Hawaiian Palm (Brighamia insignis) Care: Light, Water, and Fertilizer

Seasonal Light

• Winter: South windowsill OK.
• Summer: Protect from intense sun; can summer outdoors.
• Bring indoors by early September for fall flowering.

Water and Food

• Trunk stores water—water weekly at most. Feel soil first; if moist, wait.
• Monthly fertilizer (standard green plant food) rewards with abundant autumn flowers.

Temperature

Optimum 65–77°F (18–25°C). Not frost hardy.

Leaf Drop = Stress, Not Death

Sudden light changes, overwatering, pests, or transplant shock cause leaf shedding. New leaves emerge once the plant adjusts. This is normal.

Summary

Treat like a succulent: bright light, infrequent deep watering, monthly feeding. Flowers appear in autumn if cared for well.