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PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
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THIS PAGE HAS OLDER POSTS FOR DECEMBER, 2023

REMINDER: POSTS HERE UPDATED EVERY SEVERAL DAYS, SO RETURN
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HOW THIS BLOG WORKS

New plant arrivals, desirable species and requested plants included
New species described every few days, most recent posts at top of thread
Jump to older Blog Threads from links below.
Blog discusses palm trees, cycads and tropical plants

LEARN ABOUT PALM TREES AND CYCADS
Brief comments given below. We trim this thread frequently to maintain 30 day run.
Information on sun requirements and cold tolerance given if available
Pictures of mature specimens shown when possible
In depth posts with lots of photos on some species

PRICING ON PLANTS SHOWN
On some plants, pricing given with the post
You can use quick link for all our prices:
PALM PRICES OR CYCAD PRICES SPECIALS AND SALES
Specials below apply to drop in visits or mail orders. Photos are representative.
All specials have a termination date and always expire when the current thread expires
Ten Day Specials  expire ten days after date of posting and are marked in red color.
For any sale prices, you must mention all Blog Only Sale Prices when purchasing

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450 Ocean view Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024 Hours: M-Sat, 9AM to 4PM CONTACT INFORMATION:
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We deliver or we utilize independent trucking services on any size plants.

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HOLIDAY HOURS 2023 - 2024:

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FRIDAY, 29 DECEMBER, 2023

PEAT MOSS VERSUS SPHAGNUM MOSS

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
ARE THEY THE SAME IN THEIR USAGE?

Over the years, I've found that many people don't know the difference between peat moss and typical sphagnum moss. I'll try to explain it here and tell how their usages are different.

Peat moss is a fibrous material that is not living and typically comes from Canada. There is harvested from "peat moss bogs", packaged and shipped worldwide for gardeners to use. These moss plants grow year after year on their often shaded locations. This years growth is on top of last years - and this goes on for centuries with the lower layers dying. So, at the bottom, there is this dead fibrous material. These lower levels are harvested and ground up for bagging. At Jungle Music, peat moss is a component in all of our nursery mixes. The first photo shows a handful of peat moss. Note that it is fine in texture. It comes in a compacted bale but, once broken apart, has this appearance. In a potting soil, it adds organic filler, it opens up the soil and promotes drainage. It does add acidity as well and, when used, one must often add dolomite to control acidity. Once added to a soil one really can't see it. For seed germination, it is often mixed together with perlite. If you use a mix with a lot of peat moss, never let it go totally dry or it will "brick up" and repel water.

Spagnum moss is the living material that is on top of the peat moss bogs. There it grows year after year. Localities where it can be found are worldwide including Canada, Peru and the northern U.K. These plants are harvested alive but die off from desiccation after they are harvested and packaged. The second photo shows this type of moss. Note the long, fluffy and coarse appearance. At our nursery we use this sphagnum moss mostly in two ways. First, we use it on the outside of wire baskets to hold in the soil. (third photo below) The second is to germinate or root certain types of plant material (seeds, cuttings, etc.). Slightly damp, it's the component used for the baggie technique of germination. I've known of people who use it in a potting mix but it is difficult to mix it evenly with other components. Other growers may use it as a top dressing on potted plants. A final interesting thing is that sphagnum moss is a neutral pH at the time of purchase. Peat moss is very acidic as mentioned above. The second photo below shows sphagnum moss out of the bag.

peat moss
sphagnum moss coolgardenwebsite

HOW DOES ONE TELL IF HIS PALM IS DEAD?

IS MY PALM STILL GROWING?
HOW FAST IS IT GROWING?

MARK THE NEW SPEAR!

It is surprising that many palm enthusiasts don't know how to tell if their palm is alive or dead after some type of insult such as severe cold. It's simple to determine if the plant is alive and growing. Mark the central newest spear side by side while marking an adjacent fully extended leaf. See the photo. Then watch for the two moving apart. The line of the new spear moves upward while the adjacent mark on the full size leaf stays the same. Look at the difference movement of the new spear over time. You can also tell how fast it's growing. During the growing season (when warm), most palms will show a quarter of an inch or more of vertical new spear growth per day. To confirm a serious problem, you'd note that there is no movement of the spear over several weeks. But, if the new leaf spear is green, don't give up. Just give it an extended period of time and watch for movement. The photo shown here is of a marked spear on a 15 gallon Dypsis decaryi. Note the horizontal black permanent marker marks. The new spear is on the left in the photo.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX ALEXANDRAE
THE ALEXANDRA PALM
AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE COMMON KING PALM

This attractive but tall single trunk, pinnate palm is from Queensland, Australia. In habitat, it gets to a height of eighty feet. Its trunk is typically one foot in diameter, sometimes having a bit of a bulge at the base. Trunks are usually straight with a long green crownshaft. The overall crown is larger than the regular king with leaves up to ten feet. Archontophoenix cunninghamiana are a bit shorter in length. Another importnt difference is that the underside of the leaves are silver colored on the alexandrae. Regular King Palms are a dull green and have ramenta (small fibrous hairs).

This species is attractive if planted in groups of two or three together. Shown here is a 25g double as well as a single trunk plant. Cold tolerance is about 25 to 26 degrees. They do well with part day sun or full sun along the coast. They prefer a rich, well draining soil and love water. We have an excellent assortment of sizes of this species for sale. The last photo shows a nice plant in full sun in Southern California. The next to last photo is one of my all time favorite pictures. I took this photo south of Hilo, Hawaii. It shows a naturalized colony of this species mixed in with flowering Coral Trees.

MULE PALM
BUTIA X SYAGRUS (QUEEN PALM)

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE HYBRID PALM
SUPER COLD HARDY - TO ABOUT 16 DEGREES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

This popular inter-generic hybrid palm was probably first created by a man made cross of both parents about a hundred years ago. It has been given a trade name of "Butiagrus nabonnandii" but most people call it the Mule Palm. The latter name is utilized because it's been found on most specimens to have sterile fruit or no fruit at all. Any seeds formed almost always won't germinate to grow a new palm. Butia capitata is a monoecious species. This means that flower stocks have both male and female flowers.

To produce Mule Palm plants, it takes a tremendous amount of work to viable and true seeds. On the seed producing Butia flowerstock, all the male flowers must be meticulously removed manually to prevent self-pollination by itself. Only after this can the Queen pollen but put onto the receptive Butia blossoms. This takes a lot of experience, effort and time. This is one of the reasons this hybrid is so rare and usually pricey.

Mature height is up to thirty feet, much shorter than the Queen Palm. But, cold hardiness is better than a Queen as well. It'll take temperatures down to about 16 degrees F. This species prefers a bright sun location and can be grown in the desert in full sun.

On special are our squat 25g plants. They are ten to twelve feet tall in thier pots. They are ready for planting but we only have a few of them left.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $695
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $595

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM VAR RUBRUM
PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT - CROWN SHAFT – THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This is a somewhat rare, collector type of palm that would be attractive in almost any coastal or near-coastal garden. Native to the Mascarene Islands, this thin trunked, crown shafted palm gets to a height of about 25 feet. This variety is called "rubrum" because of the red color that is present on the stems and on juvenile leaflets. One photo shows this below. The leaves are green, arching and without any spines. Growth rate is medium. This is a coastal sun or part day sun species with a cold tolerance in the upper twenties F. I've had one in my garden for years in San Diego.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $220

Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.

CHAMAEDOREA ARENBERGIANA
SINGLE TRUNK UNDERSTORY PALM WITH WIDE LEAFLETS

MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - PROMINENT TRUNK RINGS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk species is from Mexico and Central America. It is pinnate like other Chamaedoreas with a trunk diameter of an inch or a bit more. The leaves a five feet long with wide leaflets and prominent drip tips. It prefers moist but good draining soil. The trunks are dark green and prominent trunk rings are present. Mature height is about 12 feet. Low temperatures tolerated are about to a freeze and this species likes filtered light. A photo below shows the unusual clustering of seeds on a female flower attached to the trunk below the leaves. In the last photo, the seeds are green and have not yet turned color.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $215

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

SUPER COLD HARDY AND TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE MULTIPLES

Speaking of cold hardy, filtered light palms, let me mention Chamaedorea radicalis. Today I’m talking about the tunking form of this species. Decades ago we didn't even know this species existed. All Chamaedorea radicalis were dwarfs - rarely over five feet tall. The trunking form rapidly puts on trunk. Mature, plants can get up to fifteen feet tall. Leaflets are wider than the dwarf form and there's a bit of silver color to the stems and trunk. Trunks mature are narrow, under an inch thick. They can bend slightly as they get height. See photos below of a mature specimen at the nursery. It is also very quick growing. These 15g on Special should have a ten foot height in under five years. Both forms tolerate full sun along the coast but can also be grown in strong filtered light. Cold hardiness of 18 degrees F. Some in the SF Bay Area are successfully growing this species. Also, enthusiasts in Houston, TX have as well. We have a limited number of 15g plants on special. This larger 15g size can be mail ordered but do consider smaller sizes to save money if you are out of our area. Note that I have put six photos below of our fruiting triiple trunking radicalis. It's about ten years old in a 25g pot.

REGULAR PRICE 15G MULTIPLES $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G MULTIPLES $220

You get this discount when you mention our Blog Only Special. BTW, that huge 25 gallon plant, the mature one with seeds, is also for sale.

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM
MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN FAN PALM
ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

Trachyarpus fortunei is the most commonly available and commonly grown of the Windmill Palms. It is of Chinese origin . It is referred to as the Chinese Windmill Palm, the Windmill Palm, or the Chusan Palm. Note how the term "Windmill Palm" can refer to this particular species or to the genus as a whole. It is not uncommon to see it growing in colder areas of the United States, southern Europe, the Mediterranean and southern portions of Australia and Africa. Cold tolerance is between five and ten degrees F.

Most specimens in many decades get to a height of 25 to 35 feet. The actual trunk diameter is typically six to ten inches. The leaves are typically about three feet in diameter and have variable division of the segments. Leaves are green on the upper side and below, but it is not uncommon for one can see a bit of blue discoloration to the underside of the leaf. Distal leaf segments can flex downward toward the ground. Shown here is our 15 gallon size on Special (first six photos).

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $150

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

MEDIUM SIZE -THINNER TRUNK THAN CANARY
FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE PLANTS

I don't know if you've looked for this species, but the Cliff Date Palm is not so easy to find. It is native to India and is about half the size of the Canary Island Palm in terms of trunk diameter and mature height. Also, the crown is much smaller. It is an armed species and has other characteristics of Phoenix like the induplicate leaflets (water held "in" - V shaped ). But, many think this is the prettiest of all the Date Palms. It typically gets fifteen to twenty-five feet tall. The leaves are very pretty and green. The crown is not overly large. Leaves curve downwards. Growth rate is medium, it tolerates full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties or lower. Shown below are our 5g plants, mostly singles with a few doubles. We’re putting them on special. These are shippable.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

Remember to mention this Special for this discount.

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

SMOOTH AND LIGHT COLORED TRUNK
SUPER COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This is one of my favorite Sabal species. It's native to various Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico and Cuba. It can get to height of at least 35 feet and has a trunk that is smooth and a light tan to gray color. Trunks are thick, up to about 30 inches. Leaf color is blue-green. Growth rate is good and it likes sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-teens F. The 5g size shown below are nice. We’re putting this size on sale. Get them in the ground and within a few years you’ll have a decent sized palm. I’m showing some mature plants below as well.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $115

GAUSSIA GOMEZ-POMPAE
BIGGER AND TALLER THAN GAUSSIA MAYA

PINNATE LEAVES, NO CROWN SHAFT
VERY RARE - NEW TO CULTIVATION
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This is a fairly recently described single trunk pinnate palm is from southern Mexico. There it lives among rugged outcroppings in mountainous areas. Little is known about its domestic culture. It gets to heights of over 30 feet with an 8 to 10 inch thick trunk. It has a clean trunk and no crown shaft. Leaves are green and fairly straight. The mature photos below were taken in Miami, Florida where it seems to be doing fine. I would anticipate that it wont' take temperatures much below a freeze. But, if you can grow G. maya, I'd suspect you can grow this species. These plants are a first for the market and the first batch of this species we've ever offered.

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

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

LARGE PALM WITH A THICK CLEAN TRUNK
FAST GROWING - LIKES WATER AND FERTILIZER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Well grown, the Majesty Palm is a very attractive and fast growing palm from Madagascar. It got a bad rap initially because people didn't water them enough and rarely fed them. This resulted in bleached out leaf color and anemic appearing palms. But, given adequate water and a balanced fertilizer with mircroelements, they are easy to grow. Mature height is over 40 feet. The trunk is clean and tapers as you look up the trunk. Leaf color is green and leaves are un-armed. Cold tolerance is into the twenties F. Full sun along the coast is preferred. They can be used as an interior palm. I have one in my garden with about 30 feet of trun.

We're putting our 5 gallons on sale. These were grown locally from seeds.
Remember to mention this Blog Only Special if you chose to get this species.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $110

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

LOCALLY GROWN AND STURDY PALM

SALE ON TRIPLE PLANTS IN 5 GALLON SIZE

Most people are familiar with this species, the Pygmy Date Palm. It is naturally a single trunks species. But, they are usually sold as "triples" - three individual plants in the same pot - so often, that people think it's a suckering species. And, 99% of plants are sold as a "multiples". Over a few decades, this species can get to a height of over ten feet. They are slow growing. Triples grow slower than singles. This species is a type of Date Palm, so it does have spines on its stems. Growth rate is medium to slow. It likes full sun and is cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. Of note, it is one of the least cold hardy of all the Date Palms. Shown here are some shippable 5 gallon which we’re putting on Special. These are locally grown and much hardier and stronger than imported plants like you see at the depot stores.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this discounted price.

DYPSIS "MAHAJANGA"
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING

FLUFFY PLUMOSE LEAF
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a species of plant from Madagascar. The name is a “locational” name – where the plant is from. I am unaware of an exact species name at this time. The seeds of this "species" first came out about twenty-five years ago. From seeds, some of these plants ended up being single trunk, others suckering. Seeds came from as private grower in El Cajon, CA. His tree has three trunks, see photo below. He said it was an easy grow in his full sun. I have a limited number of one gallon plants which I’m putting on sale. Leaves are quite plumose or “fluffy” in appearance. They seem to be reasonably cold hardy and should mature at heights under twenty feet. I'd give part day sun. The most similar species to these plants is Dypsis madagascarensis. The mature palm below was photographed by Al Bredison. It's suckering with two trunks, possibly three. This species is recommended.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

Mention this Special to get this price at the time of purchase. This size would be easy to mail order.

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERA
NATIVE TO MOROCCO
THE SEMI-DWARF "BLUE MED FAN"

FULL HOT SUN - EXTREMELY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS

This interesting palm is a suckering blue fan palm is native to Morocco. It's actually quite amazing that it took a long time for taxonomists to realize that it was a species and had it's own unique characteristics. It's definitely a deep blue color but also it never gets as large as Chamaereops humilus. The problem was that there were also native short clones of the later. Chamaerops cerifera is one of the most cold hardy species for those of you in super cold areas. I've had reports of it going down to 13 degrees F. Mature height is about six feet or so. Color is blue in hot sun. This species does sucker. Most importantly, with age and full sun, they will have blue leaves. The plants on special here are one gallon plants. They'd be easy to ship for mail order customers. On occasion we do offer larger sizes.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $60

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS
BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY

LIMITED NUMBER OLD SUCKERING 5G
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This South American suckering fan palm comes from Argentina and Uruguay. From these locations, you might suspect it could have quite a bit of cold hardiness, and this is the case with not only this species of Trithrinax, but of the genus as a whole. Availability of seeds of this species has been sparse to nonexistent. And, as a young plant, it is quite slow growing. Consequently, to get a good sized container plant can take a decade or more. We are fortunate to offer some one gallon juvenile plants as shown below. I'd estimate their age at 4 years. They will need acclimation to full hot sun and leaves will be intensely blue. This is a perfect selection for someone who lives in an interior area with lots of heat.

Overall height of this species is up to twenty feet. Multiple stems are produced, but usually the number is just several. Leaves are small, typically about two feet wide. The segments of the leaves are pointed and sharp. Trunks retain old leaf bases but, like Washingtonia, eventually fall off. This is a drought tolerant species and can take temperatures well into the 100's F. and cold tolerance is into the teens. Of note, most specimens I've seen are blue.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $60

But, remember to mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

There is a second endemic species of Howea on Lord Howe Island. This is Howea belmoreana. Common names used to describe this species include the Sentry Palm, the Belmore Palm, the "Kentia Palm", and even the Umbrella Palm. However, the name "Kentia Palm" is usually used to refer to the H. forsteriana. Howea belmoreana comes from a higher elevation in its natural habitat compared to the H. forsteriana. And, given this fact, one might expect that this species is a little more cold tolerant. Most growers have found this to be true, tolerating temperatures to about 25 degrees F.

The main difference between this palm and the standard Kentia is that the crown of leaves are quite curved pointing downwards toward the grown. This gives the crown an overall umbrella appearance. Like the H. forsteriana, the Belmore Palm doesn't like full sun if away from the Coast and is rather slow growing. Most find it to be slower than the regular Kentia Palm. Culture is similar and there is little data on the transplant of this species, but I suspect it will perform about the same as the standard Kentia. We’re putting band seedlings on sale.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS $52.50

Please mention this Special at the time of purchase. Easy to mail order. BTW, folks are growing this species in the SF Bay area.

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA
A "USER FRIENDLY" LARGE CYCAD

GREEN LEAVES – NO SPINES
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON AS SHOWN

I enjoy talking about this species because it is one of my favorites. It is a large species over time. I say 'user friendly" because this is one of the few species that has absolutely no spines; none of the leaflets, none one the stems. A leaf brushing across your face feels no more intense than brushing past a Maiden Hair Fern. We have a huge selection of this species. I am going to show you an assortment of plants. Below are a few of the main characteristics of this species:

*Large species with trunks slowly getting to over ten feet
*Leaf length typically six to eight feet, sometimes bigger.
*Trunk diameter to 18 inches
*Smooth petiole with no spines
*Great for strong filtered light or full sun along the coast
*Large interesting cones
*Leaflets soft and glossy green in color
*New leaves emerge upward, older leaves lay more horizontal
*Easy to grow

I've found that even customers who say "I only like palms, not cycads" tend to love this species.
The plant on special is in a 15 gallon pot with a caudex of 7.5 inches. Age is 7 to 8 years from germination. It is shown in the first five photos below. It’ll be instantly ready for the garden after a bit of sun acclimation. It could be shipped. I am also showing a few monster specimens we have at the Nursery.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON $600

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA
A "USER FRIENDLY" LARGE GREEN CYCAD

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

SEE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA
THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

HOW ABOUT ORANGE, RED OR GOLD NEW LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES

Ceratozamia latifolia is a smaller, filtered light loving cycad from Mexico. It is native to the regions of San Luis Potosi and Hidalgo. Leaf length averages four, perhaps five feet maximum. Leaves lay in a more horizontal position. Caudex size is less than ten inches. So, you can see that overall leaf crown width is under six feet or so. The striking trait of this species is the very colorful newly emergent leaves as shown here. But, you can’t always predict what color each plant will produce. The leaflets are wide and un-armed. We recommend filtered light for this species. Cold hardiness is certainly the lower 20's F. or lower.

The photos here show three different plants with three different colors of emerging new leaves – orange, red and gold. Of course, sometimes they may be green. These colors always fade over two to three weeks to their green color. But, any given plant will typically throw the same color with the next batch of new leaves.

TEN DAY SPECIAL: 20% OFF ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES.

We usually have an assortment of sizes from citrus pot to 15 gallon or larger.

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

FOR A CYCAD, VERY COLD HARDY
TOLERATES DESERT SUN - ONE OF BEST FOR THIS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BIG 15 GALLON PLANTS

Dioon edule is a typically small to medium sized sun-loving cycad from Mexico. There are known to be about six different varieties of this species - all from different localities. Leaves are typically green to blue-green. Leaflets at pointed at the end and otherwise un-armed. Dioon edule is one of the few cycads that tolerates hot direct desert sun. The Sago Palm can't claim this ability. Cold tolerance is excellent, being able to take cold weather into the teens F. We recently got in a handful of great 15 gallon plants with caudexes of about 6 inches. They are gorgeous.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 15 GALLON PLANTS $600
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS GROUP OF CYCADS $450

This is a great buy. But, remember to mention this Special for your discount when you purchase. Mail order possible.

MACROZAMIA RIEDLEI
RARE GREEN CYCAD FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TRUNKLESS OR NEAR-TRUNKLESS SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

This fairly rare and seldom available green cycad is native to south-western Australia and is known for forming no trunk or minimal trunk. Its is rarely over six to eight feet tall. Leaves are green with fine leaflets. Leaf length is five to six feet with a gentle arch. Sometimes leaf color is a gray-green. Leaves are fairly glossy and it has smaller cones than most other landscape species. It tolerates full coastal sun and would prefer at least half day sun in most areas. Cold tolerance is well into the twenties F. It likes well-draining sandy soil. We have two 15g plants available, both the same size. Caudexes are 8 to 9 inches. Age on these is about fourteen years. I'm showing both below. They can be shipped mail order in a large box. The plants on Special are shown in the first ten photos below, each separately.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 8 TO 9 INCH SPECIMENS $1050
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15G PLANTS THIS SIZE $850

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM
ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

THE PERFECT COMPANION PLANT

NEVER OVER ABOUT SIX FEET TALL
LEATHERY, DARK GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

Enthusiast are always looking for attractive companion plants that don't get too big. Shown here is what's called the "Birds Nest" Anthurium. Most of these plants are felt to either be the species Anthurium hookeri or a hybrid of it. They are good for filtered light situations and rarely get over six feet tall. The leaves are long, wide and very thick to the touch. Their leaf surface is wavy. We’re offering our 5 gallon size on a Ten Day Special. This is the size most people buy. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. Flowers are red, as are the tiny seeds. These plants are real winners. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you buy! The last photo is c/o Wikipedia.

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

HANGS FROM TREES, FENCES & POLES
TAKES LITTLE WATER - TYPE OF BROMELIAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL

Spanish Moss is actually a small, wispy type of Bromeliad - a flowering type of plant. The natural habitat for this plant ranges from the southern U.S. down through Mexico into Central and South America. It is even found in Australia. It is an epiphytic plant that hangs onto almost anything it can find. It loves to hang from tree branches or trunks. It requires very little water and will grow without any applied fertilizer. We are selling small clumps we've attached to wood. Or, we can ship them without the wood. You can hang them anywhere you want. Just spray them once in a while with water. These clumps are easy to ship.

REGULAR PRICE $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL $40
Mention this special for your Discount.

SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA
THE AFRICAN TULIP TREE
CLUSTERS OF LARGE RED-ORANGE BLOSSOMS

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE – LONG LIVED FLOWERS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

We are fortunate here in Southern California because there are quite a few striking, beautiful flowering tropical trees that we can grow. Included in this group is the African Tulip Tree with its clusters of large blossoms. The majority of trees have red to orange colored blossoms. It blooms in summer but sometimes longer. It wants full sun. Cold hardiness is estimated to be in the mid-twenties F. It is quite easy to grow and a very satisfying tropical tree

REGULAR PRICE 15G AFRICAN TULIP TREE $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 15G SIZE $160

The 7th photo below is by an unknown author from Maui and the laszt is c/o Wikipedia Commons.

ALOCASIA WENTII
SEMI-DWARF TROPICAL ELEPHANT EAR PLANT

PURPLE UNDERSIDE TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This is a species of Elephant Ear Alocasia. Some feel it comes from the island of New Guinea but others feel that it is a hybrid of unknown origin. The reason I mention it is because it is known to be quite cold hardy, perhaps even adaptable to growing zone 7B. It is a small plant, typically under 3 feet. The leaves are smaller than many other Elephant Ear Plants. The dorsal side of the leaves are green (sometimes black-green) while the underside is purple-black. It prefers to stay dry in the winter when cold and likes filtered light. It is a nice companion plant for any garden. Cold tolerance is easily into the upper twenties F. Shown below are good sized 5 gallon with multiple stems. Of note, some are using this species as an interior plant.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS SPECIES $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase. Mail order possible. The garden photo is c/o johnjearrard.co.uk website.

ASSORTED NEOROGELIA BROMELIADS - 6 INCH POTS
ALMOST EVERY COLOR IMAGINABLE

GREAT COLOR IN THE GARDEN FOR FILTERED LIGHT
EASY TO GROW AND DISPLAY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 6 INCH POT SIZE

Neorogelia are one of our favorite Bromeliads to offer for sale. This is because they are so colorful and can easily be grown on the patio, in the garden or even as a houseplant. There are two key things to remember about growing Neorogelia. First, almost all prefer a bit of sun or strong filtered light. They are not usually for full sun although a few can tolerate this. The second thing is that their cups have to be filled with water. Bromeliad roots that hold the plant in place absorbe nothing - they are only for stability. So, if you just water the pot's soil, they will die. They have to have water in their cups. Neorogelia tend to blossom with small blue flowers within the cup. If you want a large emergent blossom, you usually have to pick another genus. Once the primary plant blossoms, they pup out pups at the base so you have a clump of them in a few years. We're putting out 6 inch size (many to choose from) on sale. Many are hybrids. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 6 INCH ASSORTED BROMELIADS $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL 6 INCH SIZE $47.50

WEDNESDAY, 27 DECEMBER, 2023

GROWING PALM SPECIES AS "MULTIPLES"
USING SINGLE TRUNK PALMS - MORE THAN ONE PLANT IN A POT

SOME SPECIES LOOK GOOD PLANTED AS MULTIPLES
OTHERS DO NOT
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN "SUCKERING" AND "MULTIPLES"
EXPLANTION OF USING MULTIPLE SINGLE TRUNK PALMS TOGETHER

From a trunk point of view, there are two types of palm trees:

1. Single trunk: Species that only have one trunk
2. Suckering species: "Suckering" means that the primary trunk makes additional trunks, usually at the base of the first trunk.

Two examples of classic "single trunk palms" are Roystonea (Royal Palm) and Archontophoenix (King Palm) are "single trunk" species. Examples of suckering species would be the Bamboo Palm, the Senegal Date Palm, the Areca Palm and many others.

Nurserymen will sometimes put multiple single trunk species into one pot and grow them as a "multi" or multiple. This term means that more than one single trunk species have been placed and grown in one single pot. This is done because many customers prefer the look of several together. The most popular number of plants to grown as a "multi" is three. Next most popular is a "double". But, sometimes growers will put five or ten plants in one pot. Often, in my opinion, more than three is too many.

