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New Zealand’s Best Nikau Palms

Growing NZ natives in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Nikau Palms and other NZ-natives that are ready for planting. We’ll help you find the right Nikau for your space. Choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Nikau Palms, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Nikau Palms

1. How fast do Nikau palms grow?

Nikau palms are slow-growing plants. It can take them 40 to 50 years to begin forming a trunk and about 200 years to reach 10 metres tall. On average, two fronds are shed per year, leaving behind a leaf scar on the trunk that can be used to give a rough indication of age since the trunk began forming.

Here are some factors that can affect the growth rate of Nikau palms:

• Climate: Nikau palms grow best in warm, humid climates.
• Soil: Nikau palms prefer well-drained, acidic soil. They will not grow well in heavy, clay soil.
• Sunlight: Nikau palms need partial shade to full sun. They will not grow well in deep shade.
• Water: Nikau palms need regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizer: Nikau palms can benefit from feeding in spring and summer.

2. Where is the best place to plant Nikau palms?

Nikau palms are native to New Zealand and are typically found in coastal and lowland forests. They prefer warm, humid climates with well-drained, acidic soil. They also need partial shade to full sun, and regular watering. Based on these preferences, here are some of the best places to plant Nikau palms:

1. Coastal areas: Nikau palms are well-adapted to coastal conditions, so they can thrive in gardens near the beach. The salt air and sandy soil provide an ideal environment for these palms.
2. Lowland forests: Nikau palms are naturally found in lowland forests, so they can also do well in sheltered areas in gardens. The partial shade and moist soil in these areas mimic their natural habitat.
3. Garden borders: Nikau palms can be a beautiful addition to garden borders, providing a touch of tropical elegance. They can be planted as standalone specimens or combined with other plants to create a lush and vibrant border.
4. Containers: Nikau palms can also be grown in containers, making them a versatile option for patios, balconies, and decks. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball and use a well-draining potting mix.
5. Sheltered areas: Nikau palms can tolerate some wind, but they prefer sheltered locations. Planting them in a sheltered area will help to protect them from strong winds and prevent damage to their fronds.

When planting Nikau palms, it is important to choose a location that meets their needs in terms of climate, soil, sunlight, and water. With proper care, these palms can add a touch of elegance and tropical flair to any garden or landscape.

3. Are Nikau palms easy to transplant?

Nikau palms are relatively easy to transplant when they are young, but they become more difficult to transplant as they get older. This is because their root systems become more extensive and they have a greater expanse of foliage that expires a lot of water that needs to be taken up by the roots.

4. Do Nikau palms have deep roots?

Nikau palms do not have a deep taproot. Instead, they have a spreading root system that typically extends only 30 to 40 centimeters deep into the soil. This shallow root system makes them particularly vulnerable to drying out and wind damage. However, it also allows them to adapt to a variety of soil types and conditions, including sandy soils where the roots can penetrate deeper.

The shallow root system of Nikau palms is a characteristic of their adaptation to their natural environment in New Zealand's coastal and lowland forests. In these areas, the soil is often moist and well-drained, and the roots do not need to extend deep into the ground to find water and nutrients. Additionally, the shallow roots help to anchor the palms in the soil, providing stability during storms and strong winds.

While the shallow root system of Nikau palms makes them somewhat susceptible to drying out and wind damage, it also contributes to their overall resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. This adaptability has made Nikau palms a valuable and iconic plant in New Zealand's landscape.

5. What is the fastest growing nikau?

The fastest growing variety of Nikau palm is the Chatham Island Nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chathamica'). It is native to the Chatham Islands, an archipelago about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand's South Island. Chatham Island Nikau palms are known for their faster growth rate and greater tolerance of frost and drought compared to other Nikau varieties. They can grow up to 15 meters tall and have a lifespan of up to 200 years.