonetheless very pleased with it – it looks very impressive in my living room.

Iain R.