As a novist, you may see a garden palm that has many trunks. It could be a suckering species or mutliples of a single trunk species. This can confuse growers who don't have experience. The Pygmy Date Palm is a single trunk species natively, but is almost always grown as three in a pot. It looks aesthetic as three together. This makes consumers think the species is a suckering species but it is a single trunk species. A triple Pygmy will always just be three plants. No more trunks will ever appear unless one got the rare, truly suckering form of this species native to Laos. But, the latter is essentially never available.

I am going to show below photos of some plants that are single trunk species but being grown as multiples. I'll show both nursery and garden specimens. Obviously, in habitat, you'd only see what appears to be a multiple of a single trunk species if multiple seeds happened to drop and germinate in the same location.

Certain species do look good as multi's; others don't. In general, I don't like to do multiples on bigger species like Canaries, Sabals, Bismarckia, etc. But, sometimes customers ask for them. A triple Queen Palm to me is 'too much". But, everyone has their own preference and taste.

Below I show two photos of plants that are single trunk species but being utilized as "multiples". One nice feature of growing "multiples" is that trunks tend to arch away from each other. The photos below showing this trunks illustrates this phenomena. At our nursery, we do grow multiple species as "multi's", especially if they are tall, thin palm species. Chamaedorea plumosa and glaucifolia are great examples of palms which look better as a group of three (or more) than as a single plant.

SHOWN BELOW ARE SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES OFTEN BEING GROWN AS MULTIPLES

Veitchia - Adonidia merrillii triple in garden	Triple Pygmy Date Palm in garden	Triple Pygmy Date Palm in garden
Triple Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia bifurcata in garden	Triple King - Archontophoenix cunninghamiana	Triple Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia bifurcata in garden
Triple Pygmy Date Palm in planting area	Triple Chamaedorea tepejilote in 15 gallon pot	Triple Canary Island Date Palm in garden
Double Canary Island Date Palm in commercial garden	Triple Pygmy Date Palm in 15 gallon pot	Chamaedorea plumosa triple in 15g pot
Foxtail Palm Wodyetia bifurcata triple in garden	Triple King Palm in garden	Triple King Palm in 24 inch box at Nursery
Triple King Palm in 15 gallon pot	Rhopalostylis baueri triple in nursery pot	Kentia Palm, Howea forseriana, triple nursery plant
Triple Queen Palm in garden	Triple Canary Island Date Palm	Triple Queen Palm trunks
Triple Chamaedorea radicalis in nursery pot	Single trunk Roystonea oleracea in garden	Roystoneas regia, Royal Palm, doubles along walkway
Roystonea regia, singles along walkway	Roystonea regia planted as multiples	Washintonia robusta - Mexican Fan Palm - multiple

SUCKERING PALM SPECIES
FORM MULTIPLE TRUNKS NATURALLY

SOME ARE LARGE AND TALLER - OTHERS SHORT AND SMALL
SUCKERING PALMS CAN TAKE UP A LARGE AREA IN THE GARDEN

The palm species shown below all naturally sucker. They produce a primary stem and then produce offsets (additional stems) from the primaty stem. Some sucker sparingly, others quite heavily. But, they do this naturally without any assistance by the grower. Oppose this type of palm compared to the single trunk species above that are planted several to a pot to give the appearance that they sucker. But, the latter do not sucker. The list of suckering species includs both pinnate and fan palms. And, species with thick and thin trunks. Some are spineless while others have spines. Some are shorter species while others get quite tall. Finally, some like the Phoenix reclinata, can take up a large area of your garden. Therefore, it's important to know the palm species you're getting and whether it suckers or not.

ALL THE PALMS BELOW ARE SUCKERING PALM SPECIES

Phoenix reclinata, the Senegal Date Palm	Phoenix reclinata, the Senegal Date Palm	Dypsis lutescens, the Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens, the Areca Palm	Chamaedorea costaricana	Chamaedorea costaricana
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii	Caryota mitis	Caryota mitis
Chamaedorea microspadix in nursery pot	Chamaedorea microspadix in nursery pot	Licuala spinosa
Pinanga coronata	Rhapis excelsa	Rhapis multifida
Serenoa repens	Zombia antilarum	Ptychosperma macarthuri
Hyphanae dichotomoa	Dypsis pembana by AB	Jubaeopsis caffra

CHAMAEDOREA SEIFRIZII
THE CLASSIC BAMBOO PALM

THIN TRUNKS – MEDIUM HEIGHT
WILL TAKE A BIT OF COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE & OLD 25 GALLON SIZE

This New World suckering shade palm has pinnate leaves and never gets much above ten to twelve feet tall. This is the reason it's so popular. It's not my favorite suckering Chamaedorea, but it has always been one of the most popular species of Bamboo Palms by growers and designers. It can fit inside the home if you have high ceilings. Outdoors, it wants filtered light and is cold hard into the mid, perhaps lower 20's F. The 25 gallon shown here is about 12 to 15 year old and twelve feet tall – mature maximal height. It seems like we’ve been growing it forever. I know of no other nursery offering plants of this size.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 25G $850
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS HUGE 25 GALLON $750

Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for your discount. I only have a couple this size. My thanks to RPS for 8^th photo. The last photo is of one of our 15 gallon plants.

LIVISTONA LANUGINOSA
THE CAPE RIVER LIVISTONA – THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

TALL FAN PALM WITH THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This Australian fan palm is a very interesting species and also known as the "Wooly Livistona". It is apparently threatened in habitat. In the northeastern part of Australia it lives at an altitude of 200 meters. It reaches a height of over fifty feet with a trunk that’s about a foot thick. Leaves are bluish or blue-green, stiff and waxy. Leaf stems have barbs and leaves extend out six to eight feet. It is most similar to Livistona marie but, by report, has larger purple fruit. It is one of the most rare species of this genus. It enjoys full hot sun. Exact cold tolerance is unclear but probably into the mid-twenties F. We have a limited number of 15g which we’re putting on special. The habitat photo is by John Dowe of AU.

REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $215

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

SMOOTH AND LIGHT COLORED TRUNK
SUPER COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This is one of my favorite Sabal species. It's native to various Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico and Cuba. It can get to height of at least 35 feet and has a trunk that is smooth and a light tan to gray color. Trunks are thick, up to about 30 inches. Leaf color is blue-green. Growth rate is good and it likes sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-teens F. The 15g size shown below are nice. We’re putting this size on sale. I’m showing some mature plants below as well.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL $210

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

MEDIUM SIZE – THIN TRUNK – CROWN SHAFTED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This species is from New Caledonia in the northern part of the island. It is of similar height to C. nucele and has the same trunk diameter. The crown shaft on C. elegans is slightly more swollen than that of C. nucele. The crown shaft is also more of a green color, but can show silver. The leaflets are thinner and, as you can see, the leaves curve downward as opposed to the stiff, upright leaves of nucele. Another important difference between the two is that the leaves of C. elegans are keeled whereas the leaves of nucele are more flat. Of note, on both species the bare petiole (stem with no leaves) is very short. This helps you identify this genus.

Shown here are our 15 gallon sized plants that I photographed recently. Also shown are lots of photos of mature plants. This species should be started in filtered light and be allowed to grow into some sun if you live along the coast. Inland full sun is too harsh for this species. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $235

Remember to mention this Special to get this price. Limited numbers available. The 2g size is shown in the first five photos.

PRITCHARDIA SPECIES
OLD AND HUGE 15G PLANTS

UNKNOWN SPECIES FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
HAWAIIAN SPECIES ONLY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

Pritchardi are single trunk fan palms. They grow in Hawaii and some tropical islands, but we only grow the Hawaiian species as they grow much better in Southern California. We offer about 15 species. Most species are short to medium mature heights but there are a few that get up to fifty feet or more. Leaves are green with some having dusty colors on the bottom of the leaves. Trunk widths are thin to medium in size. The Pritchardia shown here are representative of most of the 15 gallon that we have. They are super large and the size of a typical 25 gallon plant. Note the formed trunk at the base and overall size. A representative 15g (not the largest of the group for sure) is shown in the first two rows of photos. A 25 gallon is shown in the third row of photos.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 15 GALLON HUGE PALMS $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BATCH OF VERY LARGE 15 GALLON $295

Just mention this Blog Only Special at time of purchase to get your discount.

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON SIZE

We at the nursery are very proud that we offer a good selection of these interesting New World fan palms - Coccothrinax. This species is native to the Caribbean region and gets to heights of about 30 feet in many decades. Leaf color is green to silver-green and trunks are typically six inches thick or a bit more. This species loves full hot sun and is cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F. Many are growing it with good success. In pots, all Coccothrinax are painfully slow. It's taken us about six years to produce the 5g plants you see here. We do have other sizes for sale and multiple other species of this genus. In the ground they are much faster.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $115

Remember: Mention this Special when you purchase to get this discount.

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

DOES BEST IN SHADE – STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 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 in the first six photos are our 5g size which are quite tall and need to go into the garden or be repotted. Most are 5 feet tall or more in their pots. We have limited numbers available. The 7th photo shows the trunk of a 15 gallon plant

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 5 GALLON $135

Note: We only have a few available and they’ll be gone soon.

DYPSIS SAINTELUCEI
SINGLE TRUNK - WHITE CROWN SHAFT
NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR

HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON FIVE GALLON WITH MULTIPLE PLANTS

This single trunk palm in native to forest regions in southern Madagascar. It is known for its powdery white crown shaft. Mature it is a medium sized palm with a rather thin trunk and height of about twenty feet. It is being grown well in Southern California. I’ve heard from some that it's one of the better Dypsis to grow here. Leaves are arranged in a tristichous pattern and are plumose (fluffy). It tolerates sun or part sun. The exact cold hardiness is not well established but probably about 25 degrees F. Mature height is 15 to 20 feet. The five gallon size is on Special. These would be easy to ship.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE FIVE GALLON MULTIPLES $120

You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price. Limited supplies available. The 7th photo is by Jeff White, AU. The 8^th photo is by John Dransfield, RBG in England.

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

NATIVE TO NEW CALEDONIA
THIN TRUNK - VERY ELEGANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

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 have a limited number of 5 gallon plants we’re putting on special. They are nicely sized for as 5 gallon. Newly emergent leaves are red as shown in the next to last photo below of a prior Nursery plant. This new red leaf is a typical trait of New Caledonian palm species. This is an extremely rare species and we rarely have them for sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Photo of garden plant by TS at RPS.

ARENGA PINNATA
THE SUGAR PALM

SINGLE TRUNK, FIBROUS TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

As many of you know, Arengas are usually suckering palms. But, there are several single trunk species. Arenga pinnata is one of these. It is felt to be native to Indonesia and is a large palm. It is a pinnate palm with a fibrous trunk made from woven fibers. Overall height is forty to fifty feet and the trunk gets to a diameter of two feet. The leaves are held upright and can be over twenty feet long. The leaflets, like all Arenga, has jagged terminal ends.

This is a monocarpic species and will die when the plant flowers. Other suckering Arenga has new trunks to replace dying flowering trunks. But, since this species has only one trunk, like a Caryota it will be gone a few years after the flowers appear. The Sugar Palm is a full sun species with cold tolerance into the mid-twenties F. Shown here is a 15g nursery plant and photos of mature specimens. We also have 5g for sale. Note the woven material on the trunk. It is very interesting to see in person. We are putting nice 2 gallon starter plants on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 2G $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2G $60

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for your discount.

ARENGA AUSTRALASICA
THE AUSTRALIAN ARENGA PALM

CAN TOLERATE SOME COLD
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a suckering pinnate palm that is native to various areas in Queensland, AU. It gets to a height of ten to twelve feet, have fibrous trucks, suckers and has leaves six feet long with green dorsal sides and silver underneath. It does form a clump. It prefers filtered light or some sun. It can tolerate a freeze but not temperatures into the mid-twenties F. At our nursery outdoors they've done fine. We have limited number of one gallon plants that we’re putting on Sale. These would be simple to mail order

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $62.50

CHAMAEDOREA ADSCENDENS
SUPER RARE UNDER-STORY PALM WITH SATIN SHEEN TO LEAVES

DWARF SPECIES - SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This is a solitary trunk dwarf species from Guatemala and Belize. It was only introduced into the trade in the past two decades. Stems are thin and a white-tan color. Leaves are blue green with an iridescent sheen. Leaves are pinnate and sometimes simple, especially when young. Height of this palm is usually under three feet, but plants in the wild have been reported to be five to six feet. It is cold hardy to about a freeze and prefers filtered light. Planting in small colonies is very attractive. This species is almost impossible to find. We got our seeds from a famous botanist, so I know they are correctly produced without hybridization. The seedlings on sale have four leaves and are two years old. They can easily be mail ordered. They’d make a great interior or patio plant as well.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

Limited supplies are available. Don’t miss out on this great species. The last row of photos shows a mature Nursery specimen in fruit. Note the glaucous color and sheen to the leaflets.

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM

NEW ZEALAND PALM - BULGING CROWN SHAFT
A FAVORITE OF ALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND 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. Of note, we’re putting 3 to 4 leaf seedlings on sale in bands on a Ten Day Special. .

REGULAR PRICE BAND $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND $50

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price. This size is a piece of cake to ship.

CYCAS DEBAOENSIS
SUPER RARE, MULTIPINNATE, SMALL CAUDEX, LONG LEAVES

YES, SEEDLINGS OF THE REAL THING!
FIRST TIME OFFERED FOR TWENTY YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

In my opinion, this is one of the most desirable cycad species introduced in the past several decades. It was formally described in 1996. Native to China, it is a plant with a rather small caudex, typically under a foot in size, but with long leaves that stretch upwards and will divide to the third order. Some argue that it's just "bi-pinnate", but if you research pictures of the leaves, there is a small stem leading to two or three leaflets. Therefore, I consider it to be "tri-pinnate". In other words, the main stem will fork and that branch will fork again, this last stem holding the leaflets.. The Caryota palm divides to the second order and is considered to be multipinate as well. With this branching, this species produces a very tropical and exotic appearing leaf.

It typically will hold two to four leaves, but has been reported to hold as many as ten leaves. Length of these can reach ten feet. They tend to go straight upwards, flexing down over time. Cycas debaoensis prefers filtered light and is cold hardy to the lower 20's F. For the first time in a few decades, we are offering seedlings for sale. These were domestically produced and definitely the real thing. I've shown other plants of this species before, but such a beautiful plant cannot be shown too many times. At nurseries, this is considered super rare and is always hard to find.

REGULAR PRICE BAND $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $85

These would be easy to mail order.

CERATOZAMIA MEXICANA
GREEN CYCAD FROM MEXICO
BLOWOUT SALE CONING SIZED PLANTS

TEN DAY SPECIAL CONING SIZED PLANTS

This gorgeous cycad is green in color and native to lowland as well as mountainous areas of Vera Cruz, Mexico. There are various forms. Some are green emergent but we’ve seen an occasional bronze emergent type. This is a medium to large cycad with crown spreads of eight to ten feet. Leaves tend to be horizontal and sometimes a bit dependent, especially on older leaves. Leaf stems are spiny. Leaf length can be six feet easily. Leaflets are medium width with no spines on their edges. Caudex size can get up to two feet. Most would grow this is a bit of sun or filtered light. But, right on the coast, some have grown it well in half day sun. Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.

We have an excellent selection of this species and have selected some of the 15 gallons for a Ten Day Special. Caudexes are four to six inches. Most are coning size. These came recently from a private collection and some need to throw out new leaves. But, all are super healthy and have seen temperatures well into the twenties

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE IN 15 GALLON $700
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE IN 15G $595

This is a great price for these plants, many of which are 15 years old. This size can be delivered but may be too big for mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS LANATUS
A RARE BLUE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

LOVES HEAT AND SUN – VERY THIN LEAFLETS
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. Age is about 8 to 10 years from germination. 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 $485
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $415

CYCAS TANSACHANA
MEDIUM SIZE CYCAD FROM THAILAND

THIN TRUNK WITH SWOLLEN BASE
EXTREMELY RARE GREEN LEAF CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

Cycas tansachana is a medium sized green leaf cycad that is from south-central Thailand at an elevation of about 1000 feet. There is lives on mountainous outcroppings. It was named after a friend, Kampoon Tansacha of Non-Nooch Botanical Garden. Heights can read 20 feet but are generally shorter. Trunks are thin with a swollen base up to 3 feet across. Leaves are green and flat in cross section. This is a rare cycad to find. In most areas it can take part or possibly full day sun. We are offering a limited number of older plants in citrus pot containers on sale. Caudexes are four inches thick and age is about 12 years. The habitat photo is c/o TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE THIS CITRUS POT $595
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $495

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN
OFFERING OF SIXTY YEAR OLD SPECIMEN CYCAD

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL SIXTY YEAR OLD PLANT IN 25 GALLON CONTAINER

This is a popular blue cycad from the Eastern Cape area of South Africa. I say “popular” because some people don't like spines and prickles. The leaflets of this species are narrow with only a point at the end. They are nothing as gnarly as E. horridus. The leaves and crown are very neat and uniform. The nearest species to this one is Encephalartos princeps. Trunks of E. lehmannii can get to five feet, but one with two to three feet of trunk is very old. Leaves average about four feet long and are strongly curled. Sometimes they'll almost do a 180 or more degree re-curve. Leaf color is intensely blue like E. horridus. But, you'll only see this color with full, hot sun. In shade or inside a greenhouse they are often green because they are not getting full sun and have lots of humidity. Cold hardiness is about 21 to 22 degrees F. In the desert only give it a few hours sun.

Shown below is an approximately sixty year old E. lehmannii of unknown sex. It came from a private older cycad collection. It's in a 25 gallon container and was dug two years ago. It didn't miss a beat after being dug and has thrown at least two new sets of leaves. The caudex is 16 inches wide and 29 to 30 inches tall. This is probably the largest of this species for sale in the Western U.S. This plant is so big and heavy that it would need professional delivery. I only have one of this size. It is shown in the first seven photos below. The last habitat photot is by M.R.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIX YEAR OLD SPECIMEN $5900
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD SPECIMEN $5000

COLOCASIA ESCULENTE "MOJITO"
GREEN ELEPHANT EAR PLANT WITH SPLOTCHES OF BLACK ON THE LEAVES

MEDIUM SIZE - TOLERATES FULL OR PART COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This variety of Elephant Ear Plant is sought after because of the interesting black splotches on its green leaves. See close up photos below. Individual leaves can get 12 to 18 inches in size. They do sucker and can produce a mature plant that is 4 to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. This species tolerates coastal full or part sun. It likes good draining soil and to be kept slightly moist during the hot season. Back off on watering when it's cold. If you live in a very cold area, you can dig up the tubers, store them and replant in the spring. Cold tolerance is about a freeze or a bit below. It can be used as a specimen or along the edge of a garden. It also can be grown next to a pond or stream. It would get too large for usage in a terrarium. We're putting our one gallons on sale. They can be mail ordered. Also, many customers are growing this as a houseplant.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $35

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

HANGING WHITE FLOWERS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This is a super popular variety of ginger that blossoms in the summer. Blossoms are white with yellow and red throats. Mature height of these plants is six to seven feet. The leaves are prominently variegated with lighter green and yellow. Blossoms are long lived but not fragrant. Blossoms occur during the summer. I think they do best in part day sun although right on the coast folks grow them in full sun. Cold tolerance is one of the better for ginger, probably the mid-twenties F. The last photo shows our 15g size of the green form of this species which is not on sale right now.

REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount.

ASSORTED VRIESEAS HYBRIDS
BY JOHN ARDEN
EXTREMELY RARE TROPICAL PLANTS

FILTERED LIGHT PLANTS
SPECTACULAR BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ALL PLANTS SHOWN HERE

Several years I offered a good assortment of rare Vriesea hybrids done by the late John Arden. John was a worldwide famous Bromeliad expert who lived in this area. His hybrid Bromeliads, especially the Vriesea hybrids, were coveted by many. Of this collection, we still have some left. Through a friend, I am again able to offer some of his hybrids and, this time, at a discount. Vrieseas are known not only for their interesting foliage but also for colorful blossoms that protrude welll above the plant. These would be fairly easy to email anywhere in the U.S. Most Vrieseas want filtered light and are cold hardy into the mid to upper twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE PLANTS SHOWN BELOW $75 - $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL PLANTS BELOW $65 - $85

This special only lasts ten days and I have many of the plants shown. These will sell out quickly.

*Vriesea amazing jade x evelyn*

*Vriesea California gold x V-400*

*Vriesea concerto x sunset*

*Vriesea hybrid John Arden*

*Vriesea hybrid John Arden 2*

*Vriesea inspiration*

Vriesea mandy hybrid

*Vriesea mandy x gradata x marcella*

Vriesea maroon shadow hybrid

*Vriesea maroon shadow x golden radiance*

*Vriesea melago negro x V brassicooides*

*Vriesea sensation x barbarosa*

*Vriesea sunburst*

*Vriesea van ackeri x fenestralis x concerto*

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS
IN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW

GREEN LEAVES - SUN TOLERANT
LARGE CLUSTERS ON TEN DAY SPECIAL

This bromeliad genus is known for it's dependent and large pink blossoms. The leaves on this species are green forming a tubular plant. The blossoms are 18 inches long, cascading and pink in color with blue flower parts showing below. They are very durable and easy to grow. They want at least some sun but can be grown in the sun. They want overhead watering. These clusters each have five to ten individual plants in the pots.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE CLUSTERS $75

TUESDAY, 26 DECEMBER, 2023

COCCOTHRINAX MIRAGUAMA
VERY POPULAR FAN PALM

CUTE MEDIUM SIZED SUN PALM

This is a rather thin trunked fan palm native to Cuba. It attains a height of typically twenty to thirty feet, rarely taller. Below the crown of leaves is an attractive pattern of meshed and woven fibers. The middle and base of the trunk are usually woody. You will note the the leaves are prominently divided into thin, long leaf segments. These leaves are held by a prominent petiole. The dorsal color of the leaves is typically green with a blue-green or sometimes silver color below. This species likes sun and heat. Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F.

In general, all Coccothrinax are slow growing plants. This is especially true in container grown plants. In the ground they are quicker growing. Shown here is a one gallon Coccothirnax miraguama. Of note, there are several varieties of C. miraguama, but I won't get into this here. Shown are C. miraguama in domestic plantings. For the garden, Coccothrinax are nice species to grow because they take sun and heat and don't take up too much room. As you can see, the crowns of leaves are not large. And, they are strikingly different than anything else you'd be growing. We have various species of this genus for sale in a variety of species and do, on occasion, have this species as well.

CARYOTA GIGAS
"THAI MOUNTAIN GIANT", "KING KONG PALM", "BLACK STEM FISHTAIL"

COMPARISON WITH CARYOTA URENS

Yes, this beautiful large palm from northern Thailand has been given a lot of common names. I'm showing you today some boxed size plants of this species. We also have 15g for sale. But, I thought I'd make a few points about this plant that you may not know and make some comparisons to Caryota urens:

•It has an extremely thick fat trunk that can get up to three feet wide (see last photo). This is much thicker than C. urens.
•Trunk height in Southern California is hardly ever over 35 feet, less than most of us expected. C. urens can get over 60 feet with ease.
• It appears to tolerate full sun better than C. urens. By this I mean it has less brown tipping on the leaflets
• It appears to have a shorter life span than expected, often blossoming in less than 15 years. This is less than C. urens.
• It has very wide and long leaves, up to fifteen feet in length and provides good shade underneath. Caryota urens' leaves are smaller but still quite large.
• It is not as cold hardy as C. urens and will burn in the low 20's F. But, most plants will survive and return from temperatures of 20 degrees f.
• It is quick growing but does not put on vertical height as fast as Caryota urens.
• If your plant doesn't look good, it's probably from your lack of giving it adequate water (if there's no cold burn)
• It is the most popular Fishtail Palm presently. In the past, before this species introduction, C. urens was the most popular. I think people really like the leaves and leaflet shape..

We do stock various size of this species and sometimes have larger specimen plants for sale as shown below. Photos shown below are only of Caryota gigas.

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS
TRUNKING FORM

THIN TALL GREEN TRUNKS – TOLERATES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS HUGE & MATURE 25 GALLON SPECIMEN

Sometime with this blog I may have talked about this variety of Chamadorea radicalis. The latter is a very cold hardy dwarf, single trunk species that is quite easy to grow. But, there is also a trunking species that is not a dwarf. It gets to about 10 to 14 feet tall and is also cold hardy into the lower 20's F, maybe even into the upper teens. It is able to take coastal sun like the dwarf. This variety is hard to find on the market. Shown here below is about an 8 to 10 year old 25 gallon that is easily about 12 feet tall. It is a triple and one stem is a female with red fruit. You can see there is no question that this is not a dwarf and has formed nice trunk. On this form, we may also have 5 gallon and 15 gallon available. I only have this one specimen this large. It is way too big for mail order. Note the thin leaflets and stem. This specimen is for sale.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON SPECIMEN $795
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECIMEN $675

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

EASY TO GROW - A GREAT INTERIOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BOTH 15 & 25 GALLON SIZE

This suckering palm species is native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of about four types of "Bamboo Palms" and is probably either the best or in a stiff competition with Chamaedorea hooperiana. This species gets to a mature height of twelve to sixteen feet, has strong 1 inch to 1.5 inch trunks which are green in color with prominent rings, and about three to four foot long leaves. It is an upright grower and does clump. It doesn't run. It takes filtered light or morning sun along the coast. I've even heard of some growing it in full sun although I'd not recommend it. It is a good growing species. Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F.

Below I'm showing in the first five photos the 15g size followed by the 25g size in the following five photos. These are followed by mature garden plants. If you are interested in mail order, select a 5 gallon plant (not shown) which is easier to ship. BTW, this species is fairly difficult to find. BTW, we are very limited on our 25 gallon size - shown in photos below #6 - #10.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON $245

REGULAR PRICE HUGE 25 GALLON $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 25 GALLON $650

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI
THE SOUTH AMERICAN "COCONUT PALM"
PRESENTLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND AVAILABLE

TALL SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM FROM SOUTH AMERICA
SPECIMEN TYPE PALM WITH PRETTY GOOD COLD TOLERANCE
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZED 15 GALLON SIZE

This morning I thought I'd talk about this South American palm and include a fair amount of information. I'm doing this because I've found there is often confusion with the genus "Parajubaea". I included the common name of "South American Coconut" for this genus because the new palm enthusiast will most likely forget these long winded scientific names. I particularly want to emphasize P. torallyi because I think it's such a great plant and easy to grow. It has two forms.

