Help Identifying and Planting a Palm Tree in South Florida

[EpicFox]

Hi everyone,

I recently came across a beautiful palm tree and I’m hoping to identify it. I’ve attached a photo for reference. Additionally, I’d like to know if it’s possible to purchase a similar-sized palm and plant it myself. I have access to a skidsteer and a group of friends ready to help with the planting.

Questions:

1. Can anyone help identify the palm tree in the attached photo?
2. Where can I buy a similar-sized palm tree in South Florida?
3. Any tips or advice on planting a large palm tree?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Keybmp]

That’s roystonea regia, quite the common sight in south Florida. Most palm nurseries around your area should have them, and at almost any size. They grow quickly and spread ‘like weeds’ according to most 

[EpicFox]

Thank you so much! 

[awkonradi]

Hi EpicFox, welcome to PalmTalk.  If you want to plant a royal palm that big, then definitely go ahead.  I do not want to discourage you.  However, as Keybmp points out, royal palms grow pretty quickly in south Florida.  If you search PalmTalk for relevant threads, then I think you might discover that a royal palm planted at half that size would reach that size in three years (rough guesstimate).  I think planting a smaller palm, with a larger root ball, might be a better bet than planting a larger palm, with a smaller root ball.  Not telling you what to do.  Just presenting options.  If royal palms grew in my climate, then I would plant a forest of them.

[Merlyn]

@EpicFox buying a slightly smaller Royal is a good choice, as Andrei mentioned.  Also keep in mind that they tend to shed fronds when they are still green and heavy.  When mature you are looking at a 20' long frond + base at 50-75lb or so.  It's a good idea to plant them where falling fronds won't hit your cars, roof, etc. 

[Harry’s Palms]

I have a Venezuelan Royal . Similar in appearance but more slender and manageable fronds. Not as cold hardy when young as the Cuban Royal .Harry

[EpicFox]

Thank you all for your answers. I’ll likely opt for something a bit smaller due to the cost. You’re absolutely right, this one was about 4 feet tall three years ago. I didn’t notice much progress two and three years ago, but last year (2024) it really took off!

Do you have any recommendations for where to buy in South Florida at a good price? I need about five of them.

[Merlyn]

@EpicFox I'm not too familiar with Miami area nurseries, but you could try Redlands.

The "first year creep, second year leap" is typical for fast-growing palms like Royals and Queens.  That's different than the "first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap" rule of thumb.  It just depends on how quickly they get a nice set of roots established.  Once they get moving they really take off!