Elegant tropical palm with decorative bright red fruits
About Adonidia merrillii
Adonidia merrillii, commonly known as the Christmas Palm or Manila Palm, is an elegant, medium-sized palm native to the Philippines. This sophisticated specimen combines architectural beauty with seasonal visual drama, making it a prized addition to discerning gardeners' collections.
This striking palm features a smooth, slender trunk that begins green in youth and gradually transitions to distinguished gray as it matures, adding character and visual appeal. The leaves are pinnately compound and deep green, forming a dense, symmetrical crown at the top. What truly distinguishes Adonidia merrillii is its spectacular decorative fruit display – dense clusters of brilliant red fruits that ripen around the Christmas season, creating stunning color contrast against the green foliage.
Perfect for gardens, poolside plantings, or as a sophisticated container specimen, its manageable size and exceptional beauty make it ideal for creating tropical ambiance. Wind and sun-resistant, Adonidia merrillii thrives in tropical and subtropical regions while remaining versatile enough for container cultivation and controlled indoor environments.
🎄 Seasonal Elegance & Tropical Beauty: Adonidia merrillii is a premium ornamental specimen combining refined architectural form with dramatic seasonal fruit display. Its bright red fruits create unforgettable visual impact during holiday seasons. Perfect for creating instant tropical sophistication in gardens, atriums, and containers while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance.
Growing Conditions
Light
Full Sun: Thrives best in full sun with 6–8+ hours direct sunlight daily. Optimal light exposure enhances fruit coloration and overall vigor.
Partial Shade: Can tolerate partial shade but performs better with abundant light exposure.
Indoor: In controlled environments, provide bright, indirect light from large windows for best results.
Temperature & Sensitivity
Ideal Range: 20–35 °C for optimal growth and development.
Frost Sensitivity: Not frost-tolerant. Temperatures below 10 °C can cause significant damage.
Cold Protection: In marginal climates, grow in containers and move indoors during winter months.
Best For: Tropical and subtropical regions (USDA 11–12).
Soil Requirements
Composition: Prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter for optimal nutrient availability.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal (6.0–7.0 range).
Drainage: Excellent drainage is critical – poor drainage can lead to root problems.
Amendments: Incorporate compost or peat to enhance soil quality and water retention.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Regular watering during hot and dry periods is essential. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Establishment: Frequent watering during first year promotes healthy root development.
Maturity: Once established, reduce watering frequency but maintain adequate moisture during dry spells.
Critical: Never allow soil to become soggy or waterlogged – this invites root rot and disease.
Planting & Maintenance
Planting Procedure
Timing: Best planted in spring when temperatures are stable and growth is active.
Location: Choose site with full sun exposure and ample space for development.
Preparation: Ensure ample space for root expansion. Dig hole appropriate size for root ball.
Initial Care: Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.
Fertilization
Schedule: Fertilize every three months during active growing season.
Formula: Use balanced palm fertilizer formulated for tropical species.
Application: Follow product instructions carefully. Avoid over-fertilization, which can stress plants.
Growth Promotion: Regular feeding supports robust growth and enhances fruit production.
Low-Maintenance Care
Pruning: Remove only dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and encourage vitality.
Monitoring: Periodically monitor for pests and diseases, though this palm is relatively resistant.
Seasonal Interest: Watch for spectacular red fruit display during holiday season – one of the plant's major attractions.
Container Care: For potted specimens, ensure adequate drainage and monitor soil moisture carefully.
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
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We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
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Active Routes7
Countries Served190+
Avg. Delivery Time6-8 days
Success Rate99.7%
Plants in Transit247
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€45
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Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
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Roots cleaned & trimmed
Moist sphagnum moss wrap
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Documents Included
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Climate Control
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Temperature Safety
Thermal insulation boxes
Heat/cold packs ready
Weather monitoring
Safe range: 5-30°C
Delay if extreme
Care Guide
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
Complete Manual
Step-by-step planting
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