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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

Cyrtostachys renda, Lipstick Palm, Red Sealing Wax Palm, Rajah Wax Palm, Maharajah Palm, Red Candle Wax Palm, Sumatra Wax Palm, Sealing Wax Palm, Red Palm, Tropical 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Arecaceae
Genus Cycas
Common names Sumatra Wax Palm, Lipstick Palm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Zamia pumila (Coontie)
Roystonea regia (Florida Royal Palm)
Coccothrinax argentata (Florida Silver Palm)
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii (Paurotis Palm)
Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto)
Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Arecaceae
Genus Cycas
Common names Sumatra Wax Palm, Lipstick Palm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Cycas to pick?
Compare Now

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