Parajubaeas are all from South America. About twenty years ago the genus was:"reborn" with the importation of seeds of various species from habitat. Enthusiasts had to learn more because they had "new plants" in front of them. Also, this gave palm people the opportunity to grow all of the species. There are three species and one sub-variety. These are Parajubaea cocoides, sunkha, and torallyi.  Parajubaea torallyi has a sub-variety named P. torallyi variety microcarpa.  P. cocoides has historically been the species that people have grown for the longest period. This species is a bit different appearing than all the others with greener leaves and slower growth. The other three types of Parajubaeas began their notoriety when seeds began being imported. The seeds are very large (hence the term "Coconut"), shaped like a Coconut seed in a way, and some have the most peculiar wings or flanges at the end. Of these three other species, all are easier to grow and faster than P. cocoides. Long term survival has also been better in California. All are from high elevation in the Andes in Bolivia.  P. torallyi comes from elevations of up to ten thousand feet and has been reported to be the "highest elevation palm tree in the world". Cold tolerance of these three later species is excellent, with some surviving into the upper teens F. All have a somewhat silver-green leaf and leaflets. All have a husky trunk. To compare these palms, here's a synopsis.

Parajubaea torallyi: Tallest of the three, up to fifty feet. Husky trunk averaging 18 inches. Largest seed of the group. Fast growing in the ground.
Parajubaea torallyi variety microcarpa: Smaller than regular torallyi, trunk height to 30 perhaps 40 feet, thinner trunk, smaller seed, equal growth habit
Parajubaea sunkha:  Originally thought to be variety of torallyi, now known to be a species. Smallest of these three species with trunk height 25 feet. In habitat, grows at lower elevation, 6000 feet.
Parajubaea cocoides:  Natural habitat not known, may actually be a variety of P. torallyi, less cold hardy than others above, less silver in the leaves. Not as good a grower as any of the three above.

This is a full sun genus of palms. It is best to start them in strong filtered light. Germination of seeds is difficult. This is the first time I've offered this species in years because of the lack of any seeds for years. On the garden photos, the first is from a garden in Encinitas, CA. The second from Balboa Park, San Diego.   The last c/o the European Palm Society in Bolivia.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $300

I have limited numbers presently but anticipate a few more later this week. These are fairly large for their pots.

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSIS
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA

WHITE TO BROWN-GREEN CROWN SHAFT
MEDIUM TO TALL HEIGHT MATURE

TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE 15 GALLON

This is good sized, crown shafted pinnate palm from New Caledonia. It comes from Mt.
Koghi in the central area of the island. Mature trees obtain a height eventually of 40 feet or more. The leaves tend to be upright in the crown and the crown shaft has a white color. It is more difficult to find than other species of Burretiokentia. An interesting thing about this species is that younger plants have a triangular shape in the crown shaft area below the leaves. The blossoms are also quite furry and unusual appearing. It appears to be cold tolerant into the mid to upper twenties F. and tolerates full or part coastal sun. Shown here is a 15g plant as well as mature specimens from the wild. Our 15 gallon plants are really a 24 inch box size. They are too tall for mail order but we should have smaller, shippable sizes available. The 8th & 9th photos are from habitat from a trip that my son, Jesse, and I took in the year 2000.

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE 15 GALLON PLANTS $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $245

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF SUN – SINGLE STEM, THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON MULTIPLES

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. And, it too, can tolerate near full coastal sun. 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. The 15 gallon on special are multiples, usually three per pot, and ready for the garden. It is a durable species and seem exempt from fungal problems that can plague C. plumosa. For this reason, they are more reliable than C. plumosa. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON MULTIPLES $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $225

Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

KING PALM
ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA

TALLER PALM FOR FULL OR PART DAY SUN
FAST GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SINGLES

The popular King Palm is also known as the Piccabeen Palm or Bangalow palm. It is native to several areas in Australia. It can in habitat get to sixty feet tall, but in Southern California is usually not over 40 feet tall. It is crown shafted with a gray trunk. The crown shaft is green with some brown speckled areas. Leaf length is 8 to 10 feet. It is not particularly rare. Other species of King Palms are. (we grow them all). Ramenta is present on the back of the leaflets, a hallmark of this species. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. The singles we're putting on sale are in the 15g size. Be aware, you can plant a single, double or triple. All do great although the greater the number of plants put in, the slower the growth rate of the clump. These single 15g plants are about 7 to 8 feet tall in their pots.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $150

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price. We do have other sizes for sale.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX TUCKERI
RARE AUSTRALIAN TYPE OF KING PALM

PURE GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE

Common Name(s):  Archontophoenix Peach River (Creek)
Native Locality:  Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia
Overall Height:  Maximum sixty to seventy feet
Trunk Diameter:  Ten inches
Leaf Length:  Nine to ten feet, moderately twisted
Leaflets:  Silver underneath, somewhat pendulous or drooping.
Crown Shaft Color:   Green
Presence of Ramenta:  Absent
Flower Color:  White or cream colored

This is a fairly rare and seldom available species of King Palm from Australia. It is a good growing species that gets tall with a thin trunk. We’re putting large 5 gallon plants on Special. These can be mail ordered but would take a large box. The great 7th photo is c/o Luke Nancarrow, AU

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $115

SYAGRUS SANCONA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN FOXTAIL PALM

VERY PLUMOSE LEAVES
HARD TO FIND BUT GOOD SIZED 5 GALLON OFFERED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This is one of the prettiest Syagrus you can buy. It gets its common name from the fact that the leaves are very plumose (multi-ranked or fluffy), resembling the Foxtail Palm. As the photographs show, the trunk is thin for the height of this palm. And it is prominently ringed. Mature height can be 50 feet or more. It is native to about six countries in the northern part of South America. It prefers full sun once acclimated and is cold tolerant down to the mid-twenties F. We are offering good sized 5 gallon on sale. But, we don't have too many.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Remember: Mention this Blog Special to get this price. This species is almost sold out. Last photo is c/o TS at RPS.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

RARE PINNATE PALM FROM PUERTO RICO
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZE 5 GALLON

Prestoea is a genus that is very closely related to another palm genus, Euterpe. It is found in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Essentially all Euterpe are crown shafted palms. Many of the Prestoea are not. There are also distinctions between the flowers of these two genera. Also, many of the Prestoea are suckering. But, there is one that is single trunk. This is Prestoea montana, native to mountainous areas of Puerto Rico. I've always known of this species as not having a crown shaft. But, I've seen photos (including ones from native habitats) where a crown shaft is seen.

The hallmarks of this species are its wide and very shiny green leaves, its somewhat slender trunk and its overall beautiful appearance. Plant heights can reach forty feet or more. This species should be grown in part day sun or filtered light. It likes rich soil and ample moisture. I'd estimate its cold tolerance is down to about a freeze or a bit less. It is not a species for a beginner to try. We're putting the 5g plants on special. Note that this species has historically been known as "Prestoea montana" but in more recent years has been considered a variety of P. acuminata. We have limited numbers available.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $115

Remember: Mention this Special for this price! Mail order possible.

SABAL BLACKBURNIANA
LARGE AND TALL FAN PALM

NICE BAND SIZED PLANTS AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of thick trunked fan palm is native to Dominican Republic and Haiti. It can get to over 60 feet tall with a massive 2 foot thick brown trunk. Leaves are larger than the similar but smaller Sabal palmetto. Growth rate is quick. It is also very cold hard and likes full hot sun. It can go down to the mid-teens F. The 5 gallon size shown below is about 5 years old.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $110

Just remember to mention this Special. Last photo by friend Justen Dobbs.

DYPSIS PRESTONIANA
VERY RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

PLUMOSA LEAVES – COLORFUL CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This highly sought-after, single trunk species from Madagascar is very beautiful. It falls into the category of a “must have ” species. This species comes from mid-elevation in southern Madagascar and is proving to be a great species for Southern California. It has a height of over 30 feet, a thick trunk that is about 12 to sixteen inches thick with prominent rings, plumose upright leaves and a colored crown shaft. The crown shaft has white silver, orange and black colors. Cold tolerance appears to be into the mid-twenties but is not yet worked out. Mature trees tolerate full sun along the coast. The mature photos are by TS at RPS. One photo is c/o John Dransfield, Kew Botanical Garden in London. We’re putting 2 gallon plants on Special.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON SIZE $80
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $70

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

PTYCHOSPERMA SALOMONENSE
QUICK GROWING, CROWN SHAFTED

SIMILAR TO PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
BUT FASTER GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE - SINGLES & MULTIPLES

This rare pinnate, crown shafted and thin trunked palm tree is from the Solomon Islands. Most growers comment that this species is very similar appearing to Ptychosperma elegans . It gets a height of up to thirty feet with a four inch thick trunk. Leaves are about five feet long. Leaf color is green. The crown shaft is silver-green. Compared to Ptychosperma elegans, this species is:

faster growing
taller
has wider leaflets
has larger leaves

It is a part day sun species and has a cold tolerance into the mid to upper twenties F. Perhaps one could grow it in full sun right on the coast. It is rarely available. I'm offering nice one gallon sized plants on special for ten days.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $60

You must mention this Blog Only Special when ordering to get this discount. These plants should be easy to mail order. Limited availability. Both singles & multiples available. Garden photos c/o Palmpedia, one by Pete in AU.

BRAHEA BRANDEGEEI
A TALL, QUICK GROWING BRAHEA

GREEN LEAVES, SORT OF WISPY
THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Rarely do I have this hard to find palm and even more rarely do I put it on special. It's one of the hardest of the Braheas to locate. It can reach heights of over 80 feet and is native to Baja California, Mexico. Trunks are thin. Crowns of leaves are open. Leaf color is typically green as shown here. One of the best places to see this species is in Balboa Park, San Diego, less than a half mile from where I live. It wants full sun, tolerates wind and dry conditions and is a good growing species. Despite its beauty, its a solid grower and a fine addition to any garden. I’m offering band sized seedlings on sale - see first four photos. The fifth & Sixth photo are of a 15g plant.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

It'd be piece of cake to mail order. BTW, the plants are about one leaf larger than shown here from these older photos. Remember, mention this Special!

SABAL PALMETTO
THE PALMETTO PALM

MEDIUM SIZED COLD HARDY GREEN FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND SIZED PLANTS

This medium to large fan palm is native to the United States and an assortment of Caribbean islands including Cuba. It's native habitat extends as far north as North Carolina. It is amazingly salt tolerant. In Florida you can see it right up into the coastal dunes. I've seen plants just a few feet from the bay at Tampa Bay and thriving. It is green in color and has a trunk that is of variable heights, ranging from ten feet to up to eighty feet – but it’s rare to see them over about 30 feet. This is a durable, hardy palm with obvious salt tolerance. It's cold hardiness is into the mid teens F. and it prefers full sun for optimal growth. However, it does tolerate partial shade. Also, it can tolerate desert conditions if given adequate water. Trunks have a "criss-cross" pattern of attached leaf bases. Later the palm sheds these to show a fairly smooth appearing trunk. With my comments above, you'd think there are lots of these available in CA. This is not the case; they are hard to find. The bands on sale are very nicely sized. Finally, for those of you displaced from South Carolina, you can bring a little of your state to your present location by growing this palm. Sabal palmetto is your state tree. We can ship one right to your displaced location. These are easy to mail order.

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

DIOON EDULE
BLUE QUERETERO VARIETY

RARE FORM - SUN LOVING BLUE CYCAD
COLD HARDY INTO THE UPPER TEENS F.
GETS BLUE COLOR IN HOT SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLDER BAND SIZED PLANTS

In other posts I’ve discussed Dioon edule, a typically small to medium sized sun-loving cycad from Mexico. There are known to be about six different varieties of this species - all from different localities. The variety on sale here is from the Mexican state of Queretaro. Leaves are typically blue in full bright sun. Leaves are about 4 feet long and leaflets are thin, coming to a pointed end. Mature height after a few decades may be six feet with an trunk height of 18 inches. Cold tolerance is excellent, being able to take cold weather into the teens F. The band size on sale are not new seedlings but rather established older (five year old) plants with an average caudex of 1 to 1.5 inches. The bands are shown in the first five photos below. These are hard to find and easy to mail order. Last photo by MARK MASON.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZE $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE OLDER BAND SIZE $75

Remember to mention this Special for your discount when you purchase. Availability limited. BTW, if these don't sell out, all will be repotted into 5g pots shortly.

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT AS SHOWN

This is a rare green cycad from China. It is different than the Sago Palm - smaller and, to me, more attractive. Leaf color is green to blue green. It tolerates coastal sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F. Some feel it's one of the most cold hardy cycads in the world - even better than the Sago Palm. Mature height should be about eight feet. They can sucker, but much less than the Sago. They also take up less garden space than the Sago Palm. Leaflets are narrow without armor except on the tips (pointed).

The citrus pot shown in the first five photos has a caudex of 3.5 inches. We also have larger and smaller plants for sale. We are putting plants of this size (3 to 4 inches) on special. These can be easily mail ordered. The first to purchase of course will get the larger plants.

REGULAR PRICE PLANTS WITH THIS SIZE CAUDEX $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $295

This size can be shipped or delivered. Remember, mention this Special when you purchase. The sixth photo shows our 15 gallon size of larger plants.

ENCEPHALARTOS WHITELOCKII
LARGER CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD
LONG UPRIGHT LEAVES
DIFFICULT TO FIND FOR SALE

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECIES - ANY SIZE PLANT WE HAVE!

