Cyrtostachys renda (Lipstick Palm)
Lipstick Palm, Red Sealing Wax Palm, Rajah Wax Palm, Maharajah Palm, Red Candle Wax Palm, Sumatra Wax Palm, Sealing Wax Palm
Cherished for its incredible color, Cyrtostachys renda (Lipstick Palm) is a slow-growing tropical palm with a thin, bright green trunk adorned with white rings, and a long and glossy, crimson crownshaft (from which the fronds emerge), resembling a tube of lipstick. The scarlet coloring contrasts beautifully with the foliage of pinnate leaves, up to 4-5 ft. long (120-150 cm), which is deep green above and gray-green underneath. In summer, branched inflorescences of small pale green flowers emerge beneath the crownshaft. They are followed by small, ovoid, black fruits. Lipstick Palm needs high humidity, and well-drained soil, and is not tolerant of drought, sweltering heat, salt, or wind. It is extremely cold sensitive and any temperature drop below 50ºF (10ºC) can be fatal. It is an exquisite plant as a focal point, screen, or hedge in tropical areas. Perfect for containers or as an indoor plant. While it may be tricky to grow, it is worth the effort.
- Grows up to 25-35 ft. tall (7-11 m) and 12-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
- Easily grown in evenly moist, humusy, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun but looks best in some shade. It requires plenty of water at all times. It can grow as a marginal aquatic.
- Prune only diseased, damaged, or drying fronds. This palm has a set number of new leaves that can sprout each year and removing fronds will not increase that number.
- This palm is resistant to major pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for scale and spider mites if grown indoors.
- Propagate by seed or offsets. Fresh seeds are very slow to germinate, from 2-3 months to 1 year.
- Native to the Malaysian peninsula, Indonesia and Borneo.
Not sure which Palms - Cycads to pick?
Compare All Palms - Cycads
Buy Cyrtostachys renda (Lipstick Palm)
Requirements
Hardiness | 11
– 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Palms - Cycads |
Plant Family | Palms - Cycads |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 25' – 35' (7.5m – 10.5m) |
Spread | 12' – 20' (3.6m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
123rf
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 11
– 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Palms - Cycads |
Plant Family | Palms - Cycads |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 25' – 35' (7.5m – 10.5m) |
Spread | 12' – 20' (3.6m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |