How to Grow a Coconut Tree

Co-authored by Mike Garcia

Last Updated: November 5, 2022 References Approved

Coconut trees are lovely plants that produce tasty fruit. They grow naturally in tropical climates, but you can also plant one at home. Whether you plan to grow your coconut tree outside or as a houseplant, it’s an easy process that will produce a charming addition to any yard or home.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Germinating Your Coconut Seed

1
Choose the perfect nut to incubate. The ideal nut will have lots of water inside that will slosh around when you shake it.^{[1]
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Research source} Make sure that the nut still in its husk.
- You can use a coconut that has dropped to the ground or one from a store.
2
Place the coconut in a bucket of lukewarm water. Use a stone or weight to keep the coconut submerged. Leave the nut in the bucket for 3-4 days.^{[2]
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- This process will soften the coconut and accelerate the germination process.
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3
Fill a zip-lock plastic bag with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Place the nut in the bag and seal it. Store the bag in a warm, dark location for up to 3 months.
- An example of a good place to store the coconut is by a water heater.^{[3]
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4
Check on the coconut every week for germination. Once the nut has sprouted and started to grow roots, gently wrap a damp paper towel around the roots and place the seed back into the bag.^{[4]
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- The seed will be fully developed when the sprout is approximately as long as your finger and the roots have reached a length of 6 inches (15 cm) to 8 inches (20 cm).^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Planting Your Tree

1
Mix your planting soil. Use a mixture of half potting soil and half sand. Also add some fine gravel or vermiculite to help aerate the soil.^{[6]
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- If you plan on planting your coconut outside, you do not need to use premixed soil. Find a place outside that has loose, well-draining soil.^{[7]
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- You can also buy a specialized potting soil, such as Kokohum.^{[8]
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2
Put the germinated coconut in the soil. Place the nut into the soil with the pointed end down.^{[9]
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Research source} Make sure that 1/3 of the coconut sticks out of the soil.
- If you are planting your tree inside, use a pot that is at least 10 inches (25 cm) deep and has a diameter large enough to accommodate the seed.^{[10]
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3
Give your coconut tree plenty of water and sunlight. Water the tree at least 2 times per week so the soil is moist but not too wet.^{[11]
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Research source} Make sure that the tree gets lots of light, but not constant brightness. Some shade is preferable.^{[12]
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- For outdoor plants, you can make a mini greenhouse. Put bamboo stakes into the ground around the tree. Wrap plastic wrap around the sticks and across the top. Remove the greenhouse when the tree is 1 foot (0.30 m) tall.^{[13]
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- Keep indoor trees moist by spraying both sides of the leaves with water.^{[14]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Tree

1
Keep your coconut tree watered and warm. Coconut trees need a temperature of at least 72 °F (22 °C) but grow best at temperatures above 80 °F (27 °C).^{[15]
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- It's really important to mimic the conditions of where the tree grows naturally.^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mike Garcia
  Licensed Landscape Contractor
  Expert Interview. 20 November 2020.}
2
Fertilize your plant after 1 year. After the first year, use a rotary spreader to apply fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound (0.45 kg) per 100 square feet (9.3 m²). Use a fertilizer that is rich in certain nutrients, including boron, manganese, and magnesium.^{[17]
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- During the first year of growth, the tree will absorb nutrients from inside the nut.^{[18]
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3
Harvest the coconuts and enjoy. Your tree will mature and begin to yield fruit after 5 years.^{[19]
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Research source} Once the tree starts to flower, it will take 7-12 months for the coconuts to fully mature.
- A fully-grown coconut in its husk will weigh approximately 6 pounds (2.7 kg).^{[20]
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Community Q&A

Question

Why are my tree's leaves not dark green?

Bridgett Barrett

Community Answer

Usually, this means it's not getting enough sunlight. Try moving your tree to a sunnier spot.
Question

Can I grow a small coconut tree indoors?

CharlesBSings

Community Answer

Yes, but if you grow it indoors, it will not produce coconuts, and its height will be around 5'.
Question

Why is my coconut plant turning yellow?

CharlesBSings

Community Answer

Coconut fronds turn yellow if the soil is lacking nutrients, but there are some occasions where a pest or fungus could be causing your coconut fronds to turn yellow.

Warnings

Coconut trees are susceptible to certain diseases. One of these diseases is known as Lethal Yellow.^{[21]
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Research source} Lethal Yellow is mostly found in trees in Florida. Signs of Lethal Yellow include yellowing leaves, dropping fruit, and slow death.^{[22]
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Research source} Lethal Yellow can be treated with antibiotics.

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If a tree becomes infected with disease or fungus, it is best to remove the affected tree.

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Coconut tree can also be affected by fungal bud rot. Signs of this infection are gray, foul-smelling leaves. This fungus is most common in poorly draining soil and after heavy rains.^{[23]
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