This unique and larger cycad is native to Uganda. In fact, at one point it was called the "Uganda Giant Cycad". This is because it has leaves that extend almost straight up toward the sky and can be twelve feet long or more. Leaflets are narrow and armed with small spines. The caudex is a light color and in the wild can be up to ten feet tall. Historically, as this species is similar to E. laurentianus, it was called also "Encephalartos laurentianus Lake George", referring to its specific habitat. The nursery plants I'm showing today are locally grown 15g plants. We have other sizes as well, both larger and smaller. The last photo shows one of our boxed specimens. Note the appearance of these plants with their long leaves with narrow leaflets. Enthusiasts love this species because it's a good growing cycad. Right on the coast I'd give it half day sun. It's not quite a sun-tolerant as many of the South African species. Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.

SPECIAL - 15% OFF REGULAR PRICE ANY SIZE THIS SPECIES FOR TEN DAYS

EDIBLE BANANA THAT MANY OF YOU CAN GROW!
MUSA GRAN NAIN

VARIETY THAT CHIQUITA UTILIZES FOR MARKET FRUIT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 15 GALLON PLANTS

This banana cultivar is popular worldwide and is the variety of choice for Chiquita Banana Company. It is a cultivar of Musa acuminata. It produces a huge amount of bananas if well grown. It is common for one plant to produce over 40 pounds of fruit. The fruit is medium sized, firm and sweet. Plants get to about 9 feet height, sucker when a fruit stem has finished and require half sun or full sun if possible. They benefit from large amounts of compost or soil amendments and do require fertilization to make good fruit. Leaves are typically solid green. They are a quick growing species. They do best in frost free areas but can recover from a freeze. Of note, remove the fruit when it's still a bit green and wait for it to ripen off the tree. We are offering 15g plants on Special. They are nicely sized and most are overhead in their pots. The photo of the fruit is by A-S.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS SIZE $200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $175

TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS
MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH

TEN TO FIFTEEN INDIVIDUAL BROMELIAD PLANTS TOGETHER
IN BLOSSOM SPRING AND SUMMER

TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE CLUSTERS

These New World epiphytic plants are great fun. They are one of the many genera of Bromeliads. Native to regions stretching from the Southern US down to South America, these plants attach to tree trunks, branches, posts, fences or anything they can find. Most do not live in the ground. They live off of natural rainfall or humidity and are not harmful to the hosting plant/tree. All will flower. Flower color on these plants is blue. They blossom in either the spring or summer.

We have multiple varieties. Most growers divide plants into single plants and sell them one at a time. The plants on sale are clusters (natural) of ten to twenty individual plants. And, we’re putting them on sale! These are very old clusters. You can put them on a piece of bark, wood or whatever you want. Or, hang them from a fence or mount them to a tree trunk. Obviously, these photos were taken during the blossoming period.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS

REGULAR PRICE THESE CLUSTERS $100 - $125 (MANY PLANTS PER CLUSTER)
TEN DAY SPECIAL - TEN TO TWENTY PLANTS PER CLUSTER $75- $100

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount. These are easy to ship, weather permitting.

PHILODENDRON SPECIES
RED ON BOTH SIDES

CLIMBING SPECIES - FANTASTIC PLANT!
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

Shown below are plants that came from cuttings of a climbing Philodendron from my garden. Every morning at dawn when I work in my home office I look east out the window and see the morning light showing through this plants leaves. It's so beautiful and such a delight to see. The plant in my garden has now climbed up about 25 feet on a King Palm trunk. Leaves are about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide mature. Leaf stems are red. I do not know the species name of this plant. I got it from an old time collector 40 years ago. I've only offered it for sale once or twice in the past forty years. The first photo shows the back of the leaf with light showing through a leaf. As it's now nighttime while I'm writing this, I cannot take a photo of the mother plant.

TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GALLON PLANTS $45

I only have a handful of these available. It's a spectacular companion plant.

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

AVAILABILITY CHANGES WEEKLY
SPECIAL ON THESE GORGEOUS PLANTS

Cordyline Hawaiian Ti plants are a great way to add color to the garden. They easily acclimate to filtered light growing conditions in our area but can be solely acclimated to coastal sun. Most don't get much over six feet tall. They have thin trunks and can take a freeze with some damage. Severe cold will kill them. Leaf color varies from pastels to reds to green and black. Shown here four different varieties of different Hawaiian Ti plants. All are different and there's one that is predominantly pastel colors. Remember, availability of each type changes ever several days.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 3 GALLON VARIETIES OF HAWAIIAN TI $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON TI'S $49.50

FRIDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2023

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII
THE SPINDLE PALM
PHOTOS OF SUPER OLD TREES

Most of us know what the Spindle Palm, Hyophorbe verschafeltii, looks like. But, I thought I'd show you pictures of plants that are at least fifty years old. I've been following these particular trees individually for over thirty years and they were large when I first met them. So, here's the "Senior citizens" of Spindle Palms. The fourth photo shows the classic bulge in the mid-trunk. But, on some trees you'll notice this is less apparent - almost as if the central bulge aborts. I can't comment too much on this other than to say that this seems true on occasions and the bulge is less apparent. I wish I had sequential, over the decades, photos of individual trees.

Many are growing this sun-loving species here in Southern California and the tallest ones I know of are ten to twelve feet tall. References say twenty feet is maximum and certainly some of these trees are pushing that height. Cold hardiness is down to about a freeze. At the nursery we usually have 5g and 15g sizes for sale.

Colony of very old Spindle Palms
5 gallon size
15 gallon size at nursery

CYCAD SEEDLINGS - LOTS OF THEM
GROWN IN BAND CONTAINERS

THIS DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN THEY ARE SMALL
BUT, THEY ARE ALWAYS EASY TO SHIP

For over forty years we've been propagating and selling cycads to our customers. Crucial to any cycad nursery has always been obtaining viable seeds for germination. It's certainly gotten more difficult over the decades to obtain desirable seeds. But, we have been fortunate to continue offering smaller and more affordable cycads for sale. We presently have for sale thousands of small cycads of at least 75 species.

We do a lot of our own germination. The fifth photo below shows a flat of Encephalartos eugene-marisii germinating. Once germinated, new seedlings go into our band containers - a square and tall pot measuring 3 x 3 x 9 inches. We were one of the first nurseries in the country to utilize these pots. Now it's standard practice country-wide. As we have about 25,000 cycads in stock, we don't always get time to repot cycads that are too big for their band containers. This is a good thing for you, the consumer. It means that many times our band cycads are five years old or longer. They often have super developed roots and are on their fifth to six leaf or more. Some photos demonstrate this - note the plant sizes.

Another nice thing about getting band sized plants is that they are quite affordable to ship for mail orders. And, we can nestle quite a few plants in one box for shipping - always in their containers with soil. And, sometimes we put our band sized cycads on sale. We hope that you can take advantage of these often "much bigger than other nurseries" band sized cycads. Most nurseries sell seedlings with only one or two small leaves. Photos below show many of our band sized plants with photos of flats of cycads or growing benches. Incidentally, at our nursery we have over a mile of running benches and display areas.

EMAIL US FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE REGULAR LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
SPECIAL TWENTY YEAR OLD 25G SIZE

We have an assortment of Lady Palms which are near perfect - almost as nice as the expensive ones we bring in out of Hawaii. But, they are locally grown and better priced. And, we are offering them on special. Have you ever wondered why you hardly ever see Rhapis on sale? It's because they are super slow growing. The plants shown here are eight, maybe twenty years old. Therefore, growers have little motivation to sell them cheap. The plants shown here are nice enough for a bank or hotel lobby, a professional office or even your living room.

Rhapis excelsa is native to Asia and typically doesn't get much over 8 feet tall in a pot. They do great in shady locations of the garden or inside the home. They are a very nice patio plant. Cold hardiness is about 20 degrees F. They want low dose fertilizer. Too much fertilizer will burn them. The plant size below are in 25 gallon pots and have been at the nursery for about 20 years. This size can have 20 to 30 canes in each pot. We have only a few this size - and also have the even more rare Rhapis humilis in good sizes.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLD 25G PLANTS $795
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $695

Important: Mention this Blog Only Offering for this price when you purchase. Note, limited supply available.

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA
BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

STRONG & LARGE SQUAT 15 GALLON PLANTS
ALMOST SOLD OUT OF THESE
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS

It's not that uncommon that I'll talk about various types of Bamboo Palms. Three decades ago this species (Chamaedorea hooperiana) would have probably been called a variety of Chamaedorea costaricana. But, in his book on Chamaedorea, Don Hodel described this species named after friend and palm enthusiast Louis Hooper. So, it now enjoys its own status as a species. And, it deserved species status because it is quite different than Chamaedorea costaricana. This species is native to high elevation rain forest in the Veracruz area of Mexico. It grows at up to 5000 feet elevation in habitat.

It reaches an overall height of twelve to fourteen feet. It is also quite wide at maturity with many canes. These canes will sometimes lean outwards, making the clump wider. Trunks are about one inch thick. Compared to Chamaedorea costaricana, this species is more full and wide. It's hard to "see through" this species whereas you'd have a better chance of seeing through a costaricana. Both are suckering types of Bamboo Palms. Also, the leaves of costaricana are shorter. Hooperiana leaves are four feet long or more.

Shown here is one of our ten or fifteen gallon plants. This species likes good draining soil, adequate water, filtered light and is cold hardy to the low 20's F. It is an ideal patio plant and can be grown inside the home.

REGULAR PRICE THIS BATCH SQUAT 15 GALLON $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $250

Mention this Special to get your discount. BTW, these are not easy to find on the market. The size on sale is shown in the first six photos. I'm showing you a large and old 25g plant at the nursery in the last row of photos. The garden photo is by T.S. at RPS.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BAMBOO PALMS

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON MULTIPLES

The native home of Archontophoenix purpurea is the Mt. Lewis mountain range in Queensland, Australia. This species is known for the purple color to the crown shaft. It is found at an elevation up to 4000 feet. Mature height is quoted to be over fifty feet, but in habitat and culture I didn't see one this tall. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. It takes full coastal sun. The degree of purple in the crown shaft is variable but never "lollipop" purple. The underside of the leaves is silver and there is ramenta hairs only on this side. On younger plants the leaf bases and leaf stem tend to have a yellow color.

I'm showing our 15 gallon multiples which we're putting on sale (first 6 photos below). These are very good sized palms for their containers. Shown is a double but we also should have some tripples (three plants per container). Also available are large 5g and 1g sizes.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON MULTIPLES $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON MULTIPLES $220

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount. The first garden photo is of a double. The last garden photo shows the crown shaft color quite well.

BRAHEA NITIDA
NEAR COMPLETELY CIRCULAR FLAT GREEN LEAF
NATIVE TO MEXICO

CAN TOLERATE LESS THAN FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS

This interesting fan palm is native to Mexico, where it lives in the western portion of the country in mountainous areas. Its distribution extends down into Guatemala. It attains a height of thirty feet with a stout trunk of one foot diameter. The most attractive thing about this palm are its circular leaves, with only partial division of the segments. This is particularly apparent when it is grown in filtered light. In sun, the leaves are less flat and more divided. When grown in shade, sometimes this species reminds me of a "Licuala-looking" palm in its leaf appearance.

Cold hardiness is at least into the mid-twenties F. It may in fact be more cold hardy. The leaves are a shiny green with a white discoloration on the underside of the leaves. The petioles are essentially un-armed. From time to time we have this species available. Shown here are nice 15g which I'm putting on sale. At the nursery, this plant was in part sun only. Note the 360 degrees presence of the leaflets and the dark green color when grown in filtered light. There is no armor on the leaf stems. Also notice that there is not as lot of division of the leaflets giving an almost solid fan leaf appearance. The plant in the garden below shows more circular, flat near entire leaves. Compare this to the habitat photo, which was taken by a friend of mine, Justen Dobbs, in habitat and in full sun. The leaves in full sun are more divided and not as tropical appearing.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $220

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT – LOVES HOT SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This Madagascar palm is known as the "Triangle Palm" because the crown shaft has three flat sides. It gets to a mature height of about 22 feet in 3 decades. It loves heat and sun. Leaves are a gray-green color and there is prominent speckling in the inner crown with dark colors. It is slow growing. It has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees F. Be aware that this palm doesn’t do well in shade and doesn’t want to be shaded out by overhead trees. The 15 gallon size on Special are being grown in sun and ready for planting. Mail order possible with a very tall box.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $205

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. We also have other sizes available.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 & 15 GALLON SIZE

What good fortune is it that New Caledonia can claim to be the home of all Chambeyronia. Included is this species, C. macrocarpa. It is a slow growing, pinnate, crown shafted palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet. It has a dark green to green-black crown shaft. Compare this to C. hookeri above with it's yellow crown shaft. Leaves are wide, thick and leathery to the touch. With good culture, maybe you can get three new leaves a year. About one in twenty plants fail to throw a new red leaf - rather, it remains green. This is just bad luck and there's no way to predict which will do this. Shown here are 7 & 15 gallon plants we're putting on sale. We do have larger and smaller sizes available. Coastal sun is tolerated although strong filtered light is ok for most areas. This is a great garden palm.

