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PRESENTLY YOU ARE AT OUR CURRENT BLOG THREAD FOR AUGUST, 2014 Click below on dates for older posts: July, 2014 June, 2014 May, 2014 April, 2014 March, 2014 February, 2014 January, 2014 December, 2013 November, 2013 October, 2013 September, 2013 August, 2013 July, 2013 June, 2013 May, 2013 April, 2013 March, 2013 February, 2013 January, 2013 December, 2012 November,2012 Sept. - Oct., 2012 Sept. - Oct., 2012 July - August, 2012 May-June, 2012 March-April, 2012 Jan. - Feb., 2012 Nov. - Dec., 2011 Sept. - Oct., 2011 June-Aug., 2011 Click Balloons for specials Phil Bergman, Blog author

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SATURDAY, 30 AUGUST, 2014

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM This crown shafted, thin trunked palm comes from the Mascarene and Reunion Islands.  It has a faint resemblance to the King Palm but is from an entirely different part of the world.  Height is typically up to twenty five feet, trunk diameter under one foot and it has a slightly bulging crown shaft.  Dense flower stalks can be seen clustering right below the crown shaft when it's in flower.  There are several varieties of this species with the names of "variety album, rubrum or furfuracea", depending on the predominant color of the crown shaft and inner stems.  Rubrum shows some red, especially when the plant is juvenile.  Furfuracea shows more silver tomentum. Cold tolerance of this species is about like the King Palm, more of less the mid-twenties F.  It is shorter than the King and has a  thinner trunk.  It is a sun-loving plant and much slower growing than a King.  Shown here is a 5g plant and a boxed specimen.  For those of you who only like "feather palms", this is another species to try.  Plants available are limited.

 

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELE EXOTIC, CROWN SHAFTED, TALL WITH THIN TRUNK Many palm enthusiasts prefer a tall palm that is elegant appearing, has a thin trunk, is pinnate and has a nice colored crown shaft.  Cyphophoenix nucele certainly meets all these criteria and gets to a height in habitat of about fifty feet.  But, such heights may take many decades to achieve in your garden.  This species is native to the Loyalty Islands east of New Caledonia.  It's growth habits are about the same as Cyphophoenix elegans but it is said to tolerate soils that are more limey (higher pH).  I've found that it's best to begin it in filtered light and let it grow up into more light over time.  Inland areas demand continual filtered light.  The trunk is about six, perhaps eight inches thick.  The crown shaft is silver-green.  Leaves are flat and a nice green color. Shown here are two five gallon plants and a larger nursery plant.  The mature plants shown here are from gardens, mostly in Southern California.  Note how most of these are in somewhat protected areas.  Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F., perhaps a bit less.  We have limited numbers of this species for sale.  Compared with the Cyphophoenix elegans below, I find that the leaves of this species are more upright, have very little arch to them.  The leaflets themselves are wider than C. elegans and more crowded on the leaf stem.  Trunk diameter is about the same, six inches.  Overall height is similar as well.  We have both species available at the nursery.

 

 

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS SIMILAR TO C. NUCELE BUT WITH ARCHING LEAVES AND THINNER LEAFLETS Unlike Cyphophoenix nucele above, Cyphophoenix elegans actually comes from New Caledonia, native to the northwest corner of the Island.  It is a very similar species and gets to about fifty feet, has a thin six inch trunk and is crown shafted.  But, the leaves have a definite arch to them and the leaflets are thinner.  The crown seems more "open".  Also, this species is a bit easier to grow and perhaps a few degrees more cold hardy than nucele. Shown here are several 5g plants.  Also shown are multiple domestically grown plants in Southern California with some close up detail photos.  This species would be grown the same as C. nucele.  It prefers filtered light with the potential to perhaps grow into more sun along the coast.  Cold tolerance is into the twenties F.  Rusty (Jungle Music staff) is standing in front of a specimen in San Diego County that is almost in full sun.  Both of these exotic palms are a "must" for a palm garden in Southern California.

 

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA SUCKERING, SHADE LOVING GREAT INTERIOR OR PATIO PLANT TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15G PLANTS This species was named about a decade ago after a friend of mine and Palm Society member, Luis Hooper.  It is a suckering, medium sized shade palm with thin trunks and prominent rings on the trunk.  Overall height peaks out at about twelve feet.  Clumps do not run.  Leaf color is green and leaf length is four feet.  It is similar to Chamaedorea costaricana but with longer leaves and a fuller appearance overall. Shown here are almost entirely 15g plants which we're putting on sale.  I've shown one 20 gallon plant to demonstrate a more mature specimen.  I'm also showing some green seeds on one plant.  This species is fast growing and tolerates temperatures down to about 20 degrees F.  Our 15g plants are about 8 feet tall. REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON PLANTS $200 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $155 You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price
	20 gallon size

DYPSIS LUTESCENS THE ARECA PALM SUCKERING & MEDIUM SIZED SUN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON PLANTS 7 TO 8 FEET TALL There's been a real shortage of Dypsis lutescens on the market.  I usually have available plants up to ten feet of height.  We got in this large batch of squatty 15g plants about three to four months ago.  Since that time we've repotted them into full 15g pots and are putting these now bigger plants on special. They average about 7 to 8 feet in their pots.  The pictures here are from when we first got them in. Shown here they are in 14 inch pots.There are not larger plants of this species on the market right now, anywhere, that I'm aware of.  The plants we're offering here are full and lush. This species will take coastal sun and gets to a height of about fifteen to eighteen feet maximum in our locality.  Trunks are silver and about three inches thick.  There is a definite touch of yellow in the crown shafts and leaf stems.  It's normal for this species.  Cold tolerance is perhaps 24 degrees or a bit lower.  We only have about ten of this very nice plants.  This special will last for ten days.  I suspect they'll sell out before that time. REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS BATCH $250 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $175 You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price.
		mature clump in Encinitas, CA in full sun

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII RECENTLY DESCRIBED, MEDIUM SIZED MADAGASCAR PALM HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5G SIZED PLANTS This species of exotic palm is also from the island of Madagascar.  It is the third of three Beccariophoenix species described from this palm-loaded country.  It is so sought after because some feel that it's the prettiest species of the three.  And, because is may possess the best cold hardiness.  I've documented other Beccariophoenix species tolerating temperatures below 25 degrees at our nurssery.  So, this species may survive in areas like San Francisco, Phoenix and Houston.  It grows to a height of about thirty feet and does not have a crown shaft.  Leaves are long and minimally curved.  The crown of leaves are densely placed.  Growth rate is medium in most areas and along the coast it likes sun.  This species is rather hard to find.  We're putting our limited supplies of 5g plants on ten day special.  REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $50 You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price.
	photo by Tobias Spanner, RPS

ZAMIA FURFURACEA THE CARDBOARD CYCAD TEN DAY SPECIAL 3G SIZE This small cycad species is native to Mexico.  It is known as the "Cardboard Palm" although it's not a palm at all.  The "Carboard Cycad" is a much better name.  It has thick hard leaves, thus the name "cardboard".  It is a small cycad, rarely over four to five feet tall.  It suckers freely.  Along the coast it tolerates full sun but needs filtered light far inland.  Leaflets are essentially unarmed with no spines.  Color is green to yellow green depending on light exposure.  Cold tolerance is about 22 to 25 degrees F.  We just got in some nice 3g plant which we are putting on a Ten Day Special. REGULAR PRICE 3G SIZE THIS SPECIES, $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.  These plants are easy to ship.

FRIDAY, 29 AUGUST, 2014

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS THE MOST POPULAR BLUE CYCAD Blue cycads are the most popular cycads that we and most cycad nurseries will sell.  And, of the blue cycads, Encephalartos horridus is by far the most popular or requested.  They are not a particular "friendly" plant with their sharply lobed leaflets and prickly character.  But, for some reason, people love this species.  They tend to be a smaller plant.  A cuadex with two feet of trunk height is considered "enormous" and as big as most seen in botanical gardens.  Native to South Africa, E. horridus typically has a small crown of leaves with some curving down of the leaf stem.  Sometimes this can be pronounced.  Color varies from silver to blue, but full sun is needed for the best color.  If grown in shade, leaves can revert to green plants.  Remember that the blue color is from a wax that the plant gives out to prevent desiccation.     Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. and along the coast they want full sun.  In desert areas, part day sun is better.  Shown here are several very old nursery plants of this species.  The first one has several offsets as shown in the photos.  This species makes an ideal potted plant and has been grown by some as an interior cycad.  In the house, you must give them excellent light. We do have seedlings for sale as well.

LIVISTONA AUSTRALIS SINGLE TRUNK, COLD HARDY, TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G AND 15G SIZES! Check around and you'll find that this species is difficult to locate.  I think this is mostly because of lack of seed availability.  It is from the east coast of Australia at a very southern location (colder).  It is the most southern growing of all the Livistona species.  Thus, it's not surprising that it carries a good amount of cold hardiness, into the upper teens F.  In habitat it tolerates full sun and can reach a height of 100 feet over many decades.  Trunk diameter is one foot.  Leaves are five feet wide on a long petiole.  Check out the last photo.  It's quite striking. We are offering two sizes on species.  Either size can be shipped. REGULAR PRICE 5G, $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $45 REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $140 You must mention this special when purchasing to get this price.	5 gallon size	125 gallon size
	base of 15g plant	by Mike Gray, PACSOA

 

THE KEY TO GROWING NEW CALEDONIAN PALM SPECIES IT'S ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF WATER YOU GIVE THEM Over the past few decades, we have sold literally a few thousand or more New Caledonian palms to all sorts of collectors in many areas of Southern California.  We always try to seek feedback from customers as to how their palms do over time.  We do this by later calling or emailing them.  From our decades of dong this, I can say that a key factor to success in growing most New Caledonian species in our area is giving them enough water.  In areas in Florida, there's lots of rain so this is hardly ever a problem.  Here in Southern California, that is not the case.  With water shortages, many time people try to cut back on their water consumption.  Many palm species tolerate this.  But, species such as Chambeyronia, Cyphophoenix, Basselinia and Burretiokentia don't do well with water restriction.  It is true that, close to the ocean, Chambeyronia can take full sun.  But, if you drastically cut back water to them, they'll brown tip, look dry and not do well.  The solution is simply give them more water.  I can't tell you how many times this simple recommendation is what we give t customers.  Chambeyronia simply won't tolerate full sun if water restricted.  Providing you're not exposing them to too much cold, we've found that inadequate water is the number one shortcoming is growing New Caledonian species.  If soil drainage is good, you can hardly over water these species. So, if you have some New Caledonian palms that aren't performing well, give them more water.  You'll probably see, over time, that they will do a lot better.  Below is a photo of Chambeyronia hookeri in full sun, throwing a beautiful new red leaf over a roof in full sun in the Inland Empire area of Southern California.  For readers who don't know, this is about forty miles from the ocean.   photo by DL

 

SABAL CAUSIARUM TALL PLANT WITH THICK WHITE TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This New World fan palm is one of my favorites because of the massively thick trunk which is white or very light tan in color.  Trunks look like freeway bridge pillars.  It takes full sun and is cold hardy well into the teens.  It's very hard to locate this species.  It can get up to nearly fifty feet in height.  We have nice 5g on sale for ten days.  We also have larger if you wish, but not on sale right now. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL $50 You must mention this Blog only price to get this special.

THURSDAY, 28 AUGUST, 2014

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMIS SINGLE TRUNK, DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM This species has a native distribution that spreads from Southern Mexico down throughout Central America.  There are some minor differences in plants from the various areas.  As mentioned above, Chamaedorea geonomiformis is single trunk and has a simple, bifed leaf as shown here.  It's mature height ranges from two feet up to about five feet tall.  When trying to identifiy this species (and frondosa below), particularly look at the leaf size, shape, length and width.  You'll note that the leaves of this species are longer than they are wide.  Compare this to C. ernesti-agusti below that has very wide leaflets. Leaf color is green.  Vertical growth is slow.  We only have a few of these for sale.  I'd estimate cold hardiness into the mid to upper teens F.  This species does not like direct sun.

CHAMAEDOREA FRONDOSA ATRRACTIVE DWARF PALM FROM HONDURAS In the journal of the International Palm Society, in 1995 Don Hodel et al introduced a new single trunk, dwarf understory palm from Honduras named Chamaedorea frondosa.  It lives in cool and wet rain forest areas.  This is also a simple leaf Chamaedorea with a mature height of typically two to three feet and a very thin trunk.  The closest relative it has is C. pumila.  The leaves of frondosa are green as shown and definitely longer than they are wide.  It holds a fair number of leaves and gives the overall appearance of a bushy, short palm.  It is a filtered light species with similar cold hardiness to geonomiformis although experience is limited.  This is a very rare palm to acquire.

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI THE WHALE TAIL PALM UNDERSTORY DWARF SHADE SPECIES This species is also simple leaf Chamaedorea from Mexico and Central America.  Compared to the species above, the leaf is much wider, sometimes almost as wide as it is long.  In some native localities leaves are bigger than other localities.  Leaf size can reach 12 inches wide and 20 inches long.  The trunk is narrow and in many decades can be up to six feet tall.  This species looks nice in colonies of multiple plants.  It tolerates temperatures into the mid-twenties F. and doesn't like direct sun.  It's a great patio plant.  This is a favorite colletor palm.

RECYCLE YOUR PLANTIC CONTAINERS NURSERY CREDIT FOR USED PLASTIC POTS I like to remind plant enthusiasts to recycle their plastic containers.  We will take them and give you a credit toward any purchase at the nursery.  Or, if you just don't know what to do with them and are conservative minded, drop them off at our nursery location.  We'll put them to good use.  We've been doing this for decades and think it's the right thing to do for the environment.  We are especially looking for larger pots, 15g and bigger.  We also really appreciate 7g pots and citrus pots.  So, don't give them to the garbage man for your local landfill.  Bring them to our nursery.  We thank you in advance!

TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST, 2014

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE JUNGLE MUSIC'S PLANT PICKS OF THE WEEK SECOND VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING About ten days ago we introduced a new frequently changing feature at the Jungle Music Website.  It's our "Picks of the Week" Video featuring long time staff members at Jungle Music.  We've done three or four videos of the nursery but these are the first strictly dealing with individual species.  Our goal is to each week have about a two to three minute video that covers two, perhaps three different and interesting species of palms, cycads or tropical plants.  The producers of these features will be either Jesse (my son), Rusty or Ricardo.    The link given here takes you to a launch page.  There, over time, you can go specifically to the video you want to view.  Species will be listed.  I hope you like this new feature.  Here's the Link to Picks of the Week .
My son, Jesse, with the nursery for 15 years	Rusty, with the nursery for about 10 years
Ricardo, joined us several years ago	JUNGLE MUSIC'S PICKS OF THE WEEKS CLICK TO SEE VIDEO(S)

LIVISTONA CHINENSIS CHINESE FAN PALM COLD HARDY, LUSH GREEN SPECIES TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This single trunk fan palm is native to Southern Japan and Taiwan.  It is typically seen as a palm under twenty feet, but after many decades can get up to 30 or 40 feet tall with a trunk that is 12 to 18 inches thick.  It's crown is green and full with leaves that are about six feet across.  In shade the petioles stretch out and the leaves are larger and flatter.  In shade condition, it is fairly exotic appearing.  It is a very slow grower and it is not unusual for this species to take ten years to form any sort of trunk. This species is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  We have for sale typically 5g, 15g and boxed sized plants.  Some of our boxes are quite large, as shown.  For this special, I'm putting the 5g size on sale.  This size is easy to ship.  In most area, this species tolerates full sun.  But, as mentioned, it can grow in strong filtered light.  It is also known to be used a an interior palm.  BTW, it is the most cold hardy of any species within the genus of Livistona.  It can take temperature into the upper teens F. easily.   REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $45 Just mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.  Easy to ship.	15g plant	5 gallon size on special

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX WORLD'S MOST COLD HARDY PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE There is no doubt in my mind that this species is the most cold tolerant of any palm species.  It is native to the southeastern United States with native habitats stretching from South Carolina down to northern Florida and into Alabama and Mississippi.  There are reports of this species tolerating below zero degrees F.  Now, this doesn't mean that you can grow it in Michigan.  But, in areas that see significant cold such as North Carolina, central Texas or even New Mexico, this species might work for you. It is a suckering fan palm and known as the "Needle Palm" because it forms dark colored, protuberant needles on the trunk.  The fourth picture below shows small needles forming on the trunk.  The leaves are green and segmented.  In sun the color is a silver green with more silver underneath.  In shade the color gets dark green, reminiscent of a Rhapis palm.  Trunks are usually under three feet tall and four to six inches thick.  But, because the leaves come upwards, the overall height of the plant can be six to seven feet or taller.  They can get a bit bushy.  My specimen is in filtered light and quite pretty.  It loves my garden and is easy to grow.  But, it is slow growing. I just got in several pretty nice 15g plants as shown here.  I also might have some 5g plants.  I can ship these 15g plants anywhere within the U.S. but the pots are heavy.  REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $145 I only have a few of these.  You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.
		grown in dark shade

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAR PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This great palm is known for its rusty-brown/red crown shaft that is quite fuzzy to the touch.  It therefore has its common name of the Teddy Bear Palm.  It is not a huge palm, usually getting up to about twenty-five feet with a six inch thick trunk.  Trunk color is silver with prominent rings.  Leaf color is green.  Right on the coast it takes full sun easily.  Far inland would require part day sun or filtered light.  Cold tolerance is down to about 25 degrees F. I'm offering the 15g size as shown on special.  I have limited numbers available. REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS SPECIES $195 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $175 Just mention this Blog Special to get the discount at time of purchase.

DIOON HOLMGRENII RARE MEXICAN DIOON CYCAD LARGE 15G AND 25G PLANTS TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE TWO SIZES Among cycad enthusiasts, this species is known as one of the more rare Mexican cycads to find.  But, finding good sized Dioon holmgrenii right now on the market is almost impossible.  Shown here are some plants we just got in.  They are both at least ten years old and in 15g and 25g pots.  The larger ones have caudex sizes of about nine inches.  You never see plants like this on sale. This species loves hot sun.  It has a cold tolerance down to about 20 to 22 degrees F.  It grows at a medium rate.  It is known for the fact that it has long and upright leaves.  Leaf color is blue green. REGULAR PRICE 15G $600 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $350 REGULAR PRICE 25G $750 TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G SIZE $450 I only have a few of these.  You must mention this special when purchasing to get these prices.  And, you'll note these prices are a bit lower than last time I got these beauties in.	25 gallon size
15 gallon size

CAVENDISH FRUITING BANANAS DWARF SPECIES, COLD HARDY TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS I am not really a fruit tree grower and don't pretend to be an expert on this subject.  But, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to offer on sale a very cool fruit producing banana species.  These Cavendish Bananas are a dwarf species.  They really don't get overhead.  And, they easily make ample amounts of small banana fruit.  They like sun and have a nice cold hardiness to at least 25 degrees or colder. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL $40 Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

TILANDSIA SPECIES AIR PLANTS MOUNTED TO A BOARD TEN DAY SPECIAL ON CLUSTER, TWO SIZES About ten days ago we got in a batch of clustered Tilsandsia.  I do not know the specific species nor did our supplier.  I don't know for sure but suspect the supplier brought these in from Mexico.  Each cluster was four or five plants.  Joaquin decided to mount them on some flat boards as shown here.  We have done this many times before.  They are tied on with fishing line.  They'll root onto the board and be happier than clams. We have two sizes as shown.  They tolerate full sun and just want to be hit by the hose ever week or two.  They'll most likely blossom in summer.  In my experience the blossoms are either pink, red or purple.  I haven't yet seen the blossoms on these plants.  On these boards the clusters will get bigger and bigger over time.  They are fun to have.  They can be mounted on a post, tied to a palm trunk or just displayed on the patio.  They seem to tolerate pretty cold weather but I'm not sure of the minimum temperatures they'll take.  We've never had cold issues with them at the nursery.  We have limited numbers available.. TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES & PRICES: SMALL SIZE AS SHOWN $45 (almost sold out) LARGER SIZE AS SHOWN $65 The larger clumps probably have fifteen to twenty attached plants by estimate. Just mention this special when ordering to get this price.  Try it inside; easy to ship!

CHAMAEDOREA BENZEI SINGLE TRUNK, GETS TO EIGHT FEET TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This is a very sought after palm for multiple reasons.  It resembles a Chamaedorea radicalis but is stronger, taller, has a thicker trunk and is more vigorous.  Mature height is eight feet or a bit more.  Some trunk will form.  It also tolerates a fair amount of sun along the coast.  And, it is quite durable with thick leaflets.  It can also take filtered light.  Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.  Shown here on sale are band size seedlings.  Some are multiples.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Limited numbers.  You must mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.
	Older 15g nursery plant	Older 15g pot, two plants in one container

SATURDAY, 23 AUGUST, 2014

CERATOZAMIA "PACIFICA" BEAUTIFUL CITRUS POT PLANT LARGE AND GORGEOUS FILTED LIGHT CYCAD A few weeks ago I showed you a very rare cycad that comes from the Pacific Ocean areas of central Mexico.  It's unique in that it's the only Ceratozamia found on the Pacific side of the country.  My friend, Jeff Chemnick, informed me that it's related to Ceratozamia Robusta.  Perhaps soon it will have its own unique species name.  It is a large plants with long green leaflets.  The last photo shows a larger nursery plant of the same species.  It's easy to appreciate the beauty of this plant.  Leaf length can be six feet easily.  It likes filtered light or a little direct sun.  Cold tolerance is unknown but felt to be about 22 degrees F. The citrus pot plant shown here has a caudex of 3 to 4 inches and can easily be shipped.

ALOCASIA "CAL - ODORA" UNUSUAL HYBRID DWARF ALOCASIA NEVER OVER FOUR FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE We've found that customers love tropical appearing leafy green plants for the garden.  The problem with many Elephant Ear Alocasias is that they get too big and tall.  This hybrid was developed to make a smaller, more petite plant.  It has the typical elephant ear shaped leaves.  But, usually it's not above your waist line in the garden.  It propagates by making more underground tubers but does not run. It prefers part day sun or filtered light.  Right along the coast here it takes full sun.  We have 15g and 5g plants available as shown here.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.  This is a very nice companion plant for any garden. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL  5g SIZE $45 Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing to get the discount.	15 gallon size
15 gallon size	5 gallon size	5 gallon size

 

PRITCHARDIA THE HAWAIIAN PALM A TROPICAL APPEARING FAN PALM PERFECT GENUS FOR GARDEN DIVERSITY This genus is mostly native to Hawaii, but some species extend into the South Pacific.  At our nursery, we specialize in the native species from Hawaii because they are more cold tolerant and easier to grow in Southern California.  All are tropical fan palms and all are very desirable.  For those of you who "only like feather palms", think again.  These plants are gorgeous and add a real diversity to the garden.  There are about 25 or so species in this genus, and at any time we typically offer ten or more species for sale.  They tend to be small to medium sized palms, typically under 20 feet of height with thin or medium sized trunks.  The leaves are near entire and often flat in their shape.  They are easy to grow and some tolerate temperatures into the mid-twenties F.  In coastal areas they take full or part day sun.  Inland they may be grown in strong filtered light.  We have all sizes from seedlings, medium sized plants on up to boxed specimens.  Shown here are an array of sizes and species.  Come visit us and you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that we have hundreds of this genus for sale.  Over the past 3 decades we have sold thousands of Pritchardia  of all species and everyone loves them.  We are one of the only nurseries in the country that offers so many species and sizes of Pritchardia.   By the way, Pritchardia are the only true palm species native to the Hawaiian Islands.  All other palm species were introduced by man! I am showing a few mature garden and habitat plants here.  Note how some are quite tall (P. schattaueri) and others don't get over about ten feet.  Some have very flat leaves, others are wavy.  Some have small leaves, others as big as a dinner table.  Another nice thing about Pritchardia is that they break up the repetitive nature of all the pinnate palms that populate most gardens.  The contrast is nice and creates a more diverse garden.

Pritchardia schattaueri by A. Bredison	Pritchardia beccariana	Pritchardia beccariana box
dwarf species, 15 years old	Pritchardia martii	Pritchardia hardyi
Pritchardia glabrata	pritchardia sp. "nut brown"	Pritchardia beccariana

 

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS BLUE OR GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD BEAUTIFUL STACKING LEAFLETS This cycad species makes a stunning specimen and is one of my favorites.  It is from South Africa, an easy cycad to grow, and in most areas likes full sun.  Its leaf color varies from green to blue, with many somewhere in between.  The leaves are curved toward the ground and in many specimens there is overlapping or stacking of the leaflets.  Some varieties have a rather blunt (non-pointed) tip to the leaflets and this form is sought after by collectors.  All the photos shown here are of nursery plants.  This species is so cool that I thought I'd just show you a whole bunch of plants.  I hope you like this species because it looks great in the garden.  Most of these plants are large, but we have everything from seedlings up to coning sized specimens as shown here. In these pictures note the variation in the leaf color, the leaves that curve toward the ground, and the tight proximity of the leaflets.  If you only want one cycad, this might be a great choice.

 

SABAL MAURITIFORMIS ANOTHER TROPICAL FAN PALM SLOW GROWING BUT WORTH THE WAIT For people who enjoy fan palms, this is often one of their favorites.  This is because this species has more of a tropical appearance.  It is slow growing yet gets quite tall over time.  Most importantly Sabal mauritiformis has a leaf with leaf segments that extend in a complete or almost complete 360 degree circle.  It' native habitat extends from Mexico to the northern parts of South America.  There it can attain a height of up to 80 feet.  Trunk diameter is usually under one foot.  The leaves are green on the dorsal surface and a blue or silver-green underneath. (see photo)  Leaves have a long petiole and the leaf diameter is wide, sometimes up to eight feet.  It's quite impressive to see a cut leaf from a mature specimen.  They are a full circle of leaf segments on a long stem. Cold hardiness is pretty good on this species, probably into the low 20's F.  This is not as good as many of the Caribbean Sabal species, but adequate for many areas including Southern California.  It can tolerate full sun or part sun. The leaf color is darker in part day sun. In the garden, this species adds a different look, adding diversity to the overall garden appearance.  The last photos (CFPCS) shows a domestic plant well on its way to being a tall specimen.  The nursery plant here is a 5g size.  You can grow this species in coastal sun or strong filtered light inland.  Of note, it is very slow to put on trunk height.
			from Palm & Cycad Soc Central Florida website

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species is a suckering palm from Madagascar but can also be found as a single trunk specimen.  It has either flat or droopy leaves/leaflets and white to silver crown shafts.  Overall height is about twenty feet and trunk thickness is four to six inches.  It likes coastal part day sun, perhaps more, and is cold tolerant to the mid-twenties F.  The plants shown here appear to be the droopy leaflet form, although i can't be positive. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 OR, FOUR FOR $80 Yes, this species is so nice that if you have a large yard, you can use four of them.  But, you must mention this Blog only special when purchasing.  Also, these bands are super easy to ship.

 

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA SUCKERING SHADE BAMBOO PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE This Central American species is a vigorous growing, filtered light loving pinnate palm that thrives in Southern California and can be grown up in parts of Northern California.  It's cold tolerance is the low 20's F.  Mature height is 12 to 16 feet.  It is a suckering species.  The plant shown here might look like a single trunk palm, but in the next twelve months it'll fill out with more canes.  Cane diameter is one inch.  We are offering strong 5 gallon plants on sale as shown.  We do have huge 15g for sale as well.  This species is easy to grow and is fast growing.  It also makes a superior interior palm or house plant. REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 Just mention this Blog only special when ordering.  I can easily ship these right to your door.
	We have huge 15g but they are not on sale.	Close up photo of trunk of this species
Photo showing how this species suckers

BURRETIOKENTIA VIELLARDII THE TIGER PALM This single trunk, pinnate palm from New Caledonia has become quite popular.  Many find it difficult to locate, but we have a nice assortment for sale.  It is a medium sized plant, perhaps 25 feet overall height when mature.  The trunk is typically six to eight inches thick.  The crown shaft has interesting dark marks, sometimes quite prominent.  See the last photo below.  This finding may lighten with age.  Growth rate is medium.  It prefers part day sun or filtered light inland.  Cold hardiness is probably about 25 degrees F, or a bit higher.  Shown here are several reasonably sized plants.  Also shown are some more mature plants.  We have a limited number of seedlings through 15g plant with perhaps a few larger.  If you like this species, also consider Burretiokentia koghiensis and hapala.  They are quite nice as well.
		Called "Tiger Palm" because of the stripes on the crown shaft, shown here

 

EUPHORBIA INGENS OUTDOOR SUN PLANT OR INTERIOR PLANT TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5G PLANTS This interesting and different South African succulent has tiny spines along its stem's edges.  You can't really see them here.  Often it forks to form interesting shapes as shown.  It can, in the ground, make a large tree that is well overhead.  However, it also makes an excellent patio plant or interior plant.  People enjoy it because it's so different.  Shown here are several nice 5g plants.  These can be shipped although they are a bit fragile.  Outdoors they like sun.  Indoors they must receive bright light. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G PLANTS $85 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 5G SIZE $55 You must mention this Internet Special when purchasing to get this price.  Limited supplies.  What an interesting house plant these would make for a small apartment.  Also, a nice gift for someone.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA THE KING PALM HUGE SPECIMENS UP TO TENTY FEET TALL BUT IN 24 INCH BOXES THAT MEN CAN MOVE TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE MONSTERS! Photos here are of the King Palm from Australia.  The botanical name is Archontopoenix cunninghamiana.  As most of you know, there are about six types of King Palms.  They differ in the color of the crown shaft, the presence of silver on the underside of the leaflets and in the size of the fruit and overall tree.  Shown here are the classic King Palm.  A major problem for those wanting nice landscape material is that, when you want height, you usually need to get 30 or 36 inch boxes.  Men cannot move these.  You need a tractor or crane and this is quite expensive.  Landscapers love when you need larger plants as their profits go way up.  The plants shown here are absolutely massive for a 24 inch box that men can move with simple dollies.   Some are up to twenty feet tall standing next to you.  We just got these in.  Using these plants could save a customer thousands of dollars in installation costs for the same size plants that are merely grown to a larger size in smaller boxes.  And, you also save because bigger boxed plants cost more.  But, you give up nothing as the trunk caliper and height of these plants is the same as typical 36 inch boxed King Palms. We have singles with some doubles and triples.  These will not last long.  Drop in to see them.  You'd need a good sized deliver truck if you pick some out.  They are way to big for even a large pick up truck.  But, of course, w can deliver these right to your curb. REGULAR PRICE THESE MONSTERS $650 TEN DAY SPECIAL $500 FOR THIS GROUP Just mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing to get this price.

