RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MEDIUM SIZED - GRACEFUL & BEAUTIFUL PALM

SINGLE TRUNK – NICE GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

Of the Shaving Brush Palm family, this is the hardest one to find.  And, many think it's the prettiest and most desirable species.  Some consider it to be a variety of R. baueri.  We like to consider it a species.  Native to Raoul Island, an island well off the eastern side of New Zealand, this species has a medium sized trunk and reaches a height of twenty five feet.  The crown shaft is gorgeous but not as swollen as R. sapida.  I have some customers who report the crown shaft being a purple color.  On younger plants the leaf stems may shown colors of red to purple.  With age they are a brown-green.  Leaves are green and arching.  Trunks are prominently ringed.  It will take coastal sun or part day sun.  Some grow it in strong filtered light.  Far inland it needs protection from full sun.  Growth rate is slow to medium.  We’re putting nice 15g plants on sale.  See first seven photos.  The last photo is c/o cloudforest website.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $200

Just mention this Blog special at the time of purchase for this discount. 

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SMALLER TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

GREEN LEAVES – VERY THIN TRUNKS
BRIGHT RED FRUIT
OVERSIZED 2 GALLON – TEN DAY SPECIAL

This shade loving species is sought after for several reasons:
It doesn't get too tall, rarely over 8 feet tall
It suckers and forms a nice clump
It has good cold tolerance into the upper teens F.
Leaves are sometimes iridescent and sometimes a blue color on their underside

It is a type of Bamboo Palm.  Trunks are very thin, sometimes just a quarter of an inch.  Leaves are short, usually 2 to 3 feet.  On the females with pollination, you’ll get super red but small fruits.  It prefers filtered light, doesn’t get very tall and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  It also makes an ideal patio or interior palm.

We are presently offering very nice 2 gallon plants on special.  As you can see they are at least 3 feet tall and beginning to sucker.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $80
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $67.50

Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price. 

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK
VERY "CUTE PALM" WITH GREEN OR SILVER GREEN LEAVES

PRITCHARDIA MAIDENIANA
PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS PRITCHARDIA AFFINIS

ENDEMIC PALM NATIVE TO THE BIG ISLAND – HAWAII
PRITCHARDIAS ARE THE ONLY NATIVE PALMS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Pritchardias are a single trunk fan palm.  Of the several dozen species, most are endemic to one or more of the Hawaii Islands and are not found elsewhere in the world.  There are several species from the South Pacific.  This particular species, Pritchardia maideniana, is native to the Big Island.  For many decades it was known as P. affinis, but Don Hodel found no difference on researching these two species and both have been lumped together as P. maideniana.  It lives in mountainous areas and there are known to be about fifty or so plants in the wild.  It is considered endangered.  It has wedge shaped leaf with shiny green topsides.  Pink tomentum is found on the leaf stem – these hairs continue somewhat onto the underside of the leaf.  Leaves are erect.  Trunk diameter is about 10 inches and mature height is 20 to 40 feet or more.  This species tolerates coastal sun and is cold hardy into the twenties F.  We’re offering nice bands on sale.  They’d be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE AS SHOWN $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $50

LICUALA ELEGANS
EXOTIC FLAT CIRCULAR LEAF FAN PALM

AKA LICUALA SUMAWONGENSIS
TEN DAY SPECIAL SMALL BAND SIZE

Presently we are offering seedlings of this sought after single trunk exotic fan palm on a Ten Day Special.  People seek this plant out because it's the only solid, large, flat leaf Licuala that does well here in Southern California.  Leaves are flat, pleated and green in color.  Leaf size can be up to five feet across.  Trunks are thin, petioles are armed and mature height can get to about 15 feet.  It wants filtered light and maybe a glimpse of sun here and there.  Cold hardiness is into at best the low 30's F.  The plants on special are one leaf seedlings in band containers.  This species is hard to find and sometimes one must start slow.  It’d be best to “baby them” until they are larger before planting them in the ground.  We’re offering a nice discount b/c they are so small.  We have very limited numbers available.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS RARE SPECIES $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $47.50

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this discounted price.  Mail order should be easy.

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON PLANT

Native to Mozambique, this small to medium sized cycad grows in scrub forest among rocks and boulders.  It is distinguished by its blue to blue-green color and by having leaflets that are prominently spiny.  In my experience, leaf color is sometimes very blue, other times blue-green.  You'll sometimes hear the description as "soapy green" to describe the leaves.  Overall, the leaf color is variable.  Trunk size is usually under three feet.  Upright leaves are about four feet long or less.  Leaves are keeled and leaflets are lanceolate and spiny.  This species likes full sun and is cold tolerant into the low 20's F.  The first six pictures show a 15 gallon plant with a three inch caudex.  We're putting this actual plant on sale.  I suspect outdoors in sun (greenhouse grown so far) it'll show more of the blue color as the parents were blue.

PANDANUS UTILUS
THE SCREW PINE

THE BEST AND ONE OF THE FEW PANDANUS GOOD FOR THIS AREA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

Pandanus utilus is called the Screw Pine but is not a pine at all.  It's actually a monocot (similar to palms) and native to Madagascar, the Mauritius Islands and some surrounding areas.  It gets it's name by the arrangement of leaves which come off the trunk in spiraling fashion, always the same direction.  Thus, the leaves spin off at different angles in a swirl.  Leaves are rather thin and have spines along the margins.  The trunk on this species is quite amazing.  It forms aerial roots (sausage like) that come to the ground for stability.  Trunks fork and form multiple heads of leaves.  Trunks can also be quite smooth, almost snakeskin-like.  It has large fruit clusters that are bigger than grenades.  But, it is a dioecious species and you need a male and female plant to set viable seeds.  Leaf color is green with a sheen of blue.  Overall height is variable, but old specimens can easily be over thirty feet tall with lots of branches.  It takes sun or part sun.  Cold tolerance is probably in the mid-twenties F.  We are offering only a few 15g as shown that we have in stock.  This is an extremely rare species to find for sale.
 
REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $185

Just mention this blog special when purchasing to get this price.  The only other Pandanus that we’ve had luck with is P. furcatus, which we don’t have available.  All the other species have failed for us outdoors.

SYNECANTHUS FIBROSUS
THE JELLYBEAN PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM OR SHAVING BRUSH PALM

NEW ZEALAND PALM - BULGING CROWN SHAFT
A FAVORITE OF ALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

Native stands of Rhopalostylis sapida are found in temperate parts of New Zealand and also on coastal areas of Chatham and South Islands.  In these localities it is found in shaded forests and in the more moist bottoms of mountainous gullies.  One does not see it at high elevation where severe cold may be seen.  Rather it's in the coastal and warmer regions.  Being a slow growing species, it is reported that it takes ten to fifteen years in habitat before one begins to see a formed trunk.  One report done by the New Zealand government reported that it took forty years to show trunk and that ten meter trees were 200 years old.  The point here is that, as a species, the Nikau Palm is slow growing in its natural habitat.  Soil in the area is good draining and rainfall is ample

This is a single trunk palm that has green, upright leaves.  The hallmarks of this plant are the upright pointing leaves and the swollen crown shaft.  Almost always, the crown shaft is prominently larger in diameter than the trunk.  The trunk has rings from old leaf attachments.  Overall height after many decades is 25 to 35 feet or, on old specimens, even more.  Trunk diameter is eight to twelve inches.  Leaves are usually eight to twelve feet long.  Growth rate is slow. 

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $200

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price.  We do have other sizes for sale.  The 15g size can be mail ordered but it takes a large, heavy box.

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

DOES BEST IN SHADE – STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This is a very large, single trunk species that is native to a long range, spanning from Mexico into the northern parts of South America.  It is very sought after by enthusiasts and is known as one of the tallest of all Chamaedoreas - reaching heights of possibly over forty feet.  The trunk has a prominent crownshaft and is four inches thick or more.  It's leaves are four to five feet long with a prominent petiole.  Leaf color is a deep green and, in cross section, the leaves are slightly keeled.  In Southern California, this species prefers shade or a bit of sun.  It has been said that this species cannot take a freeze.  More recent reports suggest this species can tolerate temperatures into the upper 20's F.  It is known to be growing in the San Francisco Bay area.  It is a quick grower and sometimes the base of the trunk is swollen.  Shown is our 15g size on sale.  We have limited numbers available.

ACANTHUS MOLLIS
BEAR'S BREECHES PLANT

ABOUT FIVE FEET TALL, UPRIGHT BLOSSOMS
HARD TO FIND NOWADAYS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS

This herbaceous perennial is from southern Europe and northern Africa.  It is fairly easy to grow and prefers sun.  It has big, wavy green leaves.  It is somewhat reminiscent of the Snowflake Aralia which occasionally we have available.  Mature plant height is about three to four feet.  The blossoms are spectacular as shown -  up to 30 inches long.   They go vertically above the foliage and are lavender colored.  Plants in shade will not blossom.  A hard freeze can damage the leaves but plants usually come out of it.  This is a suckering plant.   Shown below is our 15 gallon size which I'm putting on special.  We also have 5 gallon plants available. 