REGULAR PRICE 7 & 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 & 15 GALLON $225

Just mention this special when you buy. I thank TS at RPS for usage of his photo below.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

TALL, SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
ELEGANT WITH LONG CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This super popular palm is native to south Florida and Cuba. It gets a very tall trunk with a height of forty feet or more. The crown shaft is long and a prominent green. The base of the trunk is swollen just above the ground. Often, you'll also see bulging in the mid-trunk. It is a full sun plant and some are growing it in desert areas with success - in full sun. Cold tolerance is like a King Palm, about 25 degrees F. The 5 gallon we have are about four feet tall height in their pots. Basal diameter is about 2 inches. We also have 15g and bands. We are hoping to offer larger sizes than shown here shortly. There's a shortage of this species on the California market. The Royal in the 8th photo was taken in San Diego.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLON $115

Mention this Special for your discount.

READ MORE ABOUT ROYAL PALMS

CHAMAEDOREA ARENBERGIANA
SINGLE TRUNK UNDERSTORY PALM WITH WIDE LEAFLETS

MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - PROMINENT TRUNK RINGS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk species is from Mexico and Central America. It is pinnate like other Chamaedoreas with a trunk diameter of an inch or a bit more. The leaves a five feet long with wide leaflets and prominent drip tips. You can see how wide the leaflets are from the photos. It is a very tropical and exotic understory palm. It prefers moist but good draining soil. The trunks are dark green and prominent trunk rings are present. Mature height is about 12 feet. You'd want to make sure this palm doesn't exceed your canopy to expose it to full sun. Low temperatures tolerated are about to a freeze and this species likes filtered light. Below I've shown you photos of our 5 gallon size which we are putting on Special. We also have 15 gallon size available. The last row of photos have pictures by palmpedia and RPS. The last photo shows mature seeds and the trunk.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON $125

CHAMAEDOREA KLOTZSCHIANA
SINGLE TRUNK MEXICAN CHAMAEDOREA

THIN TRUNKED, GROUPED LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON MULTIPLES

This single trunk, shade loving palm is from the Veracruz area of Mexico and named after a German botanist, Johann Klotzsch. The plant shown here has reached its mature height of twelve feet. It has a prominently ringed but narrow green trunk. The most remarkable characteristic of this species is the grouping of leaflets along the rachis. These groups are irregularly spaced. Also note how they leaflets are held at different angles from the rachis. Leaflets are a dark green, small to medium in length, wide and a bit puffy. It's this grouping of leaflets that allows you to ID this species. Another surprising this is how hard it is to find this species. When I started my nursery 42 years ago, I had lots of these and seeds were available. Nowadays you can't find seeds to save your soul. This is a shade loving species and cold hardy into the mid-twenties F. At best perhaps it'd take down to about 25 degrees. These plants should probably work fine as a house plant and are shippable in a good sized box.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON MULTIPLES $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON MULTIPLES $120

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
THE CHILEAN WINE PALM - A TRUCK STAND ALONE SPECIMEN PALM

FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This species is known at the Chilean Wine Palm. It can have trunk diameters up to four feet. To get a large trunking tree from a small plant can take several decades. Ultimate height can reach at least forty feet. Leaves are green and sometimes a blue-green color. The trunk is smooth and the fruit is yellow with a large brown seed inside. This palm requires full sun and can be grow in far inland areas. They are also growing them in cooler areas like Northern California. Cold tolerance is down to about 16 degrees F. The leaf stems are unarmed. It's a sun species, even in the desert. On Special are five gallon sized plants that are ready to ship or plant. You’d start them off in a little sun and over time move them into full sun. Limited numbers.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $110

But, mention this Special to get your discount. The 5 gallon size is shown in the first six photos below.

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

NATIVE TO NEW CALEDONIA
THIN TRUNK - VERY ELEGANT
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 $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $57.50

Photos of large plant below by TS at RPS.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL
REASONABLY COLD HARDY TALL BIPINNAT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

Yes, this species of Fishtail is super fast growing. And, it's not unusual for one to get above 50 feet tall. Some people love the grandeur of these palms. And, for some, they want it "right now". Well, this is an opportunity to satisfy that need. Planted out, once established, this is a super fast growing palm. It would not be unusual to go from a seedling to a height of 30 feet in six or seven years. This species is native to northern Thailand and surrounding countries. The trunk is about 16 inches or so thick and light tan in color. The leaves are compound – bipinnate. This means the main stem branches off into secondary leaf stems. Leaflets are jagged at their ends. Also, this is a monoecious palm that dies about three years after flowering It wants full coastal sun. It is taller than Caryota gigas and has shorter leaves and a thinner trunk. We’re putting young two-leaf seedlings on sale. Easy to mail order.

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

GREEN LEAVES - QUICK GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Shown here below is a good sized plant of a green South African cycad that, in the ground, makes a large and magnificent plant. Encephalartos transvenosus gets enormous with trunks over 20 feet tall. Leaves are six to eight feet long and leaflets are shiny, dark green with some glaucous faint hairs on the leaflets. So, it makes a big show. The plants on special below are 3 to 4 year old band size. They can be easily shipped within the U.S. See first four photos. The fifth photo shows how large they get (background plant). The last photo is a larger plant at the nursery. This is a full sun species along the coast with a cold tolerance is 22 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE THIS BAND SIZE $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $60

But, mention this special to get this price when purchasing.

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIX X CYCAS DEBAOENSIS
CYCAD HYBRID OF TWO RARE SPECIES

NEVER AVAILABLE BEFORE
CANNOT PREDICT FUTURE APPEARANCE
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 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 $150
DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $130

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.

DIOON SPECIES "RIO VERDE"
MEXICAN CYCAD WITH LONG LEAVES

FULL SUN SPECIES – NEVER SUPER LARGE
FOR A CYCAD, FAIRLY COLD HARDY CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZED PLANTS

This surprisingly cold hardy Mexican cycad is known for its longer leaves. Compared to an ordinary Dioon edule, it has much longer leaves. These leaves have a somewhat yellow petiole and leaf color is green or blue-green. And, there's an extra treat: new leaves flush an interesting pink-green color. This is a slow growing species. Trunks rarely get to two feet. They cluster freely.

It is a sun species that is cold tolerant into the upper teens F. It tolerates heat and full hot sun. Shown here are our citrus pot sized sized plants that are about 8-9 years old. Caudexes are about three inches. The first seven photos below show these plants. I'm also showing a few other nursery plants to demonstrate leaf color.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE CITRUS POT PLANTS $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZED CITRUS POT PLANTS $295

You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when purchasing.

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS – BLUE FORM
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE STACKED LEAFLETS - MINIMAL IF ANY SPINES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANT

This rare South African cycad is also from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue. The plant on Special should be a nice blue form. Trunks of this species can reach a height of twelve feet or more. Leaf lengths are four to six feet with stacking leaflets and minimal if any spines when mature. Leaves are often curled downward toward their ends. It loves full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The 15 gallon plant on special has a caudex of 5 inches. It is shown below. It could be mail ordered in a large box. Below I'm also showing a few garden specimens of this species.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON, CAUDEX 5 INCHES $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15G CYCAD $665

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this price!

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM AUREOMACULATUM
THE SPOTTED LEOPARD PLANT
FORMERLY KNOWN AS SPOTTED LIGULARIA

LILY-LIKE, FLAT GREEN LEAVES WITH YELLOW SPOTS
TAKES SUN - LIKES WATER
SPECIAL NICE 3 & 5 GALLON SIZE

This is a more rare type of Ligularia – with the yellow spots on the leaves. Otherwise it behaves like the more often seen green type. It forms small clusters of shiny green leaf plants with prominent yellow spots on the leaves. Leaves don't get over 18 inches long with the green leaf being eight to ten inches wide maximum. A single plant can hold twenty or thirty leaves. Flowers come in the fall are yellow, daisy-like and medium sized. This species enjoys water and will droop over with too little water. Then, when given water, they bounce right back. It's a good "indicator plant" for how well you are watering the garden. They'll take sun in many areas or part day sun. In full sun, give them plenty of water. If you are far inland, plant them in filtered light. These plants do sucker and are easy to propagate from divisions. This is a great "filler plant" to put in areas where you want something but don't know what to use. We only have them available from time to time.

REGULAR PRICE 3 & 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 & 5 GALLON $70

Remember: mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM "SHISHI BOTAN"
THE RUFFLED LIGULARIA

RUFFLED, FRILLY LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

Most of you are familiar with the regular Ligularia that we offer at this Blog. This rare variety on special today has ruffled, frilly leaves and is quite attractive. It gets to a height of 18 inches, takes sun or shade and has yellow daisy-like flowers in the late Fall. They are also an "indicator" plant and tell you when the garden is going dry. Watering these immediately corrects this. Compared to the standard Ligularia, the leaves are quite different with curly and frill leaf edges. These are easy to grow and easy to ship.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $35

Note that we also have 5 gallon size available.

MUSA ZEBRINA
AKA MUSA ACUMINATA ZERBRINA
A NON-FRUITING ORNAMENTAL BANANA

TOP OF LEAF - RED BLOTCHES ON GREEN
BOTTOM OF LEAF - MAROON
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON PLANTS

The plants I'm showing here are a non-edible fruiting type of ornamental Banana known as Musa zebrina in the Musa acuminata group. The name “sumatrana” is sometimes used as a reference. Like most Bananas, it does sucker. This species is used for its ornamental value – either in the garden (where it gets six to eight feet tall) or in a container (where it gets to 3 to 5 feet tall). It has light green leaves with attractive purple splotches and maroon underside. See photos below. It does produce purple fruit but these are not edible because of fiber or seeds. It'd want full sun outdoors (along the coast) and should be cold tolerant well into the mid-twenties F. Some are also growing it as an indoor plant. We're putting our five gallon plants on sale. See photos below.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $75

These can be mail ordered. The first six photos show our 5 gallon size.

PLATYCERIUM BIFURCATUM
THE STAGHORN FERN

EPIPHYTIC FERN FOR GROWING ON TREE TRUNKS, WALLS OR POSTS
OVER MANY YEARS FORMS A LARGE CLUSTER OF PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL WOOD MOUNTED GOOD SIZED PLANTS

This species is different than the Moosehorn Fern shown on our last post. It is native to Australia. The leaves tend to be protruding out from the shield and branch or bifurcate. They are green in color and form spores on the underside of the leaves. Like the Moosehorn, you have to not let them go dry. Make sure you water them as if it was rain – from above so the water goes behind the shield. The plant shown is about five years old and has two growth points. I.e., it’s developing multiple areas where the antler-like leaves will appear. It is mounted on wood. This sized has a hook on the back for hanging. Or, they can be attached to a tree trunk or branch as shown below. Also, give them some soluble fertilizer from time to time. I've even heard they like old bananas. They'd be hard to ship but it can be done. This species likes filtered light or a little sun. It's cold hardy probably into the upper twenties F. The garden photos show plants on trees or a fence with a few shots of larger specimens we've had the the Nursery.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE STAGHORN $100

CANNA LILY AMBASSAOR
SUMMER BLOOMER – DARK RED FLOWERS
CLUSTERING TROPICAL COMPANION PLANT

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

Canna Lilies are a tropical or semi-tropical perennial plant. They are not a true Lily but called a Lily. They are probably most closely related to Gingers. I've found the foliage is a bit less appealing in winter. Then, in summer when it's warm, they do their thing with rapid growth of pretty foliage as shown here and a prolonged display of colorful blossoms. They can take our coastal sun or part sun. On special today is a difficult variety to obtain – Ambassador. It has dark red flowers in abundance. They are just going out of blossom but will come back strong in late spring.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $45

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount

WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER, 2023

THE TRAVELER PALM
RAVENALA MADAGASCARENSIS
BANANA APPEARING TREE IN ONE PLANE

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CA
CURRENTLY 5 AND 15 GALLON AVAILABLE|
THEY'RE DIFFICULT TO FIND

For about a year folks have called us to obtain smaller sized Traveler Palms. But, we didn't have any. We can now announce that we just got in some fairly nice 5g. We have about ten for sale. They are about three feet tall. This is a quick growing plant and these should do well for most of you that don't freeze. These are fast growing. They like sun in most areas but do not take a freeze - which will melt them overnight. So people can take advantage, we're putting them on special. Remember, this species puts out banana type leaves in one plane. Mature plant height is about 20 feet in our locality. I've got quite a few customers in Southern CA who have such trees in their garden. For people who want something cool looking and rare, this is the right "tree" for you. We presently have 5g and 15g sizes available.

To read more on the Traveler Palm, click here: TRAVELER PALM ARTICLE

ENCEPHALARTOS CONES
MANY COLORS, MALES AND FEMALES

PHOTOS FROM NURSERY & GARDEN SPECIMENS

Most of the photos here were taken from Encephalartos plants at the nursery. All photos here show Encephalartos, a type of cycad native to Africa. Both males and females cones are shown. As most of you know, cycads are dioecious plants with both male and female reproductive parts. In cycads they are called "cones". Female cones look somewhat like a pineapple. Male cones tend to look like a corn cob where the kernels have been eaten. Pollen must make its way from the male cone to the receptive female. This is usually accomplished by insects in the wild. Domestically here in the U.S. it must be transferred manually.

When successful and the timing is right, viable seeds result. Seeds are often quite a bright color, often red (see last photo). Cones come in a variety of colors including green, tan, brown, yellow and even red. Tan and brown are the most common. E. ferox is striking because of it's red or orange cones.

All cones are very attractive. They last for about six months on the plant and then brown out and fall off the plant with age. When pollinated, as they grow, one can see the colorful and often red seeds developing inside the cone (see photos below). One must remember to wear gloves and a mask when handling cycad pollen.