FRIDAY, 22 AUGUST, 2014

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI SOFT LEAVES, NO ARMOR VERY USER FRIENDLY FROM QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA This fantastic Australian species of green cycad has long leaves up to eight feet and absolutely no spines anywhere.  The leaflets are soft and you can rub them against your face.  The petioles are smooth.  It does need room in the garden because of the size of the leaves.  Along the coast, some have successfully grown this plant in full sun.  But, most give it part day sun or filtered light.  Cold tolerance is about 20 degrees. Shown here are an assortment of sizes from our nursery.  The first are a citrus pot.  We have a pretty good selection but are running out over time.  It's near impossible to get seeds on this species nowadays.  Mail order is very easy.

CHAMAEDOREA METALLICA MINIATURE SHADE PALM METALLIC SHEEN TO LEAVES This New World palm species is unique in that it has simple leaves that, under the right growing conditions, produces a definite metallic sheen to the leaves.  Several pictures show this nicely.  It has a narrow stem and never gets too tall.  I've had a few plants in the garden that, after 30 years, got up to six feet tall.  A downside is when a plant gets this old, it sort of looks like "leaves of a stick".  So, you want to plant colonies of this palm for fullness of the overall group.  I think a minimum of three together or up to six to eight is ideal. Shown here are an assortment of plants and sizes.  It is a shade palm and cold tolerance to about 22 degrees F.  These are easy to ship and do nicely as a houseplant.
	Fifteen year old group with 3 feet of trunk

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA SILVER CROWN SHAFT, LORD HOWE ISLAND PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE This medium sized, crown shafted palm is native to Lord Howe Island.  There are four species of palms from this island.  The Kentia Palm is at the lowest altitude, near sea level.  Next up the mountains is the Howea belmoreana.  Then, above the belmoreana is Hedyscepe.  Because of this, progressively more cold tolerance (slight) is seen.  When grown in part day sun or strong filtered light, this species has a silver trunk.  If grown in sun, the silver is limited to the crown shaft.  Leaves are curved and keeled.  Growth rate is slow.  Cold tolerance is about 24 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE 1G THIS SPECIES $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30 Just mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase to get this price.

BRAHEA EDULIS SHORTER, COLD HARDY FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This is  single trunk fan palm from Guadalupe Island, Mexico.  It has a rather stout trunk and gets about ten feet of trunk in thirty years.  It is cold hardy well into the teens F. and loves full, hot sun.  It can be grown in desert areas. It is also a good oceanfront palm and tolerates salt airs.  (see photo of plants right by Mission Bay).  It is fairly slow growing.  Also, for some reason, it is difficult to find.  We are offering nice 5g plants on sale. REGULAR PRICE 5G PLANTS $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 Blog only price.  Mention this special when ordering to get this price.  My supply of these is diminishing as many people order these mail order for colder areas.

ENCEPHALARTOS APLANATUS AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES TOLERATES FILTERED LIGHT TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND SIZE PLANTS This possibly endangered species is native to Swaziland and adjacent areas in Mozambique.  It is similar to E. villosus but, unlike the former, does not sucker and has wider and longer leaflets.  It does best in filtered light and has a cold tolerance down to the low 20's F.  Stems remain relative small, so this is not a large cycad species.  Leaf length averages about six to seven feet. Shown here are nice two year old seedlings that we are putting on special.  We do have other sizes available. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS SPECIES $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE BAND PLANTS $45 But, mention this Special to get this discounted price.  Easy to mail order.
	Encephalartos aplanatus Plantzafrica Website Vorster	Citrus pot plant, same species, not on special

ENCEPHALARTOS ITURIENSIS SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD LONG UPRIGHT LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON PLANTS On the market in recent years plants have been sold that were not the real thing.  The plants I'm showing here came from a male and female domestic plant of known identity.  So, these are the real thing. You might ask yourself why it might be difficult to obtain seeds on this rare species.  Well, it's from a very remote area of the Congo in the Ituri Forest.  It's near impossible to reach.  Then you add in the political and religious conflicts and kidnappings.  Finally, throw in Ebolo virus that's killed hundreds in the area.  Would you go there to collect seeds even if it was legal? So, I think you get the idea of how super rare this species really is and how supplies are essentially nil.  Culturally, this species develops long upright leaves that can reach sixteen feet.  Trunk height can be ten feet over many decades.  It tolerates coastal sun but may need filtered light far inland.  Cold tolerance is the mid to perhaps the low 20's F.  The 1 gallon plants here are coming along, about 2.5 years old.  REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $125 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE RARE 1G PLANTS $85 I have limited numbers.  You only get this discount if you mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase.  BTW, essentially no photos exist of plants in the wild.
	Leaf from older nursery plant this species	previously sold large nusery plant

PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS TALL PALM WITH BLUE-GREEN LEAVES THE SILVER DATE PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS This species of Date Palm is from India and Pakistan and somewhat resembles the Canary Island Date Palm.  But, the trunk is much thinner, the crown is not as large and it is more rounded in shape.  Leaf color is blue-green.  Overall height can reach forty to fifty feet.  This is a sun species in all areas with a cold tolerance into the teens F. We're offering nice 5g plants on special as shown. REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIES 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 Just mention this Special to get the discount when purchasing.
		15 gallon plant, not on sale

CARYOTA GIGAS THAI FISHTAIL WITH THICK TRUNK GORGEOUS HUGE LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This Caryota species is known for it's huge leaves.  They literally can get to fourteen feet long and twelve feet wide.  With this size, they are excellent for the production of shade and canopy.  It has a very thick trunk, sometimes over thirty inches in diameter at the base.  Compared to Caryota urens, it is not as tall.  Anticipate that you'd get a tree of thirty or thirty-five feet height.  In most areas, plant this species in full sun.  Most problems with growth come from under-watering.  Cold tolerance is down to the low 20's F. We're offering very large 5g plants on species.  I can mail order these to your door.  REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50 But, you must mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase to get this price.
	15g (shown here) and box size also available

TUESDAY, 19 AUGUST, 2014

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS NICE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYAD EIGHT INCH CAUDEX WITH SIX INCH PUP This attractive and very blue cycad is in a 10 gallon barrel type of pot.  It has a nice six inch pup to the side.  It's been grown outdoors and in part day sun.  In most areas it'd take full sun unless you're in the desert.  It has a nice full head of four foot leaves and the caudexes are nicely shaped.  Cold tolerance is down to the low 20's F.  I can easily ship this plant right to your door.

ZAMIA SPECIES PROBABLY ZAMIA PUMILA 30 YEAR OLD CONING PLANT This attractive and very green Zamia is in a 15g clay pot.  It has about three foot long leaves with narrow leaflets.  It was grown in strong filtered light.  The caudex is a multi-headed stem of 8 inch diameter and four different heads of leaves.  It has coned but I do not know the sex.  If it is indeed Zamia pumila, it would be native to Cuba and the Caribbean area.  It is mature height although it may put on more suckers and expand horizontally.  Cold tolerance is mid to low-twenties F.

MACROZAMIA PAULI-GUILIELMI SMALLER AUSTRALIA CYCAD RARE TO SEE OLDER PLANTS AVAILABLE When I first got started with cycads about 38 years ago, one could import caudexes of this species directly from Australia.  They were very hard to root out, but you could give it a try.  Nowadays, you hardly even see this species for sale anywhere.  I've not had seeds in a decade.  This cycad species is not a large plant.  Its stems are small and typically subterranean.  Leaves are about three feet long.  Leaflets are narrow as shown.  This plant has an approximate six inch caudex (essentially mature) and is in a 12 inch ceramic pot.  It can take part day sun, coastal full sun and is cold tolerant to the lower 20's F.

DIOON SPECIES VERY INTERESTING CYCAD FURRY CAUDEXES OF SMALL SIZE FALCATE LEAFLETS AND BLUE EMERGENCE Of the plants from this collection, this plant puzzles us the most.  One might think it's a form of Dioon edule.  But, we think not.  It is about 30 years old in a 20 gallon clay pot.  It has three heads of leaves and caudexes.  The stems are each about 7 inches.  Leaf length is four feet.  The caudexes are small for a plant of this age and very furry.  They have an ample amount of tan fir/hairs attached.  Leaflets, especially on older leaves, are falcate ((sickle shaped, falciform), reminiscent of Dioon tomasellii.  Another peculiar thing is that the new leaves emerge blue (or what you may call "blue-green") - see photos.  They are not falcate at this time.  But, if you look at the previous swirls of leaves, they are.  This would be a full sun plant with probably cold tolerance into the lower 20's, perhaps even lower into the teens.  I'll consult my longtime friend and expert on Mexican cycads, Jeff Chemnick, on what he thinks this plant might be.

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII ALMOST 9 INCH CAUDEX LOTS OF LONG LEAVES This is a South African cycad that in the ground gets quite large.  The leaves are green.  This plant has almost a nine inch caudex and is in a 15g clay pot.  Its crown of leaves is very full and attractive.  It loves full sun along the coast and takes down to 22 degrees F. without protection.  This would be a great patio plant (nice container) if you have the room.  In the ground I'd expect it to get a three to four foot caudex in a few decades.  It's very fast growing.

CERATOZAMIA SPECIES POSSIBLY "CERATOZAMIA CORRIENTE" GORGEOUS, SUCKERING FILTERED LIGHT CYCAD This plant is in a 25g clay pot and has a main caudex size of 9 x 11 inches with four 3 inch pups.  It has wide, green leaflets with a leaf length of four to five feet.  The leaves are arching down somewhat and have red petioles and rachis.  We feel this is probably the rarely seen species often called "Ceratozamia species corriente" although to my understanding it has yet to be described.  It would be a filtered light plant and have a cold tolerance maybe to the upper teens.  I could ship this plant by removing the heavy clay pot and putting it into plastic.  This plant is super attractive and would make a great patio plant or garden addition.

CHAMAEDOREA STOLINIFERA FILTERED LIGHT SUCKERING PALM MEDIUM HEIGHT TO SIX FEET BOTH SEXES IN ONE POT! The first four photos shown here are a very nice product we're offering for sale.  This is Chamaedorea stolinifera.  We propagate these from stems of our mother plants.  They have been established for about 3 years.  But, we have stems of both sexes in each 5g pot.  Remember, this is a dioecious species and you need both sexes to set seeds.  And, these plants have stem propagations from both sexes of mother plants.  They are very nice, ready for your garden's filtered light.  Cold tolerance is the low 20's f.  These can be easily shipped.  This is a new world species and gets to a mature height of about six feet.  They get their name from the stolins that shoot out from the base of the plant to make new vertical stems.
		An older plant from the nursery
An older plant at the nursery that we use for propagation	Close up of stems of older plants	garden specimen

SUNDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2014

ANTHURIUM SPECIES BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G PLANTS If you research Birds Nest Anthurium, it's a bit frustrating because taxonomists are to this day working out species of these very tropical appearing plants.  The species shown here came from the garden of the late Ed Moore in San Diego, CA.  I call them "Anthurium species Ed Moore".  They are similar to Anthurium hookeri but still a bit different.  In any case, shown here are very old one gallon plants.  I'd say they are six years old.  This is a slow growing species that wants filtered light.  It may be native to Guiana.  It will get leaves that mature at a length of about five feet long.  The last photo shows a similar species, two plants, that are mature.  Their age is about 20 years.  These plants are the ultimate in companion, understory tropical additions to the garden. REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 1G PLATS $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $35 But, you must m mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this discount.  For mail orders, we are a certified nursery and ship plants in their containers with their soil, with all the legally required agricultural permits and paperwork.  Few nurseries do this or are qualified to ship plants with their soil.
		two very old Birds Nest Anthurium at nursery

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII A BLUE OR BLUE-GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM TRANSVAAL AREA, QUITE RARE In the northern part of the Republic of South Africa there is a region called the "Transvaal".  From this area come some of the most rare and sought after of African cycads.  Included in this group is Encephalartos eugene-maraisii.  This is a small to medium cycad that has a definite blue color to the stacking leaflets.  Stems can get over three feet tall.  Leaves are usually held in an upright fashion.  It is quite rare to see this species in nurseries  (even cycad nurseries) and usually only found in smaller seedling size.  It is a full sun species along the coast and tolerates temperatures down to about 22 degrees F.  Plants are always a bit expensive to obtain.  Shown here is a nice 15g plant and several other sizes.  Note the beautiful color of the garden specimen.  We have limited numbers of this species for sale.
		tree pot sized seedling
band sized seedling	mature specimen in botanical garden	close up photo of the leaf of another nursery plant

PTYCHOSPERMA LINEARE SUCKERING, THIN TRUNK, MEDIUM HEIGHT PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE Like many Ptychosperma species, this one is also from Papa New Guinea.  It is a medium sized clustering species with trunks that are one inch thick, premorse leaflets (jagged, chopped off at ends) and green leaves.  It gets to a height of about fifteen feet.  It is quite a rare species and we seldom have this species for sale.  Available now are two year old band sized seedlings.  I am putting them on a ten day special.  This species would be considered a filtered light palm.  Cold hardiness is uncertain but I suspect most growers in my locality can succeed with this species.  Southern California growers manage well with most Ptychosperma species.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BND SIZE $20 Just mention this Blog Special to get the discount.