REGULAR PRICE 15G $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $155

Remember:  Mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase.  And, like all big leafy tropical plants, prevent snail invasions which can eat holes in the leaves.  The garden photos are c/o weedbuster website in NZ and Sunset Website.

BECCARIOPHOENIX MADAGASCARENSIS
MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE MADAGASCAR PALM

SINGLE TRUNK - GREEN LEAVES
VERY SLOW GROWING SPECIES
SALE ON 20 GALLON PLANTS

It took over a decade for taxonomists to figure out how many species of Beccariophoenix there were in Madagascar.  Thirty years ago there were felt to be two.  They were distinguished by the presence or absence of "windows" in the juvenile leaves and for quite a while were referred to as "windows" and "no-windows" species by collectors.  A third species was subsequently found in the High Plateau area of Madagascar.  This newer species has been named Beccariophoenix alfredii. 

Beccariophoenix madagascarensis is the original "no windows" species and is a single trunk green palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet.  It has leaves that are green, upright and about ten feet long.  A full crown has about a a dozen such leaves.  There is no crown shaft and the trunk is about 16 inches in width.  Although not overly tall, the crown of leaves is full.  It wants full sun and has a cold tolerance in the 25 to 28 degree F. range.  I know of multiple specimens here in the San Diego area.  It has been quite difficult nowadays to find with the lack of importation of Madagascar seeds into the U.S.

We have a limited number of 20 gallon plants.  We're putting them on sale.  

REGULAR PRICE 20 GALLON $500
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $425

These 20g plants are about 10 years old - super slow growing.  They are shown in the smaller photos below.

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

ELEGANT SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
CROWN SHAFT - THIN TRUNK - MEDIUM HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk palm species is native to the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia.  It has a rather thin trunk that typically is six to eight inches thick.  Leaves are about six feet long.  The crown shaft is silver green in color and the leaves are green.  Mature height is about 25 feet on average.  It tolerates temperatures into the 20's F.  I've been growing one in my garden for about 40 years.  It's still gorgeous.  Some plant them as small colonies, two or three together.  We're putting our 5g size on special.  It's been a while since we've offered this species or size.  The plant shown below is a double but most we have are singles.

REGULAR PRICE 5G  $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE  $100

Remember to mention this Special.  These can be mail ordered.

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM


BEST GROWING SPECIES OF THE GENUS
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

When one considers the species Laccospadix australasica, he has to realize that there are different forms depending on native habitats and localities.  There are also single trunk and suckering forms.  The one for sale here is the single trunk mountain form.  I feel it's the best subspecies one can purchase.   It doesn't throw the new red leaf although occasionally you see a bit of bronze in the new leaf (as shown below).  This variety of the L. australasica is fairly easy to grow in our area.  I can’t predict if your plant will sucker or not.  The seeds for these plants today came from a local flowering tree here in Encinitas.  This variety has thinner leaves that are dull green in color, trunks about six inches thick and reaches a height of 20 feet or a bit more.  It sort of looks like a Kentia Palm.  I'd recommend morning sun, strong filtered light or perhaps several hours of daily sun.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.  As shown below, sometimes we’ll plant more than one to a pot.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $100

We have extremely limited numbers but hopefully more will become available over time.  Mention this Special for your discount.  

EUTERPE EDULIS ORANGE CROWNSHAFT
PROMINENT ORANGE CROWNSHAFT - STUNNING

STUNNING COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GALLON SIZE

Many of you may know of Euterpe edulis, a thin solitary palm with a long green crown shaft.  However, in Southern Brazil and possibly northern Argentina, there is a form of this species that has a prominent orange crown shaft.  Considered by some to be "Euterpe sp. espiritosantensis", others feel it is a variety of E. edulis.  It has a think trunk and a three foot long crownshaft.  It wants to be grown in filtered light and to work its way into partial direct sunlight.  Cold tolerance is about a freeze.  This is a slow growing palm and near impossible to find available.  We presently have a very limited number of two gallon plants.  They were repotted in winter.  In the spring of last year we had a few 5 gallon that sold out in a few days.  These are extremely difficult to find and always expensive if you can find one.

TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GALLON $65

I only have a few.  The mature specimens photos are c/o Tobias Spanner at RPS.

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIX X DEBAOENSIS
CYCAD HYBRID OF TWO RARE SPECIES

NEVER AVAILABLE BEFORE
CAN'T EXACTLY PREDICT MATURE APPEARANCE
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED ONE GALLON

We're offering on special a very rare hybrid of the genus Cycas.  Both parents are native to China.  The C. panzhiuaensis is known for it's medium size, blue-green foliage in sun and cold tolerance.  Cycas debaoensis is known for it's mutlipinnate leaves and fluffy leaf appearance.  I've only had these plants off and on for about a year.  There are no pictures of mature plants available.  It should make a small to medium sized adult plant and take at least part day with a cold hardiness into the low 20's F.  The plants on special are super large one ore one and a half gallons with about 2 inch thick caudexes.  They need to be repotted or planted.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1 GALLON $125
DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $100

Remember to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this price.  The first garden photo is the panzhihuaensis and the next is the debaoensis.

CORDYLINE TERMINALIS SINGAPORE TWIST
NEW SPECIES TO OUR NURSERY

COLORFUL HAWAIIAN TI TYPE PLANT
BUT, TOTALLY DIFFERENT!  LEAVES IN ONE PLANE
TEN DAY SPECIAL SIZE SHOWN

For the past two years, we have gotten in something brand new to the nursery market and our Nursery.  They typically have sold out within a few days.  It is a plant that is super colorful.  It may look like the Hawaiian Ti plant.  But, it is totally different.  This species is a dischitous type plant.  Its leaves are in one single plane - from the front is totally seen and wide but from the side it is narrow.  It's similar to a Traveler Palm in this way.  Also, it is a rhizomitous plant.  It grows from rhizomes in the ground.  So, it is suckering!  Leaves are wide like the Hawaiian Ti but the color is shown more on older leaves.  They are purple-red.  Leaf stems are a colorful red. 

Mature height is four to seven feet and it will take coastal sun.  Inland areas would consider part sun or strong filtered light.  By report, it will take a freeze. We only have a few dozen plants.  They’ll probably sell out quickly.  They can be mail ordered but may take an oversized box to ship.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $85

ALOCASIA SERENDIPITY
UNUSUAL DARK LEAF ELEPHANT EAR

MEDIUM SIZE - EXOTIC APPEARING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE
This is a medium mature sized hybrid Alocasia that can get up to six feet tall with large dark green to black green leaves.  The leaf surface is wavy and almost "crinkled".  The underside of the leaves is a maroon or red and the leaf stems are very dark, near black.  It likes partial sun or strong filtered light and has some degree of cold hardiness.  Our 5g size on sale is shown in the first seven photos

REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $70

The size on sale is shown in the first seven photos with some older larger nursery plants following.

RAVENEA JULIETIAE
AN EXTREMELY RARE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR
LAST CHANCE TO GET ONE

THIN TRUNK, UPRIGHT ARCHING GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 15 & 25 GALLON SIZES

This is a rather thin trunked, tall pinnate palm that is rarely seen and native to eastern Madagascar.  How I found out about this species has always made this species special to me.  About twenty-five years ago at a meeting in Florida, just before the book, Palms of Madagascar, was released, I met and talked to its authors, John Dransfield and Henk Benjtee, both of Kew Gardens in the U.K.  Both of these taxonomists and field researchers had heard about this unusual Ravenea species.  They drove for hours trying to get a look at it, always with no results.  Out of frustration, they stopped the car on a remote dirt road, got out the binoculars and started an intense scanning of the horizon, hoping for a glimpse of this yet to be described species.  With them was Henk's wife, Julie.  In frustration, they were about to give up their search.  Then, Henk's wife pointed to a large specimen just feet from the car and by the side of the road.  She said, "Maybe it's this one".  And, it was!  Right in front of them was the specimen they used to describe this species.  And, because of her "assistance", it was named after Julie.

Trunk height is thirty feet with a diameter of only about six inches.  Leaves are recurved a bit and leaflets are widely spaced.  Leaf color is green and leaflets are thin.  The leaf stem is green and also thin.  We've found this species to be very slow growing.  Most would grow it in coastal sun or at least part day sun.  Cold tolerance is unknown but appears to be in at least the upper 20's F.  This species is near impossible to find.  And, because seeds are no longer available and can’t be gotten from habitat anymore, this species is essentially impossible to find.  We’re offering five plants on special – #3 15g and #2 25g plants.  These plants cam from a private collection as we sold out of them last year.  All are large relatively large for their containers and an estimated 15 years old from seed. This is probably the last time you’ll see them at this Blog.

TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15 GALLON $350

Mature plant photos below by TS at RPS and friend Rolf Kyburz from Australia.  Remember, it's a dioecious species and you need both sexes to get seeds.  Importation of seeds is not happening for about five years or more.  I anticipate these will be gone quickly.

RAVENEA JULIETIAE
AN EXTREMELY RARE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR
LAST CHANCE TO GET ONE

THIN TRUNK, UPRIGHT ARCHING GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 25 GALLON SIZE 

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

From time to time I discuss this interesting single trunk Chamaedorea.  It is very similar to Chamaedorea plumosa - except:  The plumosa has a more plumose leaf and takes a little more sun.  But, the glaucifolia has the silver powder on the leaf stems and crown shaft as shown here.  This is quite attractive and typically very prominent.  Otherwise, you would mistake the two.  They are fast growing and get to a mature height of about 14 feet.  They look their best when planted in colonies of three to five plants.  It takes almost full sun on the coast and is a durable species and seem exempt from fungal problems that can plague C. plumosa.  Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $195

Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

SILVER UNDERSIDES TO LEAFLETS
GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

Archontophoenix Alexandrae is native to Australia.  It has green leaves that have silver discoloration to the underside of the leaflets as shown below.  Leaves tend to stay flat without the twist on their axis as seen with the more common King Palm, Archotophoenix cunninghamiana.  Although they are a tad less cold hardy than the latter, they are felt by most to be more beautiful.  Mature height can exceed 50 feet.  The crown shaft with green without the brown discoloration seen with the common King Palm.  Cold hardiness is about 26 degrees F.  They can take coastal sun but half-day sun might give the pretties specimen.  The 15g size shown below is a single but I also have multiples at the same sale price.   

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $195

Remember:  mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase!

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING PALM

VERY POPULAR, EASY TO GROW
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is a suckering palm from Madagascar but can also be found as a single trunk specimen.  The crown shaft is often white or silver.  The plants we're offering here appear to be the suckering form.  As a species, 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 on sale are the 5g size with an age of about 5 years from seed. They tolerate full sun along the coast and are cold hardy into the twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $100

You must mention this Blog Special when purchasing

DYPSIS SPECIES BEF
SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

THIN TRUNK, ARCHING LEAVES, WHITE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE

For quite a few years, palm enthusiasts have been familiar with this rare species from Madagascar.  It has been called "Dypsis species bef".  But, to this day, it has no accepted botanical name.  It has a rather narrow ringed trunk with arching and keeled green leaves.  The crown shaft is white.  It is medium sized with a height of about 20 feet.  The garden specimen is c/o Steve S., PalmPedia.  As a nursery plant it has soft green relaxed leaves with hanging leaflets.  But, when older, it is firmly keeled.  Five of the six photos below show the 7 gallon size on sale.  This is a very difficult palm to find and very sought after.  We only have a couple.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $145

This species will take coastal sun.  Cold tolerance is unknown at this time.

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
BEAUTIFUL GREEN CROWN SHAFTED PALM

TOLERATES A FAIR AMOUNT OF COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Rhopalostylis  cheesemanii is from Roul Island in the Kermadecs.  It reportedly has darker brown tomentum on the crown shaft and petioles compared to R. baueri and the fruits are larger in size.  But, the most remarkable thing is that some enthusiasts have noticed is that it is a more aggressive grower in Southern California.  It is a green leafed, single trunk pinnate palm with a crown shaft.  Opposed to R. baueri, it has been known to do quite well in full sun right along the coast.  One of our staff, Rusty, swears by this species and thinks it's far superior to other Rhopalostylis.  In his yard it has grown at a phenomenal rate.  The pictures here show the darker petioles compared to R. sapida.  I have limited photos of larger garden plants.  Be aware that many people feel this should be considered a sub-variety of Rhopalostylis baueri.  Growth rate of this species is medium at best.  It is a stunning palm when mature.  The 5 gallon size can be shipped.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $100

ENCEPHALARTOS LANATUS
A RARE BLUE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

LOVES HEAT AND SUN – VERY THIN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This beautiful South African species of cycad is best known for the silvery throw of new leaves that it displays.  It has a medium sized trunk, usually to a maximum height of six feet.  It does sucker from the base.  Leaves are about three feet long and arching downward.  The leaflets are very narrow and essentially unarmed.  When new leaves emerge they are a brilliant silver in color.  I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of this species the first time I saw a mature plant throw new leaves.  As they age, they become more of a blue green color.  

