Arecaceae
Footstool Palm: Complete Care Guide
Livistona rotundifolia
The Footstool Palm requires bright to medium indirect light, regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and high humidity. It is a moderate-care plant that thrives in warm temperatures.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
18° - 30°C
50% - 80%
About Footstool Palm
Livistona rotundifolia, commonly known as the Footstool Palm, is an elegant tropical palm native to Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its large, glossy, rounded leaves that resemble a fan, hence its popular name. It is a moderate-growing plant that can reach considerable heights in its natural habitat, though its size remains more contained when grown in pots. Highly valued for its ornamental beauty, it is ideal for well-lit interiors and tropical gardens.
Care Guide
Lighting
Prefers bright indirect light. Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Indoors, place it near a curtained window or in a spot with good diffused lighting.
Ideal Soil
Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A palm potting mix or a combination of potting soil, coarse sand, and organic compost is ideal to ensure good aeration and drainage.
Recommended Pot
Choose a pot with good drainage that is proportional to the plant's size, allowing room for root growth. Ceramic or terracotta pots are good options as they help with soil aeration.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
How to Propagate
Seed Propagation
- Patience is key, as germination can be slow.
- Use a heating mat to maintain the ideal soil temperature if necessary.
- 1 Prepare the Seeds
Clean the seeds by removing any remaining pulp. Soak them in warm water for 24-48 hours to soften the shell and speed up germination.
- 2 Sowing
Plant the seeds in a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter, covering them lightly. Keep the substrate consistently moist and in a location with temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
- 3 Post-Germination Care
After germination, which can take several months, keep the seedlings in a spot with indirect light and high humidity. Transplant into individual pots once the seedlings have a few true leaves.
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
3.0m
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Meaning & Symbolism
The Footstool Palm is often associated with victory, triumph, and peace, serving as a symbol of prosperity and longevity in many tropical cultures.