Cyrtostachys renda (Lipstick 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.