VEITCHIA SPIRALIS RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM VANUATU EXOTIC APPEARING TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE This unusual single trunk palm species is native to the small island of Vanuatu.  It is a tall species reaching heights of over fifty feet.  It has a silver-green crown shaft and premorse leaflets.  It is quite exotic appearing.  It is a sun species along the coast.  I can't say for sure the cold hardiness (rare, few growing it) but would assume it's similar to other Veitchia.  This would mean that it goes down to about a freeze.  I'm offering the one gallon size on special. REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $30 Just mention this Blog Special at time of purchase to get the discount.

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS RARE AND DESIRABLE CYCAD SPECIES GREEN GLOSSY LEAVES - TOLERATES FILTERED LIGHT TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT For you cycad enthusiasts, I am presently offering this plant shown here on a Ten Day Special.  This species is interesting for several reasons.  First, it grows in the same area as the impossible to get Encephalartos heenani.  Also, in habitat, it thrives in filtered light.  It has prominent veins on the underside of the leaflets.  Finally, it's super rare to see for sale. This plant has about 6 inch caudex and is in a 15g pot.  It can tolerate full coastal sun.  Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.  With maturity, overall height can be fifteen feet with a 12 to 18 inch thick trunk.  Leaf length will be about six feet.  The leaflets are a glossy green.  It is an endangered species.  In habitat, it grows at altitudes up to 4000 feet in northwestern Swaziland.  It makes a gorgeous garden specimen. REGULAR PRICE THIS PLANT $900 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT $675 Just mention this Blog Special to get this price.  You won't see many of this species or size available for sale.

 

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX A MEDIUM SIZED, COLD HARDY BAMBOO PALM BAND SIZE ON TEN DAY SPECIAL This attractive suckering palm is from Mexico where it natively lives at low mountainous elevations under a thin canopy.  It has very thin trunks, about 3/8 to 1/2 an inch in diameter with very visible light colored rings.  The trunks themselves are dark green.  Leaves are short, two to three feet long.  Trunks often lean outwards and downwards because of the weight of the leaves.  Leaflets are wide and about eight inches long.  They sometimes have an interesting "sheen" to the leaflets as shown here. And, as an extra surprise, sometimes the underside of the leaflets is blue (shown below).  Maximum height is eight, at most ten feet overall.  Fruits are plump and red in color. When I first started growing palms many years ago, this was a mainstay in the trade and easy to find.  Nowadays, like Chamaedorea klotzschiana, it is hard to find.  I think this is because more recently introduced species have dominated the market and made seeds less available.  However, Chamaedorea microspadix has some real advantages.  It doesn't get too tall and is very cold hardy, perhaps even into the upper teens F.  It's easy to grow in the San Francisco Bay area.  It is a shade loving species or perhaps good for morning or late day sun.  I'm showing two good sized nursery plants and a few mature garden plants.  This species also is used as an interior plant.   If you got to this past Saturday's Post, I have band sized seedlings on Ten Day Special.

 

CHAMAEDOREA BRACHYPODA SHADE LOVING, SEMI-DWARF PALM SEVERAL MATURE SPECIMENS FOR SALE I am actually quite surprised that I still have several huge clumps of this super rare Chamaedorea species for sale.  It is from mountainous areas of Honduras where it is almost extinct.  It gets to a height of about seven feet, eight feet maximum.  It has simple leaves with bifed apical tips.  Leaves are dark green in color and prominently ribbed.  Most amazing is the thin caliper of the stems.  They are about a quarter of an inch in diameter as shown in the last photo. Shown here are several mature plants with many stems.  They deserve to be in the finest home or botanical garden.  They are just superb specimens  This is a shade species.  Cold tolerance is probably down to the mid-twenties F.  From a collector point of view, this species is extremely difficult to find and seeds are rarely available.  These mature specimens are 25 years old.  Wouldn't one of these be a great gift to the palm enthusiast for the Holidays!

DIOON ANGUSTIFOLIA SUN LOVING CYCAD THAT IS REALLY RUGGED FINE LEAFLETS, OVERALL SMALL SIZE Coming from central Mexico, this sun loving Dioon species was originally felt to be a sub-variety of Dioon edule.  It now has its own species status.  A Beverly Hills landscape company needed a number of these for a job.  This gave me the opportunity to take some photos yesterday of our stock on this species and I thought I'd share them with you. This is not a big cycad.  Trunks can get to perhaps two feet tall. Overall size planted out is usually under four feet.  So, it's a smaller plant.  Leaves are three feet on average.  The hallmark of this species are its extremely thin leaflets.  Color is gray-green to green.  But, newly emerging leaves are pink in color.  They are quite attractive and soft when emerging.  This species also has a propensity for suckering, often making a small colony of multiple stems. Culturally this is a very rugged plant.  It tolerates drought very well and harsh, hot sun.  It does want full sun but does quite well in part day sun as well.  The assortment of plants shown here are all quite old, some about 30 years of age.  We have a good assortment of these available for sale.  Cold tolerance is into the teens F.  This is an ideal species where you want a smaller plant in a very hot and sunny location.  You will not be disappointed with this species.

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA SUCKERING, SHADE LOVING GREAT INTERIOR OR PATIO PLANT TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15G PLANTS This species was named about a decade ago after a friend of mine and Palm Society member, Luis Hooper.  It is a suckering, medium sized shade palm with thin trunks and prominent rings on the trunk.  Overall height peaks out at about twelve feet.  Clumps do not run.  Leaf color is green and leaf length is four feet.  It is similar to Chamaedorea costaricana but with longer leaves and a fuller appearance overall. Shown here are almost entirely 15g plants which we're putting on sale.  I've shown one 20 gallon plant to demonstrate a more mature specimen.  I'm also showing some green seeds on one plant.  This species is fast growing and tolerates temperatures down to about 20 degrees F.  Our 15g plants are about 8 feet tall. REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON PLANTS $200 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $160 You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price
	20 gallon size

 

ZAMIA FURFURACEA THE CARDBOARD CYCAD TEN DAY SPECIAL 3G SIZE This small cycad is native to Mexico and known as the "Cardboard Cycad".  It is a semi-dwarf species and gets to about three feet tall, sometimes a bit taller.  It's color is green and the leaflets are essentially unarmed.  It makes a great patio plant or a cycad for usage along a pathway.  many have grown it inside the house.  We are putting very nice, somewhat older 3g pots on special.  Outside along the coast it can take full sun.  In inland areas, put it in filtered light.  Cold tolerance is the mid-twenties, perhaps a bit less.    REGULAR PRICE 3G SIZE THIS SPECIES, $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 You must mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this price.  These plants are easy to ship.

SATURDAY, 16 AUGUST, 2014

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE JUNGLE MUSIC'S PLANT PICKS OF THE WEEK CHANGES EVERY WEEK TO TEN DAYS A few days ago we introduced a new feature at the Jungle Music Website.  This came about because some of my sales staff were talking about how some readers prefer to see videos of specific plants rather than still photographs.  We've done three or four videos of the nursery but never one that had the purpose of showing and talking about specific species. Our goal is to each week have about a three minute video that covers two, perhaps three different and interesting species of palms, cycads or tropical plants.  And, we'll include other interesting items or topics.   The producers of these features will be either Jesse (my son), Rusty or Ricardo.  Most of you already know about these experts with the plants.  The link given here takes you to a launch page.  This is so that you can scan previous "Picks of the Week" to see if any specifically interest you.  As times go by we'll be listing them by species rather than dates so you can find things you like with ease.  I hope you like this new feature.  The one you'll see today is our first such video.  See link below to right .
My son, Jesse, with the nursery for 15 years	Rusty, with the nursery for about 10 years
Ricardo, joined us several years ago	JUNGLE MUSIC'S PICKS OF THE WEEKS CLICK TO SEE VIDEO(S)

JUBAEA CHILENSIS THE CHILEAN WINE PALM SLOW GROWING, MASSIVE TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS This species is native to mountainous areas of Chile and has the thickest trunk of any palm species.  Trunks have been recorded as having a up to a 48 inch diameter.  Maximum height is variable, but perhaps up to sixty feet.  This species loves sun and heat.  It is quite cold hardy down into the near mid-teens F.   Color is usuially green but there are some varieties with blue on the underside of the leaflets. Shown here are the 5g size that I'm putting on special.  These are about 4 years old and nice size for this species and pot size.  Note, Jubaea are super slow growing.  If you've ever grown one, you know what I'm talking about.  Jubaeas are known for putting on plant girth and width before putting on plant height.  But, they are faster in the ground compared to growing in pots. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $55 Just mention this Blog Special to get the discount when purchasing.
	15g plant not on sale
my son Jesse next to plant at Mission Bay, S.D.

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA THE SHAVING BRUSH PALM AKA THE FEATHER DUSTER PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS This species is native to New Zealand where it grows at various elevations on mountainsides.  There it tolerates full sun.  We've found that, if you live within about 8 miles of the ocean, you might be able to grow it in full sun as well.  It gets to a height of about 25 feet and is known for it's upright foliage (thus the common names) and the bulging and prominent crown shaft.  Culture is not fast.  These 15g plants are at least six years old.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. Of note, in New Zealand this palm is known as the Nikau Palm. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $185 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $155 But, to get this price, you must mention this Blog Only Sale when purchasing.  Limited numbers are available.
		25g nursery plant, not on sale right now

RECYCLE YOUR PLANTIC CONTAINERS NURSERY CREDIT FOR USED PLASTIC POTS I'M REPOSTING THIS AGAIN TO ENCOURAGE ALL TO RECYCLE I'd like to remind plant enthusiasts to recycle their plastic containers.  We will take them and give you a credit toward any purchase at the nursery.  Or, if you just don't know what to do with them and are conservative minded, drop them off at our nursery location.  We'll put them to good use.  We've been doing this for decades and think it's the right thing to do for the environment.  We are especially looking for larger pots, 15g and bigger.  We also really appreciate 7g pots and citrus pots.  So, don't give them to the garbage man for your local landfill.  Bring them to our nursery.  We thank you in advance!

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS TRUNKING AND DWARF FORM This attractive species of Chamaedorea comes in two distinct forms.  One is a dwarf form; the other trunks and the plant gets to a height of eight to ten feet.  The dwarf form reaches a height of three, sometimes four feet.  This is a single trunk Chamaedorea that is quite remarkable for several reasons.  First, it takes up very little space and fits nicely into small areas of the floor of the garden.  Second, it is one of the most cold hardy of the Chamaedorea group, taking temperatures into the upper teens.  Third, it can tolerate some sun; it doesn't demand full shade.  Another cool thing are the blossoms.  Female blossoms reach above the leaves, are orange in color and develop large black seeds.  They are easy to pollinate and, if you plant a small colony of males and females, are almost certain to get viable seeds.  Shown here is a 5g plant.  We have a pretty good supply of both this form. The trunking form gets up to about 8 feet of height. In previous years, this was hard to find.  Its trunk is thin.  Leaves of the trunking form look a little bit different and are thinner and longer.  Shown below are two photos of the trunking form.

NEROGELIA, CLUSTERING RED FORM MATURE SPECIMENS AVAILABLE EASY TO GROW BOMELIAD TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD PLANTS For several years we've been offering this great variety of Nerogelia for sale.  These plants shown here represent our season's arrivals and are all for sale.  They develop a prominent red leaf color if given some sun.  These clusters have about ten to fifteen individual small plants in each pot.  They are quite old.  They tolerate a freeze and are a good way to add color to the garden without getting in the way.  Care is quite easy.  You simply prune off the dying old plants each winter. Then, the next year, you have a cluster twice as big from all the new pups.  I can easily ship these plants right to your door.   Estimated age of these individual plants if four, perhaps five years.  It takes time to make big clusters like this. REGULAR PRICE THESE PLANTS $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 But, at the time of purchase, you have to mention this Blog Only Special.

BONUS SALE PLANTS: 13 -22 AUGUST, 2014 (Also see morning post below) 

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII RARE MADAGASCAR PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE I've discussed this unsual single trunk palm from Madagascar that was more recently discovered and named.  The excitement about this species is that it might be the most cold hardy palm of the genus and capable of growing in marginal areas like the SF Bay area and Houston.  Consequently, there's a lot of demand for it.  In most areas it wants full sun.  Anticipate a cold hardiness below 25 degrees F. or a bit colder.  Mature height should be somewhere around 25 feet.  Everyone growing it raves about this palm. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 OR, FOUR FOR $89. Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get the discount.
		Photo c/o TS at RPS

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX SUCKERING SHADE PALM COLD HARDY, DOESN'T GET TOO TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE There seems to be a shortage of this suckering, filtered light palm species.  I was lucky enough to get a good batch of seeds from a San Diegan known for setting reliable seeds.  The seedlings shown here are in band size.  They are very healthy.  This species has thin trunks, gets to a height of eight feet, rarely ten feet, and is really pretty darn cold hardy.  You can count on it taking down to 20 degrees F. and perhaps 18 degrees.  REGULAR PRICE BANDS $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 OR THREE FOR $60 Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.
	15g plant at the nursery

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA THE "GOOD" VARIETY SUCKERS, EXCELLENT GROWER TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE For those who have followed this Blog for a while, you might recall that there are about three forms of Laccospadix australasica.  One is native to higher elevations in the Australian habitat.  And, one form suckers freely and is a great grower.  The latter is not only higher elevations but also suckers to make a small stand of narrow trunked, Coconut-appearing palms.  This form does not put out the new read leaves.  The leaves are less shiny and leaflets are more narrow.  But, in exchange, it's quicker growing and more cold hardy.  There's not question in my mind that the plants offered here are the best of the genus.  Anticipate a height of 15 to 20 feet.  Grow in part day sun along the coast.  Cold hardiness intot he low 20's F. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 OR FOUR FOR $89. Just mention this Special when ordering or purchasing.

SABAL PRINCEPS AKA SABAL BERMUDANA LARGE LEAF FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE I obtianed seeds off a tree that is called Sabal bermudana.  Most taxonomists feel that this is Sabal bermudana.  But, I've kept the name princeps on these plants so I remember where we got the seeds.  It'll be  thick trunked and large leaf fan palm that loves sun and is cold hardy down to the mid-teens F.  This is an aggresive grower and fairly fast.  It wants heat and sun.  Most who read this can grow this species. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 OR 3 FOR $59 Just mentinon this Blog Special to get this price.

WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST, 2014

PACHYPODIUM LAMEREI "THE MADAGASCAR PALM" OF COURSE, NOT A PALM AT ALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Although called "The Madagascar Palm", this plant is actually a succulent from high elevations (up to 1200 meters) in Madagascar.  It has a thin trunk that is very spiny as shown here.  Trunk diameter can get up to several meters.  At the top of this trunk is a display of long green leaves.  They can be up to two feet long.  In summer, this species produces somewhat fragrant white flowers.  The key to growing this species is hot sun and not over-watering the plant.  It will not tolerate a freeze and may drop it's leaves during cold weather.  Watering it when it's quite cold may kill it.  It makes a nice house plant if given adequate sun.  The plants we're offering on special are in 5g pots and have trunks of about two and one half to three feet.  They are five years old. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G PLANTS $95 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5G $75 We can ship these plants via Fed Express right to your door, in their pots with soil and all.  But, to get this discount you must mention this Blog Only Special.  We do have smaller 1g plants available.
	photo by Wikipedia	Older nursery 7g; this size presently sold out

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS BLUE-GREEN LEAVES RARE CYCAD - WELL ESTABLISHED IN BOX TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT I am offering here a specimen sized and rare South African cycad at an excellent price.  This plant is being outdoor grown in sun.  It has a leaf color that is blue-green.  It is not as blue as say E. horridus, but is not totally green either.  The caudex size of this plant is 7 inches.  It has no pups as of yet.  The leaflet form of this plant is very nice with wide leaflets and prominent marginal lobes as shown.  Nice established E. arenarius typically sell for about $160 per inch of caudex.  I can ship this plant right to a customer if needed. REGULAR PRICE THIS BOXED PLANT $1120 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT $875 Just mention this special when purchasing to get this discount.
		Same species in garden

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS MOST SOUGHT-AFTER BLUE CYCAD NICE ESTABLISHED SPECIMEN WITH BEAUTIFUL BLUE COLOR TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT Having just talked about about Encephalartos arenarius with a comparison to horridus, I thought I'd show you a fantastic blue cycad I'm putting on special.  This specimen is super blue and it'll only be more apparent when grown outdoors in sun.  It's in a 20g pot with a main caudex diameter of 7 inches and a 3 inch pup.  I apologize that the photos don't shown the pup well.  It is a nice leaflet form and has great color as you can see.  This is a sun loving species in all areas except desert.  There it wants part day sun.  It is cold tolerant to about 22 degrees F.  I can ship this plant to anywhere in the U.S.  This species, when established and nice, sells for about $150 per inch of caudex (pups count). REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIMEN $1450 SALE PRICE THIS SPECIMEN $1100 Just mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase.
		E. horridus in a garden in Southern California

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS! NOT THE SAME AS RHAPIS HUMILUS This suckering fan palm from China is often mentioned by inexperienced nurserymen to be 'Rhapis humilus".  It is not the same.  This species only gets to ten feet of height and is much shorter than the twenty-five foot humilus.  Also, the canes are more thin and the leaflets smaller.  Nurserymen call it Rhapis humilus because this name is much more known and easier to remember.  Seeds of true humilus are not now and have essentially never been available.  One must get a dug division of a mature plant to get a specimen of this species. Rhapuis multifida can be grown outdoors in filtered light if you don't get below about 22 degrees F.  It's trunks are always under an inch in diameter. Typical leaves have twelve to twenty thin, pointed leaflets.  The canes are much tidier than the common Lady Palm.  As a houseplant, it is one of the superior species you can buy.  The plants shown here are imported from Hawaii and are interior quality, ready for the best hotel lobbies or banks.  Or, they'd look nice in anyone's living room.  Being imported, however, they tend to be pricey.  These plants can be easily shipped right to your door.  They are a good plant for those who want the best.  I can ship plants up to eight feet tall.

 

DYPSIS BARONII MEDIUM SIZED, SUCKERING PALM FROM MADAGASCAR This morning I am showing a lot of photographs of this species as it is truly a spectacular palm   I say this because it displays a variety of colors in the trunk and crown shaft, especially through its juvenile years.  Also, it's fairly cold hardy (to about 25 degrees F. or lower), it has thin trunks and gets to a height of typically twenty feet.  This makes is a perfect size, not overly large.  One of the fascinating things is the variety of color in the base of the juvenile stems.  This varies from red to orange and pink and to silver and yellow.  There's a color for everyone!  As plants mature, stems usually become silver or green.  Crown shafts are often a powdery white as shown here. This plant is not difficult to grow.  It prefers part day sun when small but can tolerate coastal sun.  Inland areas should try filtered light.  Shown here is an assortment of plants from the nursery as well as domestic and habitat pictures.  I'd highly recommend this species.  We are well stocked on smaller sizes of this species but nearly out of 5g and 15g plants.
	habitat photo by JS	photo by JS
		photo by DC
	Photo by DC	Photo by JS, habitat

 

PHOENIX RECLINATA MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE SUCKERING DATE PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE The Senegal Date Palm is native to South Africa and suckers with medium thick trunks.  Leaves are armed with spines.  Mature height is variable from fifteen to forty feet.  It gets the name "reclnata" because outer trunks tend to "recline" and bend downwards and then extend upwards.  Growth rate is medium.  The plants shown here are about six years old.  They have not suckered yet but trust me that they will.  This is a sun loving species and is cold tolerant into the upper teens F.  We're offering beefy 15g plants on special. REGULAR PRICE 15G PLANTS THIS SPECIES $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $135 You must mention this Internet Only Special when purchasing to get this price.  We can ship these although they require a very large box.

TRACHYCARPUS WAGNERIANUS COLD HARDY DWARF WINDMILL PALM NICE 15G PLANTS WITH TRUNK AVAILABLE This species has always been one of my favorite Windmill Palms.  I say this because it is of small size, seldom over ten to fifteen feet overall height in cultivation.   And, because these plants are so darn cute.  They have small, flat, rather stiff leaves where the ends of the segments never droop down.  Some plants have leaves that are no bigger than a dinner plate.  Their crowns are open a bit but small in overall size.  Trunks are hairy as shown below.  Without the hair, trunk diameter is about six inches, but with the hairy coat they look a bit thicker.  Leaf color is green on top and sometimes a gray-green below.  Interesting is that there are no known wild populations of this species.  We assume, like with other Windmills, it is from China or a surrounding country.  Speculation is that it may have been a cultivar propagated in Japan.  In his book, Paul Craft mentions individual plants that are thirty feet tall. I, personally, have never seen one this tall. Twenty years ago this plant was called "Trachycarpus takil" and later changed to T. wagnerianus.  So, some plants may be mislabeled in botanical gardens and incorrect height attributed to this plant.  Suffice it to say that this species has no real habitat home and is one of the smaller (not the smallest) species. Growth rate is slow.  It demands full sun.  Propagation is from domestic seeds.  Cold hardiness is about 15 degrees F.  Shown here are some nice 15g plants and a photo of some 5g.  The 15g size are still available but unfortunately the 5g size has sold out.  The last photo by Martin Gibbons is of a plant in the U.K.  We can easily ship this species right to your door.  .
	5g size presently sold out	by Martin Gibbons, United Kingdom

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS LARGE BLUE FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE Many of you are familiar with this stunning blue fan palm from Madagascar.  It has wide flat leaves and a medium sized trunk.  Mature height in CA is unknown, but probably is going to be about thirty feet.  This uncertainty is because the species has only been around for about 25 years and no super old plants exist here.  This species likes sun and heat.  It can tolerate many desert conditions.  It is faster growing and, in my opinion, prettier than Brahea armata, the Mexican Blue Fan Palm.  Shown here are our 15g plants which we have on special. REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS SPECIES $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS $95 You must mention this Internet Only Special when purchasing to get this price.

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROX CYCAD WITH HOLLY FERN APPEARANCE AND RED CONES TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G AND CIT POT SIZE This South African cycad has the following characteristics: •  Medium sized, never gets a vertical trunk, leaves about five feet long •  Leaflets look like a holly fern leaf.  Color is green.  See photo •  Mature plants have red female cones.  The male cones tend to be more of an orange.  They are striking as shown. •  Can tolerate filtered light or perhaps full sun right on the coast • Cold tolerance to 22 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE CIT POT/5G PLANTS $150 TO $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL ON MANY $135 We do have larger plants in these sizes that cost a bit more.  We'd find you a very nice one on special.  You must mention this special to get this price when purchasing.	citrus pot sized plant on special	Red female cone on older, mature specimen

ROYSTONEA REGIA THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM EXOTIC, TALL AND BEAUTIFUL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This often hard to find species can be easily grown in many parts of Southern California.  It likes heat and sun.  Cold tolerance is about like a King Palm: 24 to 25 degrees.  It is fast growing and has a very nice, long green crown shaft.  Usually the base near the ground gets quite swollen and fat.  It is also quick growing.  If you are inland and don't get too cold, this might be a great species for you.  We are offering a good price on our 5g size.  They are three to four feet tall as shown.  Of note, we have three other species of Royal Palms for sale including borinquena an princeps. REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIES 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 You must mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing to get this price.		photo taken in Whittier, CA
Photo taken in San Diego, CA

MONDAY, 11 AUGUST, 2014

HOWEA FORSTERIANA THE KENTIA PALM HUGE 25 G PLANTS UP TO SIXTEEN FEET TALL & READY FOR SUN! TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PALMS A few weeks ago we got in a nice batch of very large and old Howea forsteriana that we are putting on a great special for what you get. These are tall and lush specimens.  Some are up to sixteen feet tall.  There's a mixture of singles and multiples.  As you can see, we cleaned up the trunks.  This shows that prominent yellow trunk color that will fade to green over time.  These plants are an estimated eight to ten years old.  They had been grown under light shade cloth.  We are acclimating them to our sun. This species typically gets up to a height of about 30 feet or a bit more.  In shade it can get taller.  Trunk diameter averages eight inches.  It has a cold tolerance of about 25 degrees F. and will die if you get below 22 degrees.  Growth rate is very slow.  Along the So Cal coast they tolerate full sun nicely.  Inland areas require part day sun or filtered light.  They are also one of the best interior palms there is. REGULAR PRICE THESE PLANTS $450 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $350 But, you must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price at the time of purchasing.
		palm learned toward you to show leaves

 

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS LARGER SIZED GREEN CYCAD NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA This morning I'm showing you a nice nursery specimen of a large green leaf cycad native to the Modjadji Forest in South Africa.  This fast growing cycad can, in a several decades in your garden, produce a stem and large crown of leaves that are overhead.  In the wild they get over twenty feet tall after a few hundred years.  Leaves and quite long, up to six to eight feet.  Color is a dark olive green.  They are a lighter green in full sun.  Leaflets have small spines that diminish in number as the plant matures.  There is a noticeable white, powdery "overspray" on the leaflets.  This is a light touch of glacous powder.  This helps identify this species.  You can see it on the leaflet close up picture shown here.  This species tolerates full sun in almost all areas except the desert.  Cold tolerance is about 21 degrees F. We have all sizes for sale from small juvenile plants to mature plants with two feet of trunk.  This boxed specimen shown here has about a 12 inch caudex.  Note how the soil is low in the box.  You might ask "Why?".  This is because this plant has been in its box for ten years. Soil breaks down.  When you check nursery plants, check the soil level.  If it's right to the top of the container, it's a newer repot.  If it's down low, it's been in the container a long time.  Knowing this you can estimate how rooted out the plant is.
R
	Phot o of habitat in Modjadji Forest

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD SMALLER THAN E. TRANSVENOSUS ABOVE This popular green cycad is also from the Republic of South Africa.  Its native habitat is in the province of Natal, thus the name given to this species.  It is not a small cycad but not nearly as massive as E. transvenosus above.  Caudex size in centuries can get over ten feet.  In your garden in a few decades, expect three to four feet of trunk.  In general, leaves are shorter than E. transvenosus.  Leaflets are also shorter.  In my experience leaves are about five to six feet long although longer lengths do occur.  Stems are stout.  One does not see that powdery "overspray" on the leaflets on most varieties of this species. This is a fast growing cycad.  Leaves are green.  It prefers sun in most areas except the desert.  Cold tolerance is about 21 degrees F.  The plant shown here in the box has a cuadex of 13 inches.  It is older than the transvenosus but smaller in overall size.  It's about 20 years old and has been outdoor grown for 10 years in that box.  We have all sizes for sale and can ship cycads of any size to anywhere in the country.
		double headed garden specimen

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAT PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE PLANTS This popular Madagascar palm is very attractive and gets to a height of about twenty to twenty-five feet.  Along the coast it tolerates full sun.  Inland areas require part day sun or strong filtered light.  It is most known for it's rusty colored and fuzzy crown shaft; thus the common name.  It has a prominently ringed silver trunk.  Growth rate is good and definitely not slow.  Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F.  The special size we're offering here are 3 year old smaller plants, easy to ship. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS SPECIES $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $25 You must mention this Internet Only Special when purchasing to get this price

HYOPHORBE INDICA THE MOST COLD HARDY HYOPHORBE THE BOTTLE AND SPINDLE PALM FAMILY Hyophorbe of all types (Bottle Palm, Spindle Palm, etc) all come from Reunion Island or surrounding nearby islands.  There are four to five species, but one may be nearly extinct.  Of all the Hyophorbe, most have found that H. indica is the easiest to grow and suffers the least during the cold weather of winter.  It is a small to medium palm, gets to a height of about 20 feet and has a narrow trunk less than eight inches.  It has an attractive dark green crown shaft and prominent rings on the trunk as shown here.  As juvenile plants there are green and red forms.  But, over time, the red ones lose their distinctive color and start to look about the same as the green.  Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F.  Along the coast they must receive full sun or are vulnerable to pink rot. Shown here is a ten to twelve year old box specimen with nice trunk and a good looking 15g.
		photo by TS at RPS

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA THE "LARGEST" OF THE KING PALM FAMILY TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Archontophoenix maxima comes from the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, Australia.  There it grows at elevations of 3000 feet or more.  The species name "maxima" refers to the fact that the blossom is the largest in the King Palm family.  But, it also has the thickest trunk of the group and perhaps the most height as well.  It is just a bigger plant overall.  It is quick growing and has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees.  It likes coastal sun but sun protection far inland.  Note the silver color on the back of the leaflets.  Also, the crown shaft is said to be yellow or blue-yellow and you can see it in the last photo.  One last point is that the leaves tend to be straight and more upright. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 Just mention this special to get this Blog Only price.
		photo by Luke Nancarrow, PACSOA

 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA THE "PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING" TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Archontophoenix purpurea comes from the Walsh Mountains north of Cairns, Australia.  There it is growing side by side with Oraniopsis appendiculata.  It is most famous for the purple color to the crown shaft.  This develops over time and is not typically seen in nursery plants.  Also, the intensity of the color is quite variable.  It is a quick growing palm but probably not quite as cold tolerant as other King Palm species.  The underside of the leaves are very silver.  Side by side with the standard King Palm, you will most likely find it to be shorter and have a thinner trunk.  For you scientific types, it is also only one of two King Palms that has ramenta (dark hairs) on the back of the leaflets. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 Just mention this special to get this Blog Only price.