The native locality for this species experiences extremes in weather from very high summer heat to definite freezes in winter.  In the garden, this species demands sun.  I'd estimate cold hardiness to be in the low 20's.  It is a good species for those in cooler areas who still get summer heat. . 

Shown here is a citrus pot sized plant that has a caudex of 2.75 inches.  Remember that rare cycads are sold by their caudex size.  We’re offering nice prices on this size.  If you buy one and it’s a bit smaller caudex size, it’ll cost less.  If it’s bigger, it’ll be more.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 2.75 INCHES OF CAUDEX $480
SALE PRICE ONE THIS SIZE $390

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

GREEN LEAVES – STATELY TRUNK AND CROWN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

By popular demand I have put this great palm on special.  This is the largest of the King Palm family.  It got its name "maxima" by the flower size, but most have found it to be an aggressive grower, have a larger trunk and get taller than the other species of King Palms.  It does have silver on the underside of the leaves.  The crown shaft is sort of a yellow, sometimes blue color.  It is a quick growing pinnate palm native to Australia.  It's rare to see them available and also hard to find good photos of this species.  The plants I'm putting on special are the 5 gallon size, mostly singles.  It tolerates full coastal sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties F.  Another interesting thing is that sometimes they’ll throw a new red leaf as shown in one photo below.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $100

Of note, our Archontophoenix "teracarpa" is probably a larger King Palm than A. maxima but still escapes exact species identification.  It does not have silver undersides to the leaflets and has a blue crown shaft.  It is routinely discussed elsewhere at this Blog.  The habitat photo is by Luke Nancarrow AU.

CHAMAEDOREA OREOPHILA
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

TOLERATES SOME SUN - FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON PLANTS
This is a great palm for Southern CA and other areas that may see winter colds into the mid-twenties F.  It is native to southwestern Mexico at high elevations to 4500 feet.  It tolerates bright filtered light or, along the coast, some degree of sun.  It is single trunked with a modified crown shaft and somewhat short green leaves.  It resembles a Chamaedorea elegans on steroids - taller, thicker trunk and longer leaves.  Trunks are about an inch thick and ringed.  In filtered light trunks remain green.  Mature height is about ten feet.  This is an extremely difficult species to find.  Masture plant photos are c/o Palmpedia.

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
GREAT FILTERED LIGHT GARDEN PLANT AS WELL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

I haven't been able to offer smaller sizes of this superior fan palm as they have not been available for over five years.  But, we do presently have some nice 5 gallon plants that we have decided to sell.  This is a very rare type of Lady Palm.  This species is from China and is often mistaken for Rhapis humilus.  But, it is a smaller species, getting to about 8 feet tall whereas humilus gets about twice as tall.  It performs well inside the home or office and also is quite easy to grow outside in filtered light.  The stems of multifida are much more attractive than the common Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa.  It also carries more leaflets per leaf than the Lady Palm and is overall a more attractive plant.  The leaflets are narrow and come to a point like Rhapis humilus.  Side by side, the majority of our customers prefer the Rhapis multifida over the Rhapis excelsa.

Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or lower, F.  Outdoors, this species prefers filtered light.   One must be careful not to give Rhapis too much fertilizer or leaf burn may occur.  We have a handful only of nice 5 gallon plants that we’re putting on special.  

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $100

The sale plant is shown in the first 7 photos.

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA
THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SEVERAL PLANTS PER POT
LOOK BEST IN GROUPS
TEN DAY SPECIAL SINGLE 5 GALLON SIZE
For anyone who's looked for this species lately, you realize it's in very short supply and essentially unavailable in larger sizes.  This is because of a several year shortage of seeds.  We are pleased to presently put nice single stem 5 gallon plants on special.  Plant heights are about 4 feet in the pot.  This species gets up to about 14 feet height with a green, ringed trunk about 1.5 inches in diameter.  The leaves are plumose or fluffy.  They are quick growing and perfect for narrow planter areas.  It will take full coastal sun.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  It can also be used as a houseplant in a bright area.  These plants in this size pot are quite shippable.  We also have multiple (several in one pot) if desired at the same price.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLON SINGLES $100

Mention this Blog Special for your discount at the time of purchase. 

