Puerto Rican Hat Palm (Sabal causiarum)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal sun exposure and salt spray

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Watering Water deeply when top 15–20 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established

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Temperature Hardy to 10°C; prefers warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; avoid frost damage

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Leaf: Large costapalmate fan-shaped fronds with 80–120 gray-green leaflets, 3–4 m wide
Flower: Small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers in drooping 3 m-long panicles
Trunk: Thick solitary gray-brown trunk with persistent leaf bases (bootjacks)

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Watering

Water 1–2 times weekly; increase frequency during prolonged heatwaves

Fertilization

Diluted balanced granular fertilizer once monthly. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter to support dormancy

Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base; water in slowly to release calcium

Pruning

Remove dead brown fronds at the trunk base to maintain appearance and reduce pest habitat
Trim spent flower panicles after blooming to prevent excessive seed production
Avoid cutting green fronds, as they contribute to photosynthetic energy production

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental landscape palm; coastal windbreak for erosion control