 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAYOLENSIS BEAUTIFUL EMERALD GREEN CROWN SHAFT KING PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Archontophoenix mayolensis is the most rare species in the King Palm family and is also from outside of Cairns in northern Australia.  It is an endangered species and very beautiful.  It is a high elevation species and perhaps among the best for cold of the group.  I've found it to have a very clean, prominent green (almost emerald color) crown shaft.  It is sleek and clean in color without any brown or other colors in it.  This makes is quite gorgeous.  Unlike the maxima above, the leaves are full and arching downward.  It is a good growing palm and likes coastal sun or part sun and has a cold tolerance probably to a bit below 25 degrees F.   REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 Just mention this special to get this Blog Only price.
		Photo by Luke Nancarrow, PACSOA

 

ARENGA ENGLERI SUCKERING, MEDIUM STATURE SUPER COLD HARDY  TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Arenga engleri is native to various Asian countries and typically doesn't get over ten feet tall in a garden.  It has firm leaflets and jagged leaflet tips.  The underside of the leaflets are silver as shown here.  A mature clump typically has three to six stalks and sometimes is almost as wide as it is tall.  Therefore, it's a good species to "hide the neighbor".  It takes shade or full sun along the coast and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  It is very slow growing.  This species is also known to have very fragrant blossoms.     REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $50 Just mention this special to get this Blog Only price.  Limited numbers of this plant are available.

 

CHAMAEDOREA KLOTZSCHIANA SINGLE TRUNK, MEDIUM SIZE, "BOW TIE" TYPE LEAF ARRANGMENT This single trunk shade palm from Mexico reaches a height of about ten feet or a bit more.  It's trunk is one inch thick.  The most interesting thing is the arrangement of the leaflets.  They are grouped in bunches of two to four leaflets.  The individual leaflets are wide and puffy.  Their texture is thin and soft.  There is no armor on this plant. It is a shade plant and cold tolerant into the low 20's F.  At one time I had plenty of these for sale.  I got seeds from my parent plants.  These plants have stopped fruiting with age.  Now it's quite difficult to find this species.  Shown here is a 5g plant.  We only have a few of these including one 15g that is about 12 feet tall in the pot..

SATURDAY, 9 AUGUST, 2014

CERATOZAMIA "PACIFICA" RARE MEXICAN CYCAD I only have a few of this super rare Ceratozamia available.  It gets its name from the fact that it's the only Ceratozamia on the Pacific side of the coastal Mexican mountains.  As of today, it still has not been given a species name.  Jeff Chemnick informed me that it is referred to as "Ceratozamia aff. robusta var. pacifica".  It is a medium sized plant with glossy green leaves.  Crowns hold about six to twelve leaves, leaflets are long and thin and the leaves are flat in cross section.  Natively it grows in filtered light but I've sold a few plants where customers are growing this in full coastal sun.  Cold hardiness is the low 20's F..  Shown here is a nice box I  photographed yesterday and a 5g.  This is a very attractive green cycad.  Leaf length is five to six feet.
		photo by Art Vogel
photo by late Ken Hill, Cycad Pages

 

 

ZAMIA PORTORICENSIS This is a dwarf cycad from Puerto Rico that has very small caudexes, rarely over four inches, with sort leaves, typically under 3 feet.  They cluster freely.  The leaves are green and either flat or with a minimal amount of keeling.  Compared to similar Zamia species, these are unique in that the leaflets are longer and have minimal or no spines. They can tolerate coastal sun but require sun protection far inland.  Cold tolerance is thought to be in the mid-twenties F.  (little cold tolerance data).  This is a good cycad where there is very limited space available.  It can be grown as a patio potted cycad.

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI THE CHINESE WINDMILL PALM  This species, sometimes referred to as just the "Windmill Palm", is from China and one of the most cold hardy of all palm species.  There are enthusiasts from areas such as Ohio and parts of New York that are keeping them alive outdoors during the winter.  It is a single trunk palm with a furry trunk.  In time, this trunk's mat and hair will fall off to produce a cleaner trunk.  The crown is small, especially in hot intense sun.  It stretches out in strong filtered light or part day sun.  But, too much shade may kill this species.  It's leaves are about three feet across.  Leaf shape in nearly circular with divided segments.  Trunk height depends on the age of the tree.  This species is usually under twenty feet tall, but very old specimens (see below) can reach heights of over 30 feet.  Shown here are several good sized boxed plants and a 5g plant.  Most of our mail order customers prefer the 5g size for shipping.  Leaf stems are minimally armed with very small barbs.  Overall, it is quite a user-friendly species and is great for smaller gardens.  We do sell all sizes of this very easy-to-grow species.

 

SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA AFRICAN TULIP TREE EASY FLORID COLOR FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G TREES This is a large flowering tree that is native to arid areas in Africa.  It can get to heights over fifty feet.  It has long lasting, orange-red blossoms that last for months on the tree.  It is fast growing and cold tolerant perhaps into the mid-twenties F.  It likes full sun.  I have seen trees in full blossom with just as much color in Southern California as you see in the picture below.  We are offering nice 15g trees on sale.  They are actually still holding onto some blossoms in late November showing how the blossoms last so long.  Limited numbers available. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $135 Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price.	photo taken November 19, 2013
from Maui Plant Chronicles Website

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII THE SPINDLE PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED PLANTS This cousin of the popular Bottle Palm is known as the Spindle Palm.  It is called this because the bulge in the trunk is in the trunk's mid-portion, not at the base.  It is a shorter palm species and takes decades to achieve a height of eight to ten feet.  It is sun loving and cold tolerant to just below a freeze.  It is native to the Mascarene Islands.  In habitat maximum height seen is a bit over twenty feet.  There is a prominent yellow in the petioles and stems of this species whereas the Bottle Palm is more of a red.  If you want to try this species, make sure you have the proper weather for it, especially regarding cold exposure.  TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Limited numbers available.  Just mention this special when ordering to get this price.

CEROXYLON AMAZONICUM ANOTHER COCONUT "LOOK-ALIKE"? All Ceroxylon are high elevation South American palms that grow in the Andean Mountains.  This species is at a lower elevation that most other Ceroxylon and is found at about 3000 feet in Ecuador.  It is also one of the shorter Ceroxylon, only getting to about thirty feet height.  It sports that sought-after thick white trunk and has no crown shaft.  Becuase it comes from a lower elevation, it is sometimes mentioned that it has more "heat tolerance" than other Ceroxylon as well as good cold tolerance.  Also, some people have mentioned that this species looks "like a Coconut".  You be the judge on this.  Lots of enthusiasts or growers try to tag the name "coconut" to their plant or product so people easily remember it.  In the garden, this species likes good draining soil and plenty of water.  I'd recommend planting it in filtered light and allowing it to grow into coastal sun over time.  Inland areas may be able to grow this species but in filtered light.  In fact, this species of Ceroxylon may be the best one for them because of the previously mentioned better heat tolerance.  Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.  Shown here are a 5g and 7g plant.  We have extremely limited supplies of this species.  Wild photos are care of Tobias Spanner.  .
photo by TS at RPS	photo by TS at RPS

 

TRITHRINAX SCHIZOPHYLLA BLUE-GREEN SUCKERING FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This rare and hard to find species of South American fan palm was previously known as Trithrinax biflabellata.  It is not quite as blue as campestris and perhaps a bit taller when mature.  It does sucker.  The leaflet tips are softer than the pungent campestris.  On sale are these outdoor grown 15g plants.  It likes full sun and is pretty cold hardy, possibly into the upper teens F.  It is possible to mail order this larger 15g size, but we do have 5g as well. REGULAR PRICE OLD 15G PLANTS $185 TEN DAY SPECIAL `15G SIZE $150 As usual, mention our Blog when ordering to get this price.

BRAHEA DULCIS ROCK PALM, SOMBRERO PALM A GREEN AND A BLUE FORM This is a medium sized, usually single trunked fan palm that has a native habitat that extends from Mexico down into Central America.  It has flat and roundish leaves that are either green or a prominent blue-green in color.  Therefore, it is known to have a "green form" as well as a "blue form".  This color is not evident until the plant gets larger in the ground.  The trunk is about ten inches thick and usual does not have hair or fibers.  Leaves are flat, round in shape and about three feet wide.  Leaflet segments are open about half way into the leaf.  Fruits are known to be edible.  In my opinion, compared to Brahea armata, the dulcis leaves are more round, flat and softer to the touch.  And, obviously, not as blue as the armata.  Shown here are two different 5g plants.  The first three photos are of a "blue" B. dulcis, although the color is not evident at this age.  The fourth and seventh photos show the blue variety.  The other garden specimen is the green form.  This species can be grown in strong filtered light or sun.  In less sun, the leaves are larger and more exotic appearing.  Cold tolerance is probably into the low twenties F., perhaps into the upper teens.  We may have larger and smaller specimens for sale at the nursery.
		Brahea dulcis blue in Miami, FL
		photo by Angelo Porcelli PACSOA

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERA BLUE, SUCKERING SMALLER MEDITTERANEAN  FAN PALM FROM MOROCCO TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE In my experience, Chamaerops cerifera seems to stay smaller than the green form of this genus, Chamaerops humilus.  It tolerates extreme heat and sun and is cold hardy to fifteen degrees F.  Clumps tend to be as wide as they are tall.  Typical heights appear to be six to eight feet.  They are drought tolerant and slow growing.  Shown here is our 5 gallon size which we've put on special.  We can easily ship these to your door.. REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS $45 You must mention this Internet Only Special when purchasing to get this price.

 

CYCAS (TAITUNGENSIS X REVOLUTA) X DEBAOENSIS INTERESTING AND POTENTIAL GREAT  HYBRID CYCAD MOVE OVER SAGO PALM! TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 1G PLANTS I'm placing on special some F2 hybrid cycads that an acquaintance of mine set seeds on.  He took a known hybrid between the Sago Palm and the Emperor Cycad and pollinated this with pollen from the trifurcating and rare Cycad debaoensis.  These young plants are the offspring.  They are aggressive growers and should make a nice size but not overwhelmingly big cycad.  But, they'll be unlike anything else you've ever seen available.  This could be one of the best hybrid cycads for the garden ever! The leaves may bifurcate and if one were lucky even trifurcate like the pollen donor.  I've put them in pots ranging from 2 gallon to 5 gallon.  They have big roots.  They should take coastal sun and I anticipate will have good cold tolerance. REGULAR PRICE: FIRST TIME OFFERING TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 1G PLANTS $45 Most plants now have two leaves.  Just mention this special to get this Blog Only price.  Easy to mail order.
	Pure Cycas debaoensis, pollen donor for hybrid

 

TUESDAY, 5 AUGUST, 2014 - BONUS PLANTS

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS DESIRABLE BLUE VARIETY ALMOST SEVEN INCH, NEARLY ROOTED OUT CAUDEX TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT I only have this one plant of this desirable South African cycad.  It is Encephalartos arenarius, but a blue form.  I recently got this in.  It is a firm, nicely shaped caudex that feels firm in its 5g pot.  It looks like it'll be throwing leaves soon.  I saw a flush from a sister plant of the same size/parent plant and it had thrown six to eight leaves of the most blue color, like a horridus.  The mature plant below in the ground is another of the same lineage.   TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT $700 But, mentinon this special to get this price when you purchase.  Rembember, I only have this one.  And, in a month or two, when it's got big beautiful leaves, it'll be much more expensive.  Sorry, this plant sold within an hour of blogging it here.

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS BLUE FORM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANT This plant was also part of the collection that we got in.  It was rooted out in the past twelve months and threw a set of leaves inside a greenhouse.  Had this plant been outdoors, the leaves would have been much more blue.   That's what interior humidity and lack of full sun does to the leaf color; makes them more of a green than the blue they'll do outdoors.  But, this plant will display nice blue outdoors in sun.  It is an 8 inch caudex plant.  It is easily possible to ship this plant right to your door. TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT $675 Just mention this special to get this price at the time of purchase.  This is an excellent price but reverts back to regular price in ten days.
close up photo outdoor grown plant

BLUE BUTIA CAPITATA THE LAST OF MY 15 GALLON SIZE TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE It's been a few years that I've been offering this incredibly popular blue Pindo Palms.  They actually are equivalent in blue color to Brahea armata (check fifth photo).  It's the 15g size I'm putting on special.  I have about five left.  I can ship these to anywhere in the U.S.  Cold hardiness is about 15 degrees F. REGULAR PRIDCE $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $150 But, remember to request this Blog Special price when purchasing.
	Next to Brahea armata to compare color	25g size, not on special
25 gallon size	Photo by Paul Craft

TUESDAY, 5 AUGUST, 2014

TWENTY PLANTS ON ONE PALLET NINE FIFTEEN GALLON, ELEVEN FIVE GALLON AFFORDABLE AND SAFE JOURNEY TO SANTA CRUZ Last week I told you about a customer who wanted a large number of plants.  He lives in Santa Cruz, California., south of San Francisco.  So, rather than sending one plant at a time in one box via Federal Express, we used an independent trucking company.  For a super big order, we may just load up a truck.  But, for this number of plants, most affordable is palletizing the plants.  So, we got nine fifteen gallons and eleven five gallons on the same pallet.  And, these were good sized plants.  The trucking company picks up the pallet and off it goes. Forty-eight hours later the plants were in his area and later delivered to his drive way.  My customer had told me he would shoot photos of the pallet and plants on arrival.  So, I am showing them now.  The plants arrived in perfect condition.  On this order, it worked out to be a bit more than $24 per plant to ship.  Plants weighed anywhere from 30 pounds to 100 pounds each.  This, of course, is in the pot with soil.  Total weight was about 1000 pounds.  And, accompanying the order were all the Ag permits.   As the Bay Area is very concerned about preventing Pierce Disease (Glassy Wing Sharp Shooter - a threat to the wine industry), an Ag inspection needed to inspect the plants.  The palms, of course, were insect free and the inspector "was jealous" of all the cool palms by my customer's report. We can use this technique to anywhere within the continental U.S.  So, consider shipping by pallet if you need a bunch of plants.  We can do this with palms, cycads or any of the plants we grow.  To closer areas we often deliver ourselves in one of our large trucks.  We have used pallets for shipping for individual customers, botanical gardens and commercial projects.  When doing this, one gets a better price on the second and third pallets compared to the first one.  This is a very affordable way to ship plants. BTW, careful inspection of the last photos shows this customer lives in a redwood forest.  He grows tons on palms and cycads there.	Pallet partially filled with palm trees	Loaded pallet before shrink wrap
Pallet of plants leaving our nursery	Pushing pallet out to the street	Plants being put on a truck, leaving our nursery
Truck has arrived at customers house, backed into driveway.	Offloading pallet	Pallet has be stripped of shrink wrap
Lumber removed, plants separated	Approximately 20 plants, all from one pallet, at customers home

DIOON RZEDOWSKII RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTHERN MEXICO This medium to large cycad comes from an elevation of 2100 to 2800 ft. in mountainous regions of the Sierra de Oaxaca.  It most closely resembles Dioon spinulosum that comes from lower elevations under 1000 feet.  It is also similar to Dioon mejiae from Honduras.  It would not be difficult to confuse these three species as they are all somewhat similar appearing.  Of these three species, Dioon rzedowskii is by far the most rare. Trunk height can reach fifteen feet.  This species usually does not branch but does recline with age.  Trunk diameter is under 16 inches.  Leaves are leathery, glossy green and about five feet long.  When emerging, they are quite tomentous (hairy) and after maturation the leaves are flat.  Leaf color is green, but not quite as shiny as Dioon spinulosum.  Leaf margins when young have quite prominent spines which are more prominent compared to spinulosum and a bit more of a yellow color than the latter (see photo #7 below).  When the plants mature, most of these spines are lost, but a few may remain (first photo, last row below).  The last photo shows a seedling that germinated in habitat.  Along the coast here this species does best with part day sun or strong filtered light.  It can tolerate full sun but tends to be more lime green with full sun exposure.  Inland areas would demand filtered light.  Shown here is an assortment of nursery plants in various sizes.  The habitat photos of mature plants here were all donated by a friend and cycad enthusiast John Otto.  Cold tolerance is into the mid to low-twenties F.  Of note, this species has extremely large seeds.

