Paurotis Palm: The Ultimate Guide for Growing This Native Beauty in Southwest Florida Landscapes
Looking to elevate your Southwest Florida landscape with a native palm that’s as hardy as it is beautiful? The Paurotis Palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii) might be the perfect fit. At Precision Landscaping, we specialize in helping homeowners and property managers across Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Alva choose the right palms to thrive in our unique Florida climate.
What is the Paurotis Palm?
The Paurotis Palm, also called the Everglades Palm, is a clumping, fan-leaved palm native to Florida wetlands. Its lush, tropical appearance, light green fronds with silvery undersides, and slender, fibrous trunks make it a favorite for natural-style landscapes.
Height: Up to 20–30 feet
Spread: Grows in dense clumps, 10–15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate – ideal for long-term landscaping but not for rapid coverage
Cold Tolerance: Hardy to USDA Zones 9–11, and tolerates brief dips to 25°F, which is rarely a concern in SWFL
Invasiveness: Not invasive, but its aggressive clumping nature can overfill small spaces if not routinely maintained
This palm adds texture, vertical interest, and native authenticity to any Florida yard.
Why Paurotis Palm is Ideal for Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida's warm, subtropical climate makes it ideal for the Paurotis Palm. Because it's native to Florida, it's naturally adapted to the region’s wet summers, sandy soils, and salt-laden breezes.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Tolerates both flooding and short dry spells
Handles coastal air and salty conditions well
Supports Florida-friendly and native landscaping principles
Choosing native palms like the Paurotis helps create more resilient, low-maintenance landscapes.
Planting & Care Guide for Paurotis Palm
Want to keep your Paurotis Palm healthy and looking its best? Here’s what it needs:
🌞 Light
Best in full sun, but grows well in light shade
💧 Watering
Water consistently after planting
Once established, needs little supplemental irrigation
Great for areas with poor drainage or occasional standing water
🌱 Soil
Adapts to a variety of soils including sandy or loamy
Prefers slightly acidic soil with organic material
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Remove old fronds annually
Can spread aggressively in small spaces — regular thinning of trunks may be necessary
Needs room to grow — avoid tight planting spots near walls or structures
Common Problems & Solutions
Though generally low-maintenance, here are a few things to watch for:
Spider mites or scale insects – Treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticides
Nutrient deficiencies – Use a balanced palm fertilizer with magnesium and potassium
Overgrowth – Professional pruning and spacing management help keep it neat
Precision Landscaping offers ongoing palm care and trimming services to keep your palms thriving.
Design Tips: Where to Use Paurotis Palms
With its multi-trunk structure and tropical fan-like foliage, the Paurotis Palm can be a stunning feature in both residential and commercial designs.
Use as a privacy screen or natural fence
Great along property borders or water features
Plant in clusters for a lush, tropical vibe
Use as a vertical accent near pool decks or patios
Just remember — give it room to breathe. Its clumping nature needs space and occasional thinning to keep it landscape-friendly.
Availability in Florida Nurseries
Paurotis Palms are widely available across Florida, especially from nurseries specializing in native plants. While not as commonly stocked as imported palms like the Royal Palm, we can source high-quality specimens through our trusted local growers and partners.
Why Choose Precision Landscaping?
At Precision Landscaping, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of landscaping in Southwest Florida. Our team brings years of expertise in native plant design, sustainable practices, and palm installations that last.
✔️ Specialists in native Florida palms
✔️ Full-service design, planting, and maintenance
✔️ Proudly serving Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Alva
✔️ Trusted by homeowners, builders, and property managers across SWFL
Let’s Add Paurotis Palms to Your Landscape
Whether you're building a backyard retreat or a coastal property oasis, Paurotis Palms offer beauty and resilience. Let Precision Landscaping help you bring it to life — from sourcing and design to installation and care.
📞 Call today for a free consultation! 239-300-8636
Or fill out our online contact form to get started.