White Elephant Palm

White Elephant Palm (Kerriodoxa elegans) is a solitary tropical palm from Thailand, grown for its dramatic round, palmate leaves rather than flowers. Its broad blades can reach about 2m across, with a glossy dark-green upper surface and a striking chalky-white underside; plants may reach roughly 5m tall, so give the crown room as a foliage specimen. The common names Ching Lang Kao, Tang Lang Kao and King Thai Palm are also used for this species. [NParks Flora & Fauna Web](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/FloraFaunaWeb/Flora/2/6/2635). In its native understory setting, this palm favors filtered light, shade and humid conditions. Bright direct sun can scorch the foliage. Provide a rich growing medium that retains moisture while draining freely; steady moisture supports the large leaves, but stagnant water around the roots is undesirable. This tropical species is best suited to warm, protected environments and conservatories where light and humidity can be managed. Its slow, solitary habit makes it more useful as a long-term focal plant than as a fast screen or mass planting. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth and raise humidity around the foliage in dry indoor air. Remove damaged leaves cleanly as they age, and protect the crown and roots from cold conditions.