SOLITAIRE PALM
The Alexander Palm (Ptychosperma elegans), also known as the Solitaire Palm, is a popular ornamental palm in Florida, especially in South Florida and frost-free coastal areas. Here’s what you need to know:
Overview
Appearance: A slender, single-trunk palm with a smooth gray trunk marked by leaf scars, topped with an olive-green crownshaft and graceful pinnate fronds. It produces small white flowers and bright red fruits that attract birds.
Size: Typically grows 20–25 feet tall with a trunk about 4 inches in diameter, making it ideal for tight spaces or as an accent tree.
Growth Conditions in Florida
Climate: Thrives in USDA Zones 10A–11, so it’s best suited for South Florida and other frost-free regions. It is not cold-hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below 35°F.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Grows best in well-drained, organic-rich soil, but adapts to sandy soils with proper care.
Water: Requires regular watering during establishment, but becomes moderately drought-tolerant once mature.
Benefits
Space-saving: Slim trunk and moderate canopy make it perfect for small yards, poolside areas, and entryways.
Low maintenance: It is self-cleaning, meaning old fronds drop off naturally.
Wildlife-friendly: Fruits provide food for birds.
Considerations
Cold sensitivity: Not suitable for North or Central Florida unless protected.
Salt tolerance: Moderate—can handle coastal conditions but not direct salt spray.
Spacing: Plant at least 5–6 feet from structures to allow fronds room to spread.
