Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Introduction

The Bangalow palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) is Native to Australia and indigenous to the tropics and semi-tropics of the NSW and Queensland coasts. It is a popular palm indoors and outdoors, and being a fast grower is generally inexpensive for a high-impact plant. Outdoors and in its natural environment, it can grow to be over 20m tall. Bangalow palm is a member of the Arecaceae family and goes by the names King Palm and the Piccabeen Palm, although both are less commonly used. Birds are drawn to its bright red fruits and violet flowers. It blooms in the middle of Summer and has foliage that remains green year-round.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Uses

Because of its height and slender profile, the Archontophoenix cunnighamiana is an attractive choice as an ornamental plant for outdoor and indoor spaces bringing a tropical jungle vibe. This palm has shallow roots making it a great option to plant in tight spaces nearby other structures such as pools and walls.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Temperature, Position, and Lighting

Naturally occuring in tropical and sub-tropical rainforests or wet montane locations as an understory plant, Bangalow Palms generally live in dappled light and sheltered environments with minimal temperature fluctuations from day to night. In saying that, Bangalow Palms are generally considered a fairly hardy palm and can tolerate temperatures as low as -4 ºC, as well as drier temperate climates.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Humidity

Bangalow palms are a tropical plant so will appreciate higher levels of humidity but can tolerate drier conditions. To increase humidity levels indoors, consider grouping closely with other plants, using pebble trays or humidifiers. Misting and regular watering can also help. Avoid placing near air-conditioners, drafts and other locations where they can experience dry ‘winds.’ Outdoors, in temperate climates, select a protected spot away from extreme sun and wind that will dry out your palm. Mulching soils and creating both a canopy and understory will help to mimic its natural environment and help to keep the micro-climate more moist and humid.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Watering

The Bangalow palm is a thirsty plant. Maintaining its health requires a significant amount of water and a high moisture level in the soil. If you live in a warmer and drier City, you will need to pay close attention to your palms’ water requirements. Hot and high temperatures can stunt the growth of Bangalow Palms, and they cannot survive sustained periods in excessively hot and dry weather.

When you water your palm tree, you need to do it so that the water soaks down into the roots. You can water your Bangalow Palm less frequently as it matures. A palm between one and two years old requires watering three to four times per week in Summer, whereas a tree between three and four only requires watering two to three times per week.

Bottom watering is a good watering strategy when growing indoors as you can easily see when your palm needs more water.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Humidity

Bangalow palms are a tropical plant so will appreciate higher levels of humidity but can tolerate drier conditions. To increase humidity levels indoors, consider grouping closely with other plants, using pebble trays or humidifiers. Misting and regular watering can also help. Avoid placing near air-conditioners, drafts and other locations where they can experience dry ‘winds.’

Outdoors, in temperate climates, select a protected spot away from extreme sun and wind that will dry out your palm. Mulching soils and creating both a canopy and understory will help to mimic its natural environment and help to keep the micro-climate more moist and humid.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Soil and Fertilizer

Bangalow Palms are exceptionally versatile and can thrive in various soil conditions. However, it thrives best in soil that is abundant in organic matter. Bangalow Palms require approximately three to four fertiliser applications per year to promote healthy growth. It is essential that the fertiliser you use be formulated specifically for palm trees and contain the elements nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Pruning and Maintenance

The Bangalow Palms are plants that require relatively little care compared to other types of palms. It is unnecessary to prune it regularly as it generally naturally sheds dead leaves.

If only a few leaves have turned brown and new foliage is still growing, then there is no reason to be concerned.

If growing indoors, you want the plant to be lush and green so if the tips start browning you can trim off to maintain the green jungle aesthetic. Make sure to address the root causes though to ensure browning doesn’t continue.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Vulnerability to pests and toxicity

Some Archontophoenix cunnighamiana diseases and how to treat them are listed below.

Bud Rot attacks palm fronds. The fronds die from a fungus. Bud Rot is most likely to occur in the Summer. It can usually be treated with chemicals but it’s best to consult a specialist and disinfect your gardening tools to avoid spreading the fungi.

Fusarium Wilt is a Fungal palm disease. The fungus causes palm fronds to lose their green color and wilt, killing them. Fusarium Wilt destroys Bangalow Palm. Infected plants must be removed to prevent the spread of fungi spores.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana toxicity to pets

The Bangalow palm is not toxic to pets or children.

Bangalow palm — Archontophoenix cunnighamiana Design Tips

Bangalow palms are great both indoors and out. As a fast grower and Native to Australia they are generally an inexpensive option that provide a lot of bang, bringing lush tropical vibes. Indoors they are great in bright spots in big white or black pots and also look great in woven baskets.

They’re a terrific option for Eastern or Southern facing balconies and with a bit of height can effectively block out neighbours while creating a jungle perspective from inside.

Outdoors they can look great along pools or if you have a large backyard why not try to replicate something of its natural environment with a rainforest garden. Being tolerant to colder climates they are also great for bringing tropical feels where most palms will struggle, such as in Melbourne, Adelaide and even Canberra (in protected positions).