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

NATIVE TO NEW CALEDONIA
THIN TRUNK - VERY ELEGANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY NICE BAND SIZE PLANTS

This is a single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm native to New Caledonia.  Many feel it's the prettiest species of this genus.  It gets to a height of about 40 feet or more and has a thin trunk.  Leaves are upright, green and arched.  They are keeled and green in color.  The crown shaft is a copper color, covered with a white wax.  It can be grown in some sun, depending on where you live.  It's probably best to start it in bright filtered light and let it work its way into overhead sun.  Growth rate is good, comparable or faster than K. oliviformis.  Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze.

This is an extremely difficult species to find for sale nowadays.  I only have an excellent selection of large band sized plants.  This is an extremely rare species and we rarely have them for sale.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $50

Remember  to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this discount.  Photos of large plant below by TS at RPS.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL
FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL

NOT AVAILABLE FOR YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

Caryota urens is a tall single trunk monocarpic palm species native to Asia.  It is fast growing and can get to a height of 70 feet.  It is definitely a canopy-forming palm species.  Leaves a green and leaflets are premorse (jagged at their ends).  Some people love the grandeur of these palms.  Trunks are tan, ringed and about 16 inches diameter on average.  It will get taller and more quickly get there than almost any other palm in your garden.  They want full sun and, especially if inland, plenty of water.  Because they are monocarpic (flower and then die), one needs a plant that is near death to get seeds.  This occurs rarely.  We were able to germinate seeds from such a plant.  I’ve not had seedlings for six to eight years.  They are on their first leaf and can be mail ordered within the U.S. easily.

TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLING CARYOTA URENS $45

ENSETE MAURELII
ACTUAL RED BANANA - VERY PRETTY PLANT


MEDIUM SIZE MATURE WITH RED LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The Red Banana is an ideal landscape item for color and beauty.  They have a definite and prominent red color to the leaf stems, trunk and backs of the leaves.  The dorsal leaf also shows a flush of red.  Mature size is about ten feet but sometimes a bit more or less.  Basal diameter at maturity is 12 to 16 inches.  Be aware they are fast growing but only last five or six years before flowering and dying.  But, if you replace the plant, they quickly offer a good sized plant to replace the last one.  They do not bear fruit, like full sun and are cold tolerant down to about a freeze. The garden photo is by Linda Cochran.  This is a great colorful companion plant.  I've not had nice 5g like these for quite a while.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $65

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST PALMS FOR INSIDE
GREAT GARDEN PLANT AS WELL
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD 25 GALLON PLANT

I haven't been able to offer this superior fan palm as they have not been available for over five years.  But, we do have one or two very old plants that we were holding in stock and have decided to sell.  This is a very rare type of Lady Palm.  This species is from China and is often mistaken for Rhapis humilus.  But, it is a smaller species, getting to about 8 feet tall whereas humilus gets about twice as tall.  It performs well inside the home or office and also is quite easy to grow outside in filtered light.  The stems of multifida are much more attractive than the common Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa.  It also carries more leaflets per leaf than the Lady Palm and is overall a more attractive plant.  The leaflets are narrow and come to a point like Rhapis humilus.  Side by side, the majority of our customers prefer the Rhapis multifida to the Rhapis excelsa.

Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or lower, F.  Outdoors, this species prefers filtered light.   One must be careful not to give Rhapis too much fertilizer or leaf burn may occur.  We have a near twenty year old 25 gallon that we’re putting on special.  It is too big for standard mail order.  BTW, if you start looking for a comparable plant, the chances are you won't find one.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON $575

The sale plant is shown in the first 6 photos.

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

From time to time I discuss this interesting single trunk Chamaedorea.  It is very similar to Chamaedorea plumosa - except:  The plumosa has a more plumose leaf and takes a little more sun.  But, the glaucifolia has the silver powder on the leaf stems and crown shaft as shown here.  This is quite attractive and typically very prominent.  Otherwise, you would mistake the two.  They are fast growing and get to a mature height of about 14 feet.  They look their best when planted in colonies of three to five plants.  It takes almost full sun on the coast and is a durable species and seem exempt from fungal problems that can plague C. plumosa.  Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $195

Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

LIVISTONA MUELLERI
RARE AUSTRALIAN FAN PALM