How to Grow Bismarck Palm - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Bismarck palm is one of the most popular palm plants in the world. It is native to the Bismarck Archipelago in the South Pacific. The plant is named after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who was the first Chancellor of the German Empire. The palm is also known as the Bismarckia nobilis. The plant is a member of the family Arecaceae and is a monoecious species. The bismarck palm is a beautiful palm with a massive trunk and a crown of huge leaves. The plant can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bismarck palm is a popular ornamental plant and is used in landscaping around the world.

How to Grow Bismarck Palm - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • European fan palm
  • Mediterranean fan palm
  • African fan palm
  • Australian fan palm
  • South American fan palm

Things to Know

  • The bismarck palm is a species of palm tree native to the Solomon Islands.
  • It is named after German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who was the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
  • The palm grows to a height of 15-20 m (49-66 ft) and a trunk diameter of 60-90 cm (24-35 in).
  • The leaves are pinnate, with 20-30 leaflets arranged on each side of the rachis.
  • The palm flowers are white and borne in inflorescences that grow from the leaf axils.
  • The fruits are black, fleshy drupes that are 2-3 cm (0.8-2 in) in diameter.
  • The bismarck palm is widely planted as an ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • It is also grown for its fruits, which are eaten fresh or used in juices and cocktails.
  • The palm wood is used in construction and furniture making.
  • The bismarck palm is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as Florida in the United States.

Related plant:
Bismarckia Nobilis

How to Grow

  1. For bismarck palm, first step is to obtain a seed germination kit including a peat pellet, a humidity dome, and a germination tray.
  2. Fill the germination tray with room-temperature water and soak the peat pellet until it is fully saturated.
  3. Place the soaked peat pellet into the center of the humidity dome.
  4. Place the humidity dome with the peat pellet inside onto the germination tray.
  5. Place the germination tray in a warm location out of direct sunlight.
  6. Check the peat pellet daily, and mist it with water as needed to keep it moist but not wet.
  7. After about 2-3 weeks, the bismarck palm seed should germinate and a small seedling will emerge from the peat pellet.
  8. Once the seedling has emerged, remove the humidity dome and place the seedling under grow lights or in a sunny location.
  9. Water the seedling as needed, keeping the soil moist but not wet.
  10. Fertilize the seedling monthly with a half-strength soluble fertilizer.

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the bismarck palm is not too demanding. It grows best in a well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, but is not particular about soil type as long as it is not waterlogged. An Ideal soil for the bismarck palm is one that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Light requirement

So, like the other Bismarck palms, this palm requires full sun to partial sun. It is important to ensure that the palm receives enough sun so that it can photosynthesize and produce the food that it needs to grow. If the palm is not receiving enough sun, it will not be able to produce enough food and will begin to decline.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions for the Bismarck Palm are quite warm. They can withstand some cold temperatures, but they prefer it to be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They will not do well in extremely cold weather and will die if the temperature gets below freezing. They can also tolerate some heat, but their leaves will start to turn yellow if it gets too hot.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. The plant does not tolerate long periods of excessive humidity and may suffer from fungal infections if exposed to high humidity for extended periods of time.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, is very important to the bismarck palm. It helps the plant to get the nutrients that it needs in order to grow. The root system is also very important to the bismarck palm. It helps to hold the plant in the ground and to get the water and nutrients that the plant needs.

Light requirement

Pruning is essential to keeping your bismarck palm looking its best. Prune away any dead or damaged leaves and fronds, as well as any that are crowding the center of the plant. You can also prune to shape the plant, if desired. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is best accomplished by seed, as the palms do not produce suckers. The hard-coated seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seedlings are slow growing and should be transplanted when they are about 3 feet tall.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in South Florida. The average annual growth rate of this species is about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in). However, it has been reported that some palms have attained a growth rate of more than 50 cm (20 in) per year. Bismarck palms are relatively fast growers for a palm. In the wild, they can grow up to 10-20 cm a year, but in cultivation, they have been known to grow even faster, up to 50 cm in a single year. This palm prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to a variety of conditions. It is tolerant of salt and wind, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas. It is also fairly drought tolerant, once established. With its striking blue-green leaves and elegant form, the bismarck palm is a popular landscaping choice. It can be used as a specimen plant, or planted in groups to create a dramatic effect.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are yellowing leaves, brown leaves, and fronds falling off. These problems are caused by too much water, not enough water, or nutrient deficiencies. If the leaves are yellowing, try reducing the amount of water you give the plant. If the leaves are brown, try increasing the amount of water you give the plant. If the fronds are falling off, try adding a fertilizer to the plant.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your bismarck palm regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Apply a generous amount of mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your bismarck palm every few months using a palm fertilizer.
  • Protect your plant from cold temperatures by covering it with a frost cloth or tarp.
  • Trim off any dead or dying leaves as needed.
  • Repot your bismarck palm every few years into a slightly larger pot.
  • Propagate your plant by seed or division.
  • The bismarck palm is known to be resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch out for scale insects and mealybugs.
  • This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade.
  • The bismarck palm is an easy plant to care for and is a great addition to

Related Plants

  • Bismarckia nobilis
  • Calamus bismarckianus
  • Cadia bismarckiana
  • Phoenix roebelenii
  • Phoenix canariensis
  • Phoenix sylvestris
  • Phoenix roebelinii
  • Phoenix sylvestris
  • Phoenix canariensis
  • Phoenix roebelinii

Source:
Arizona State University
Bismarckia - Wikipedia - wiki.alquds.edu
PALM - PALM

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