CYCAS CURRANII EXOTIC SPECIES OF CYCAD FROM PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES This tropical appearing green cycad produces a tall stem up to thirty feet or more, one to two feet in diameter. It is reported that this species attains a size and stature similar to surrounding trees in habitat.  Leaves are six to eight feet with armed, long petioles.  Leaf width is about two feet.  Leaves are flat, slightly flexing toward the fround and occasionally a bit undulating.  To the touch, the leaves are rather soft and inviting.  Seeds are quite large with raised edges on the sclerotesta (hard inner layer of the seed below the fruit).  Cycas wadei is the only other Cycas species with ridged sclerotesta but it comes from the island of Wadei and the seeds are much smaller.  This makes an attractive landscape specimen cycad.  I have been growing this species for about ten years and found that it does quite well in Southern California.  I have a few gorgeous 15g plants for sale.  They would prefer part day sun or strong filtered light.  Cold tolerance appears to be into the mid-twenties F.
	From PACSOA by George Yao	From PACSOA by George Yao

 

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE THE PACAYA PALM SOME THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW This single trunk palm is from Mexico and Central America and gets to a height of about fifteen feet.  Cold tolerance is into the mid to low 20/s F  Today I thought I would describe a few things that you may not know and that I've learned about this attractive species. 1.  It has a dark green trunk with prominent rings.  Diameter is usually about 1.5, sometimes 2 inches. 2.  There are male and female plants.  Shown here is a male plant.  These flowers produce an amazing amount of pollen.  When ready, a simple flick of the finger releases a cloud of pollen.  If there is a receptive female nearby, you are almost guaranteed of getting seeds. When gold or yellow, the males are ready.   With age, they turn brown as seen n the third photo 3.  Flower bracts can get quite large, almost ear of corn sized, and are eaten in native localities. 4.  A way to recognize this plant is to look for the yellow stripe on the underside of the leaf stem, as shown in two photos here. 5.  This is a shade demanding species.  In my experience, a plant that starts in shade and then grows into the sun will burn and may die.  Give it a damp and shady locality in the garden. 6.  This plant can do well as a houseplant as long as it has adequate humidity.  7.  They look better when planted as multiples in the same pot or garden location.  8.  Although not a true "stilt root forming" species, Chamaedorea tepejilote gives it a try and sometimes will show small stilt roots. 8.  There is a suckering form of this species.  i've shown a closeup of a suckering plant so you can see the suckering stem coming off the main trunk.  This are rare and hard to find. 10.  Seeds on a female tree are initially green as shown below and then turn pure black, at which time they are ready to harbdest. 11.  Plants need cleaning of old leaf bases to help prevent insects (especially mealy bug) infestations.  But, pulling off a leaf base prematurely may lead to permanent scarring of the trunk as seen in the last photo.
older spent male blossom to right	male flower about to produce pollen	multiple immature flower spikes coming
yellow stripe on the underside of the stem	although not true still roots, plants try to form them
		two plants in one pot is more attractive
Another look at the yellow stripe on stem	suckering form with additional stem forming	immature green seeds.  These will turn black.
	small colony, photo by TS at RPS	base of colony, photo by Ian Edwards PACSOA
	leaflets are wide and long	prominent rings on the stem.  Note stem scar.

 

BUTIA BONNETTII MOST COLD HARDY BUTIA THERE IS? SMALLER BUTIA PLANT This is a difficult palm to discuss because there is disagreement over what it is and if it's actually a species or just a variety of Butia capitata.  People seek it out because the urban legend is that it is easily the most cold hardy of all the Butia species.  The latter may be true, but it remains "what is this palm?". Most would agree that it is probably a variety of capitata.  It doesn't get as tall as capitata, about half the height and peaks out at about ten feet.  The crown width is six to eight feet..  So, it might be perfect for someone who wants a smaller palm.  It has gray-green foliage and gives edible fruit.  It is a full sun plant with cold tolerance probably about 10 degrees. We only have a few 15g plants left.  So, if you want one, don't dally.  These can be shipped.
photo care of Palmpedia	photo by Dennis Valdez	drawing by unknown artist

BECCARIOPHOENIX SPECIES "WINDOWS" LARGE PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR About twenty years ago when palm species from Madagascar were a brand new thing, seeds came in labeled "Beccariophoenix".  They didn't have species names.  There are at least three different species in this genus.  But, to this day, the one shown here has still (to my knowledge) not been given a formal scientific name.  It got this name because of the open windows between the leaflets on younger plants.  (see photo).  This is a large palm with a trunk over twelve inches thick.  It most likely will get over 30 feet tall.  The boxed plant seen here has been grown outdoors and has spent its whole life seeing cold weather.  Occasionally it shows a little burn but seems to always come back.  I know cold tolerance is lower than 25 degrees as this palm withstood 25 degrees F. in 2007.  It is a coastal sun plant.  In the desert it will most likely need sun protection.  This is a protected species and I suspect some day will be near impossible to get.  We have a limited selection available including this large boxed plant.
		photo showing "windows" in leaf
	Photo c/o Palmpedia

SATURDAY, 2 AUGUST, 2014

ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPS This is one of the most coveted of the blue cycads from South Africa.  It is also difficult to find with any size and the sizes for sale here are rarely offered.  Plants attain a small to medium mature size, never over about six to seven feet tall.  Color is intensely blue.  Leaves are about three to four feet long, leaflets unarmed except for their terminal tip and leaflets rotate on their axis, facing the central plant.  This latter trait is most prominent at the distal leaf.  All the plants shown here are from exceptional parent plants and all will be a very nice blue color.  The more blue specimens were already out in some sun whereas the greener plants were rooting in the greenhouse.  Rooting status is different, plant to plant.  We have about six of these plants available.  All plants in this batch are 20% off regular prices.	Plant #6, 8 x 10 inch (this plant sold)	Plant #6, 8 x 10 inch
Plant #6, 8 x 10 inch	Plant #27, 10 x 10 inches	Plant #27, 10 x 10 inches
Plant #27, 10 x 10 inches	Plant #29, 8 x 10 inches, no leaves yet	Plant #26, 8 x 9 inches
Plant #26, 8 x 9 inches	Plant #26, 8 x 9 inches	Encephalartos princeps Plant #30, 8 x 10 in
Encephalartos princeps Plant #30, 8 x 10 in	Example of mature garden Encephalartos princeps	Another garden specimen E. princeps
ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII This South African cycads is very popular, especially among those who don't like the gnarly leaflets of E. trispinosus and horridus.  Leaflets, like princeps above, are unarmed except for the terminal tip.  But, the leaflets do not rotate on their access.  Rather, leaflets lay flat and typically look upwards toward the sky.  Leaf color is intensely blue.  Mature, these are also a rather small cycad.  A trunk of three feet would be immense.  Leaf color is almost always intensely blue.    Many of the plants shown here were rooted out two years ago.  Others are more recent and rooting now.  I'm offering good prices on all of these plants with 20% off regular prices.  We have about eight of these available.	Encephalartos lehmannii plant #16,  6 in caudex	Encephalartos lehmannii plant #16,  6 in caudex
Encephalartos lehmannii plant #16,  6 in caudex	Encephalartos lehmannii 6 inch caudex, plant #5	Encephalartos lehmannii 6 inch caudex, plant #5
Encephalartos lehmannii 6 inch caudex, plant #5	Encephalartos lehmannii 6 inch caudex, plant #5	Encephalartos lehmannii plant #12 7 in caduex
Encephalartos lehmannii plant #12 7 in caduex	Encephalartos lehmannii plant #12 7 in caduex	Nice specimen at the nursery, not part of this sale group
A very nice garden specimen of E. lehmannii	A very silver colored garden specimen
ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS This is also a blue cycad species from South Africa.  Plants love sun, get trunks up to three feet tall and have crown diameters of four to five feet.  Sometimes they are just three feet.  Leaves tend to curve downwards at the ends and leaflets are very spiny with prominent lobes.  The classic leaflets has 3 lobes (spines) counting the end point.  Thus, the name "trispinosus" (three spines). Shown here are an assortment of plants of various sizes.  We have about eight to ten of these just in and on this sale.  Sizes are variable, from about 3 inches up to ten inches.  The degree of rooting is also variable, depending on the plant.  Many of the leafed out plants were rooted two years ago.  All can be shipped in their soil to anywhere in the U.S.  All are 20% off on the Ten Day Special.	E. trispinosus Plant #2 caudex 9 x 14 inches	E. trispinosus Plant #2 caudex 9 x 14 inches
E. trispinosus Plant #2 caudex 9 x 14 inches	E. trispinosus Plant #2 caudex 9 x 14 inches	Plant #10, caudex 6 inches
Plant #10, caudex 6 inches	Plant #10, caudex 6 inches	Un-rooted offset, size 5 inches; plant #28, no leaves
E. trispinosus plant #17 6 inch caudex	E. trispinosus plant #17 6 inch caudex	Encephalartos trispinosus #14   6 inch caudex
Encephalartos trispinosus #14   6 inch caudex	Encephalartos trispinosus #14   6 inch caudex	Encephalartos trispinosus 8 inch Plant #1
Encephalartos trispinosus 8 inch Plant #1	A larger nursery boxed specimen not in this group	Garden specimen E. trispinosus
ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII BUSHMANS RIVER TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT This South African cycad is a variety of altensteinii that has thicker leaflets which also has bigger and more prominent spines than the normal altensteinii.  Most feel the Bushman River form is more beautiful.  In my experience, leaflets are also wider.  This cycad is an agressive growing species and eventually will get a very robust trunk that can be meters tall.  Leaf length can get over six feet easily, green in color.  This is a full sun plant for all coastal areas with a cold tolerance to the low twenties F. Shown here is has a caudex of 9 inches and is in a 15g pot.  It can be mail ordered. REGULAR PRICE THIS CYCAD $800 TEN DAY DISCOUNTED PRICE $525 But, you can't get this price unless you mention this Blog Only Special.  I have only this one plant.
		A different but larger nursery plant
ENCEPHALARTOS CONCINNUS SPINY LEAF FORM TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT This green Central African cycad is from Zimbabwe and is endangered because of removal of plants from the wild.  There only remains about fifty mature reproducing specimens in habitat.  Originally included as one of the "manikensis alliance", this species got it's species name in the past several decades.   Trunks can get to ten feet.  It's considered a medium to large green cycad.  The form we are offering today is a more unusual form that has somewhat spiny leaflets when mature. The plant shown here is in a 15g pot.  It has a caudex size that is seven inches wide by nine inches tall.  This species is quite difficult to find.  It is somewhat drought tolerant as it comes from arid steep hillsides natively. REGULAR PRICE THIS CYCAD $950 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT $700 Just mention this Blog Special to get this price.  I only have this one plant available at this price.
ZAMIA LODDIGESEII TEN DAY SPECIAL BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS This is a Mexican Zamia that is quite variable in appearance both in leaf appearance and the shape of the leaflets.  There are also variations in habitat.  Caudexes are small, typically two to four inches in diameter with heights under one foot.  Stems are often subterranean.  Leaves are green, two to three feet long.  Stems typically sucker, giving multiple heads of leaves.  It is not an exotic appearing species.  It can survive temperatures down to freezing with some leaf damage.  Buried caudexes are spared damage if subterranean.  It prefers filtered light or possibly full sun in the coastal zone.  Good draining soil is best.  Usage in the garden would be where one wants a very low profile, somewhat xerophytic species that will never obstruct a view. I have germinated a whole flat of seedlings and am offering them on a Ten Day Special.  Seedlings will typically have 2 leaves. REGULAR PRICE BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL $20 OR THREE FOR $50 Just mention this Blog Special when purchasing to get this price.

JUNGLE MUSIC PALMS, CYCADS AND TROPICAL PLANTS RANDOM PHOTOS OF OUR ENTRANCE Yesterday we shot an assortment of photos of what the front of our nursery looks like.  I think you'd have to agree that we are loaded with tons of beautiful plants.  Please give us a visit.  We're 25 minutes north of San Diego, 90 minutes south of Los Angeles and just off Freeway 5.  There's a directions button at the top of our Home Page.

FRIDAY, 1 AUGUST, 2014
A FEW QUICK AFTERNOON POSTS: WATCH FOR SOME GREAT CYCADS IN THE MORNING

LICUALA ELEGANS AKA LICUALA PELTATA VAR. SUMAWONGII SOLID LEAF TROPICAL FAN PALM NICE 5G PLANTS AVAILABLE. This is a single trunk fan palm from southern Thailand, Malaya and possibly Sumatra.  Surprisingly, it's one of the few Licuala that can be grown in Southern California.  It has solid fan leaves with no division in the leaf; i.e., there are no individual segments.  It reaches a height of about 15 feet in the wild.  It is very similar to Licuala grandis which does poorly in our locality.  So, don't confuse the two. The main difficulty with growing this palm is winter cold.  It goes down to perhaps a freeze or a bit above 32 degrees F.  It likes filtered light or shade.  In our locality it's very slow growing.  It is also rare and hard to find.  It thrives in heat and humidity if in the shade.  It will not take direct sun in California.  Shown here are some nice 5g.  Limited numbers are available.  These can be shipped.  If you have a greenhouse, interior solarium or the right interior environment, no palm is more breathtaking.

RHAPIS HUMILUS HYBRIDS CROSSED BY LUIS HOOPER MEDIUM SIZED SHADE PALM Famous for his work with Rhapis hybrids, native Southern Californian and member of the International Palm Society Luis Hooper has spent a few decades crossing Rhapis humilus with both R. laosensis and multifida.  He created the popular "Rhapis alicea".   All are smaller than the parent R. humilus and all have proven to be good growing filtered light palms. The three plants we just got in were crossed by Luis from his garden's own plants.  They are nice 5g plants and for sale.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.  The exact cross is uncertian as the tags were lost.  But, all are attractive and for sale.  These also make fine interior palms.  I've included a photo of my long time friend Luis and a shot of his famous Dypsis "slick willy".
	Larger nursery plant
Photo of Luis Hooper	Dypsis "slick willy" at Luis's garden

A BEAUTIFUL CYCAD GARDEN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A QUICK PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR On occasion a few of my staff and I get the pleasure of visiting a very nice garden.  Recently we visited someone in Southern California who had an old, established garden with a strong emphasis on cycads.  I thought I would share it with you.  Some of his cycads have heights of twenty feet and really resemble palms trees. The garden began about twenty-five years ago and  has a vast selection of rare cycads.  And, yes, he does have some palms.  He lives in a toasty area of our state and most of the cycads see full sun.  I shall not identify species at this time but rather just show you how appealing and attractive cycads can be when utilized in the landscape.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA" THE BEST KING PALM EVER! AVAILABLE NOW! First of all, for all you budding palm taxonomists, I should mention that the name above is a fictitious common name.  We came up with this name because the derivation of "tera" is "monster" and "carpa" refers to body.  And, this perfectly describes the palm I'm discussing here this morning. In my own garden in San Diego, I have one Archontophoenix palm that is distinctly different from another others I have grown.  I do not recall the original seed source for this palm and didn't appreciate it until it displayed its amazing traits.  Here are some of its characteristics: 1.  It is much taller than Archontophoenix cunninghamiana.  It towers overhead adjacent King Palms. 2.  It has an extremely thick trunk diameter, 2 to 3 times thicker than the average King Palm. 3.  Impressively, there is a  LACK OF BROWN TIPPING TO THE LEAVES in full sun.  In my garden, other King species in full sun have brown tipped leaflets. 4.  It has a large and elongated yellow-blue crown shaft, different than another other Archontophoenix I've grown. 5.  It produces larger seeds than regular King Palms but smaller than A. purpurea.  They are red in color. 6.  There is a slight silver color to the back of the leaves.  7.  In full sun, the leaves are DARKER GREEN in color than regular King Palms. 8.  It has an extremely fast growth rate We have long considered this to be am Archontophoenix maxima.  I've mentioned this ad this Blog.  But, it's not identical to A. maxima we've grown at our nursery from reliable seed sources in Australia. So, we simply call it Archonotophoenix "teracarpa".  We have 2 and 5g sizes available.  I'm showing a 5g double plant here.  Photos of the large tree here are of the actual tree in my garden that has produced the "teracarpa" seeds.  At present, I'd estimate its height at forty to fifty feet.  If you like King Palms, you can't do better than this one.
Note that it towers over adjacent other  King Palms, darker green in color, no brown tipping or yellowing

ASSORTED PHOTOS PLANTS OUTDOORS AT THE NURSERY About half of our nursery plants are grown outdoors at the nursery.  The other half are inside our greenhouses.  We have twelve greenhouses.  In general, the outdoor plants are acclimated better to our weather or sun and tend to be larger and more mature in size. Two days ago my son Jesse went around with a camera to show you some pictures of a few of our outdoor growing areas.  Readers typically enjoy it when we show such photos.  You'll see here palm trees, exotic cycads and lush tropical species.  I hope you enjoy these photos.  Of course, all plants are for sale. For those of you who haven't visited us, our street front is about three hundred feet long in a residential neighborhood.  We chose such a neighborhood on purpose because our city is known for its nurseries and green attitude.  Nurseries are nestled among homes.  It's quite inviting to visit nurseries here.  We have several acres overall dedicated to the plants.  This includes shaded or shade cloth areas, hot sun areas, a display garden area and a large propagation and growing grounds.  We also host an educational center and lecture hall.  We are just minutes off the major freeway (Fwy 5) in our town of Encinitas, California.  So, it's an easy trip.  Please drop in a visit us.

TO CONTINUE READING EARLIER POSTS FROM JULY, 2014, CLICK HERE

 

ALTHOUGH NOT PLANTS FOR SALE, THE INFORMATIONAL POSTS BELOW
WILL BE USEFUL OR INFORMATIVE TO MOST WEBSITE VISITORS

 

GREAT NEW PALM REFERENCE BOOK THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CULTIVATED PALMS For those of you who may be seeking out a good palm book that is easy to read and very educational, I highly recommend this publication.  As you know I rarely recommend a particular book. In 2003, Paul Craft and Robert Lee Riffle published their first edition of this book.  It was felt by most at that time to be the best palm publication around.  But, as time went by, more palm species were discovered and Paul Craft wanted to improve on his first book.  Robert Lee Riffle unfortunately passed away, but Paul teamed up with noted botanist and author, Scott Zona, formerly of Fairchild Tropical Gardens and a few months ago published the second edition of this fine book.  It deals with about 900 species of palms and has about 1000 photographs.  It is particularly good for those of you trying to make sense of the many Dypsis species. I have been a friend of all three authors mentioned above, but have had a long term comradery with Paul Craft and his wife Patty.  Thirty-five years ago, Paul and I were the only growers in the United States that had nurseries specializing in palms.  So, we became close friends and have communicated over these many years.  I can tell you that his work on this book is superb. And, he's offering a special price (need to verify still being offered) to you of $47.95 (normally $59.95 retail price).  Maybe you can get him to send you a signed copy!  And, shipping within the U.S. is included with this price.  It's a real bargain for such a fine book.  If interested, just click here to order this great palm book.  You'll not be disappointed. Of note, I am just promoting this book because of its merits and have no fiscal relationship with this publication.

 

SHIPPING LARGER NUMBERS OF BIG PLANTS BY INDEPENDENT TRUCKERS SECURING PLANTS ON PALLETS Our usual technique of shipping plants is to utilize Federal Express ground service.  The customer calls us, places his order, and usually the same day plants are put into boxes in their containers, soil and all, taken down to the Federal Express shipping center and are on their way.  The customer receives his plants several days later looking exactly like they did at our nursery.  This shipping method is good for plants up to about 15g size.  And, we can piggyback smaller plants with bigger plants to shave shipping costs.  It's even possible to get four or five plants in the same box by putting smaller ones in with the main plant.  But, other times people want larger plants (too tall and heavy for Fed Exp to delivery) or a larger number of plants where it would require twenty-five or more boxes.  For this type of order, it's much more affordable to use an independent trucking service.  Sometimes, if space is available, we merely slide free standing plants into the truck and they are delivered without packaging them together or putting them on a pallet.  Other times we will put plants onto a 4 foot wooden pallet, add reinforcing wood sides to the pallet and wrap the whole bundle in shrink wrap plastic.  Which technique is used depends mostly on the requirements of the trucking company and whether the plants will be moved from one truck to another en route.  Inside the pallets we piggyback all sorts of smaller plants from band size to even double-stacked 15g.allo plants.  On one pallet it's quite possible to get twelve to fourteen larger plants along with a whole bunch of smaller ones.  This method works on plants up to about 8 feet tall.  Taller than this won't fit under the truck roof and must be individually laid down.  Such tall plants cannot be put on a pallet.  . The photos shown here were an order of 38 plants that went to a botanical garden on the east coast a few days ago.  They demonstrate what the pallets look like once they are completed.  Each pallet weighs 750 to 1000 pounds.  The palletized plants are being put onto a lift gate of a a bobtail truck.  This truck goes up to Los Angeles and from there are moved into a 53 foot semi truck that goes across the country.  Delivery time is 3 to 4 days and the plants easily tolerate the trip.  And, from a cost point of view, shipping this way is much less expensive than shipping one plant at a time by Federal Express .

ANNOUNCING: NEW VIDEO ON JUNGLE MUSIC NURSERY PALM TREES, CYCADS AND TROPICAL PLANTS Yesterday, two of our sales persons, Rusty and Ricardo,  created and published a ten to twelve minute video that shows you our recent nursery expansion projects, our various growing areas of our 2.5 acre nursery, lots of unusual species of plants and our new educational center where we delivery lectures and films.  We think it's fun and you'll enjoy it.  The video is sort of long (for YouTube) but fast moving and we think worth your time.  Please watch it and email us feedback.  Or, like us on Facebook or Tweeter.  Thank you. TO SEE THE JUNGLE MUSIC NURSERY VIDEO, CLICK HERE

 

GREAT PALM TREES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Below are pictures of about thirty five palm species that all do well in Southern California.  I am leaving this post and the one after it on my current Blog because people tell me that's it's very useful to them.  In the group of palms below,  I left off the most common species that, it seems, everyone knows about.  So, there are no Queen Palms and Mexican Fan Palms below.  But, this group includes species that may be a bit unusual and more interesting.  This is not a complete list.  For instance, within any given genus, there may be dozens other species that do well here.  If I showed every species that you can grow, it would be too overwhelming.  So, I've kept it simple and show representative pictures.  I think, for a starting point, this will suffice.  I have chosen to show mature plants in gardens.  I tried to use mostly pictures from gardens in Southern California to show examples.  Some are from elsewhere.  This provides a quick view of species that you may want to try.  Some are for sun, others for shade.  Some are more difficult to grow than others.  I'm not commenting on each species presently.  But, throughout my Blog, there are comments on almost all of these.  If you don't live here in Southern California, realize that many of these species may live in your area as well.    I hope you enjoy this.  We, of course, have most or all of these palms for sale at the nursery in an assortment of sizes.  And, for your enthusiasts, we probably have several hundred other cool species for you to try.

 

      

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana	Bismarckia nobiis	Brahea armata	Caryota gigas	Chambeyronia macrocarpa
Chamaedorea costaricana	Coccothrinax species	Copernicia baileyana	Cryosophila species	Cyphophoenix species'
Dypsis decaryi	Dypsis decipiens (habitat)	Dypsis leptocheilos	Dypsis onilahensis	Euterpe edulis
Hedyscepe canterburyana	Howea forsteriana	Howea belmoreana	Jubaea chilensis	Kentiopsis oliviformis
Livistona decipiens	Parajubaea torallyi	Phoenix rupicola	Pinanga coronata	Pritchardia species
Pritchardia species	Ravenea glauca	Ravenea species	Rhapis humilus	Rhopalostylis sapida
Roystonea borinquena	Sabal causiarum	Syagrus pseudococos	Veitchia arecina	Wodyetia bifurcata

On all the genera above there may be many more species within the same genus that also grow well for us here.  I apologize if I haven't
included your favorite species in this group, but this is meant to be a brief introduction and I wanted to keep it simple.  I have utilized these
species in a brief article summarizing Palms for Southern California elsewhere at this website.

PLANT CONTAINER SIZE

For growers here on the West Coast, there are black plastic containers that most of us use on our plants.  Surprisingly, there are differences between the pots used
on the West Coast and East Coast of the U.S.  Here we refer to most containers by "gallon size"  On the East Coast pots are referred to by "diameter in inches".  So,
back East you might find a plant in a "14 inch pot".  Here is might be called a "15 gallon pot".  If you visit our price and availability catalog, plants are shown by their
pot size.  I'm hoping that this Blog post this morning will help clarify what individual pots look like.

 

CONTAINER SIZE	PHOTO EMPTY CONTAINER	PHOTO OF PLANTS IN THIS CONTAINER
BAND SIZE CONTAINER This pot is 3 x 3 x 9 inches, square in shape.  It is used for seedling plants.  For most growers, it has replaced the one gallon pot.  It is a bit deeper and easier to place in carrying trays.  It also conserves space on benches because these can be placed close together.  You can get a pretty nice plant in a band container, sometimes up to 30 inches tall.
ONE GALLON POT This is a very common pot used, especially by flower growers and those producing small shrubs.  It's a typical first step after germinating a seedling.  We prefer using the band containers above as they conserve table and bench space more efficiently and are deeper.  Diameter of this pot is six inches but it's only about seven inches deep.
TWO GALLON POT This pot is 7 to 8 inches wide and about 8 inches deep.  It is a nice size to move a band plant into.  But, it is not particularly deep, so you have to make sure the roots fit into the container. This pot will produce an average plant that is about 2 feet tall. We grow a lot of palms in these pots.
FIVE GALLON POT This pot is 10 inches wide and about 10 inches deep.  It produces a plant that is one of the most common sized palms that we sell.  It is popular because it's not too heavy to lift and plants are typically three to five feet tall, depending on the species.
SEVEN GALLON POT We really like this container because it produces a good sized plant but isn't as heavy to carry as a 15g.  But, for some manufacturing reason, this pot costs twice as much as a 15g.  Therefore, most growers aren't buying this sized pot very much nowadays.  It is 12 inches wide, and about 12 inches deep.
FIFTEEN GALLON POT This is the most popular sized purchased by people who want a landscape or near-landscape ready size of plant.  This container typically supports a palm from four to eight feet size.  Weight of this size of container with soil and plant is usually sixty to ninety pounds.  It's size is 15 to 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep.  Note how this size pot usually has a nice carrying lip at the top of the pot.
TWENTY/TWENTY-FIVE GALLON POTS This is the next size up from a 15g.  These pots are typically about 18 to 20 inches wide and 16 to 18 inches deep.  They weight anywhere from 125 to 150 pounds with their soil.  They can produce a plant larger than the 15g, typically 8 to 10 feet. They usually have a flat lip on the top as shown. The pot shown here is actually a 25g pot.  20 g are a bit smaller.
24 INCH BOX CONTAINER This box is 24 inches wide, square in shape and about 22 to 24 inches deep.  The weight of this container depends on the mix, but is anywhere from 175 to 300 pounds (this heavier weight is if one is using a very heavy soil).  It takes two men to lift one of these.  We prefer plastic boxes as shown here, but they are much more expensive than wooden box.  They last a very long time.

ALL POT SIZES IN A ROW This pot shows all the sizes lined up in a row.  In order, left to right are: band size one gallon two gallon five gallon seven gallon fifteen gallon 25 gallon 24 inch box There are a few more pots that we use and I haven't discussed here.  These include: Citrus pots:  these are 8 x 8 x 14 inches, a tall pot for the diameter and good for cycads Deep bands:  These bands are about twice the size of a normal band Thirty gallon pots:  These are a step up from the 25 gallon size and pretty heavy Thirty inch boxes:  These are very heavy, hard to lift, so we rarely use them

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THIS IS A HUGE WEBSITE.  TAKE YOUR TIME WITH IT.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARTICLES ON PALM TREES. 
 

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS BLOG.  I HOPE YOU VISIT US AGAIN.  

Phil Bergman

Owner, Jungle Music Palms and Cycads  

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