Encephalarto altensteinii male cone
Encephalartos ferox female cone
Encephalartos ferox male cone

Encephalartos villosus female cone
Encephalartos lehmannii male cone
Encephalartos kisambo female cone

E. arenarius x lebomboensis male cone
Encephalartos ferox female cone
Encephalartos villosus female cone

Encephalartos villosus cone with fruit
Encephalartos horridus female cone
Encephalartos villosus male

Encephalartos lebomboensis female cone
Encephalartos trispinosus female cone
Encephalartos ferox male cones

Encephalartos arenarius male cone, older
Encephalartos natalensis
Encephalartos kisambo female cone

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.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 25 GALLON $775
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 25 GALLON $675

The sale plant is shown in the first 6 photos.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

SILVER UNDERSIDES TO LEAFLETS
GREEN CROWN SHAFT
SINGLES AND MULTIPLES
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 demonstrate both the single planting (3rd row below) and multiples (first two rows of photos) with several in a pot.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $210

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

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

There are both single trunk and suckering forms of this species. Nowadays, most of the plants available of this species are the suckering form. Both get to a height of 25 feet, have an attractive green trunk and a light colored crown shaft. Leaves have a graceful arch and the leaflet color is green. It's a great alternative for the garden. Note how the trunks are beefy but not overly large. The plants on special are already suckering. Along our coast it will take part day sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning sun inland. The plants on special are in 15 gallon pots and are ready to acclimate to your garden. We do have smaller sizes available. may have larger plants available. I cannot tell you whether the plants we have (from seed) are the single or suckering type.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $215

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. The 8^th photo of a garden plant is c/o late friend Al Bredeson. The last photo is by tranquilometro.

VEITCHIA ARECINA
EXOTIC MEDIUM TO TALL PINNATE SUN PALM

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
RARE SPECIES - SELDOM SEE FOR SALE
TEN DAY SPECIAL TRIPLE 15G SIZE

We have a limited number of triples of this species - three plants in one pot. This is like you so often see with King Palms. Inherently, this is a single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm native to Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. In the wild, plants get to over 75 feet tall. In So California it is more typical to see one to 30 to 40 feet. They have a light colored crown shaft, speckled dark or black color near the inner crown area and sometimes on the leaf stems. Leaves are six to eight feet long and leaflet tips are pointed or slightly blunted. The trunk is narrow for a tall palm.

Shown here are triple 15g plants which we're putting on special. There are quite a few people who are growing this species in the coastal strip in our area.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $250
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $220

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

PTYCHOSPERMA SALOMONENSE
QUICK GROWING, CROWN SHAFTED

SIMILAR TO PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
BUT FASTER GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE - SINGLES & MULTIPLES

This rare pinnate, crown shafted and thin trunked palm tree is from the Solomon Islands. Most growers comment that this species is very similar appearing to Ptychosperma elegans . It gets a height of up to thirty feet with a four inch thick trunk. Leaves are about five feet long. Leaf color is green. The crown shaft is silver-green. Compared to Ptychosperma elegans, this species is:

faster growing
taller
has wider leaflets
has larger leaves

It is a part day sun species and has a cold tolerance into the mid to upper twenties F. Perhaps one could grow it in full sun right on the coast. It is rarely available. I'm offering nice one gallon sized plants on special for ten days.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $125

You must mention this Blog Only Special when ordering to get this discount. These plants should be easy to mail order. Limited availability. Both singles & multiples available. The last garden photo is c/o TS at RPS.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

What good fortune is it that New Caledonia can claim to be the home of all Chambeyronia. Included is this species, C. macrocarpa. It is a slow growing, pinnate, crown shafted palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet. It has a dark green to green-black crown shaft. Compare this to C. hookeri above with it's yellow crown shaft. Leaves are wide, thick and leathery to the touch. With good culture, maybe you can get three new leaves a year. About one in twenty plants fail to throw a new red leaf - rather, it remains green. This is just bad luck and there's no way to predict which will do this. Shown here are 5 gallon plants we're putting on sale. We do have larger and smaller sizes available. Coastal sun is tolerated although strong filtered light is ok for most areas. This is a great garden palm.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Just mention this special when you buy. I thank TS at RPS for usage of his photo below.

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

SILVER UNDERSIDE TO THE LEAVES
MODIFIED SPINES ON TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk fan palm is native to Southern Mexico and parts of Central America. It can get up to a height of 25 feet but most garden specimens are under 15 feet tall. Two things are quite noteworthy: First, the undersides of the leaves are a silver-white. A picture below of sale size shows this quite well. Secondly, the trunk is narrow and covered with "modified" spines. They are not real sharp and are not true spines. The dorsal side of the leaves is green. This palm likes strong filtered light and right on the coast may take part day sun. Cold tolerance is estimated to be in the high 20's F. Growth rate is medium. You have to have an overhead crown of leaves to really see the silver color.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 5 GALLON $125

Remember to mention this Special for your discount when you purchase. The plants on sale are shown in the first six photos. I'm also showing a 15g size and a specimen c/o TS at RPS.

DYPSIS LASTELLIANA
THE RED NECK PALM

NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLING SIZE

This species of single trunk Madagascar palm is often mixed up with Dypsis leptocheilos, an ideal palm species for Southern California. Dypsis lastelliana, which is a near identical species, is a bigger single trunk species with a very similar red, fuzzy crown shaft. But, it is harder to grow because it is less cold tolerant. It gets to a height of about 25 feet and has a thicker trunk with upright longer green leaves. It would do best in the sun and is cold hardy down to perhaps a freeze. It is also slower growing than the Teddy Bear Palm. For the best locations in So Cal, it can be grown. There's one at the Catamaran Hotel in Pacific Beach in San Diego that's been alive for years.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE BAND SIZE $55

Just mention this Special at the time of purchase.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND SIZE

What good fortune is it that New Caledonia can claim to be the home of all Chambeyronia. Included is this species, C. macrocarpa. It is a slow growing, pinnate, crown shafted palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet. It has a dark green to green-black crown shaft. Compare this to C. hookeri above with it's yellow crown shaft. Leaves are wide, thick and leathery to the touch. With good culture, maybe you can get three new leaves a year. About one in twenty plants fail to throw a new red leaf - rather, it remains green. This is just bad luck and there's no way to predict which will do this. Shown here are 5 gallon plants we're putting on sale. We do have larger and smaller sizes available. Coastal sun is tolerated although strong filtered light is ok for most areas. This is a great garden palm. The 7th and 9th photos by HJD and TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

I thank TS at RPS for usage of his photo below.

DIOON EDULE VARIETY TAMAULIPAS
GLAUCOUS GREEN THIN LEAF MEXICAN CYCAD

ONE OF VARIOUS VARIETIES OF DIOON EDULE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Dioon edule is a very durable species of cycad that is found in Mexico. Enthusiasts have found that in different native localities that the plants of each region are different. This has led to what we call "varieties" of Dioon edule. In the Tamaulipas area of Mexico such a variety is found. This is also the locality of the recognized species Dioon angustiolium. The Dioon edule variety tamaulipas is a glaucous green species with flat leaves and narrow leaflets. The leaflets re minimally spined if at all. Leaflets are spaced with a narrow gap between individual leaflets. Leaf color is green to a blue-green. Mature plants are dwarf and rarely over 6 feet tall overall in the garden. It prefers full sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F. It likes good draining soil. We are offering 5 gallon plants with a 3 inch caudex on this hard to find variety. These can be mail ordered. Unfortunately, I have no garden photos of this variety.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 3 INCH 5 GALLON $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BATCH 5 GALLON 3 INCH CAUDEX $295

ENCEPHALARTOS CERINUS
DWARF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES

VERY SMALL CYCAD
GRAY-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON YOUNGER 5 GALLON SIZE

This rare dwarf species of South African cycad is quite petite and never gets over four feet tall. Leaves are gray-green to sea foam green and about three feet long. A mature caudex is six to eight inches. This species likes sun and is cold hardy to the low 20's F. This is a rare and sought out species and never inexpensive. We are putting our 5 gallon on sale. The plant shown has a 1 to 1.5 inch inch caudex. We do have an assortment of other sizes available. Our 5g are easy to mail order. We do have shippable plants this species with somewhat larger caudexes.

REGULAR PRICE THIS BATCH OF 5 GALLON $225
SALE PRICE THESE 5 GALLON PLANTS THIS SIZE $185

This size is easy to mail order, weather permitting.

ENCEPHALARTOS CERINUS
DWARF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES

VERY SMALL CYCAD - GRAY-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GARDEN READY BOTH 15 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON CAUDEX SIZE 5 INCHES $925
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $800

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON CAUDEX SIZE 3.5 INCHES $675
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $595

Just remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase.

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.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $525
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $465

HAEMANTHUS ALBIFLOS
UNDERSTORY COMPANION PLANT

WIDE "TONGUE-LIKE" LEAVES
INTERESTING SPRING - SUMMER BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON CLUSTERING SIZE

This species is native to various regions of South Africa. It prefers filtered light but can tolerate some sun. Leaves are thick and green in color. In sun they are more of a lime green and shorter. Interesting blossoms emerge faithfully and are shown in a nursery plant below. Surprisingly, these are a bit difficult to find. They do tolerate cold into the mid-twenties or lower and are being grown in the SF Bay area with ease. The first four photos show the one gallon size on sale. Most are clustering with 2 to 3 plants per pot. They'll be blossoming with two months..

REGULAR PRICE THESE CLUSTERING 1 GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

Mail order possible. Mention this Special for this Blog Only Discounted price.

YUCCA ROSTRATA SAPHIRE
BLUE SUCCULENT WITH AMAZING COLD HARDINESS

SEMI-DWARF SIZE MATURE
BEING GROWN IN NEW YORK IN THE SNOW!
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This small to medium sized, drought tolerant plant is native to the southern U.S. border and down into Mexico. It is usually a single trunk mature plant but can fork above the ground. Most notable is the silver-blue foliage as shown here. It is very slow growing. Over time it forms a trunk about eight or ten inches thick. Foliage is about 2 feet long and not "pokey" or sharp. Mature height six to ten feet. Leaf color blue to blue-green. It demands full sun and is cold hardy at least into the single digits F. I had a customer call me from New York City recently to tell me that a plant bought from us about three years ago was thriving in his yard. Gardeners like this species because it's not very big and gives nice color to a sunny garden. The size we’re putting on sale are five year old 2 gallon with lots of thin leaves. This is a good starter size but will take time to make a nice garden plant. These would be easy to mail order. Of note, we occasionally have larger and smaller sizes for sale. Note, photos below taken on a cold and cloudy day so blue doesn't show well.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE $65
Garden photos are by it.dreamstime.org and USF.ed

THE TRAVELER PALM
RAVENALA MADAGASCARENSIS
BANANA APPEARING TREE IN ONE PLANE

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CA
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND LATELY
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

For about a year folks have called us to obtain smaller sized Traveler Palms. But, we didn't have any. In fact, the industry is totally sold out of this species. We can now announce that we have available a small number of fairly nice 5 gallon plants. They are about 3 to 4 feet tall in their pots. We have about ten for sale. This is a quick growing plant and these should do well for most of you that don't freeze. These are fast growing. They like sun in most areas but do not take a freeze - which will melt them overnight. Also be aware that they do sucker. We recommend removing the suckers as they look better as a single trunk plant. Remember, this species puts out banana type leaves in one plane. We’re putting our 5 gallon on sale but only have a handful available in this size – and they’ll sell out quickly. There are just too many people seeking this interesting plant.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 5 GALLON $125

To read more on the Traveler Palm, click here:
TRAVELER PALM ARTICLE

MUSA SUMATRANA HYBRID
A NON-FRUITING BANANA CROSSED WITH A FRUITING BANANA

MAKES A PRETTIER FRUITING PLANT
DEFINITE RED COLOR TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

The plants I'm showing here may be very interesting. It's a cross between the ornamental Musa sumatrana (zebrina) and a fruiting type of Banana. The hybridizer told me it produces edible bananas but do have some small seeds in the fruit. Mature height should be about 8 feet. Like most Bananas, it does sucker and the fruiting stalk is replaced by a new stalk. It has light green leaves with attractive purple splotches and maroon underside. See photos below. It'd want full sun and should be cold tolerant well into the mid-twenties F. Below I'm showing you the 15 gallon size. These plants are very nicely sized with some overhead. BTW, they are near impossible to find. I have no mature photos to show you as it's a new hybrid. Of note, only a few left.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON $175

MONDAY, 18 DECEMBER, 2023

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CORRECT?
I DON'T THINK SO.

All photos here are of fan palms. They were taken in the wild, in botanical gardens or at the nursery. But, all are of fan palms of one species or another. I've not labeled them because I'm presenting them as a group. From a structure point of view, a fan palm is a palm where all the segments (or leaflets) radiate from one central area. These can form a whole circle of leaflets, a half circle, or less. Compare this to a pinnate palm where leaflets come off a central leaf stalk. I.e., leaflets protrude laterally from a central stem, typically to either side.

Over the years I have heard people say hundreds of time things like "I don't like fan palms; they all look like Mexican Fans". Or, "Fan palms look like "desert palms". Or, "Fan palms are so boring; I like normal palms". If you were like me and had studied palms for almost forty years, what would you say to such comments? I usually just say something like "I understand" and show them typical pinnate palms. But, I am aware that nothing could be further from the truth.

There are such exotic fan palms of all types, shapes, sizes, color and textures. I've tried to demonstrate their varied appearance here. Fan palms comes from all corners of the world. Some are large trees, others tiny. Some species are for shade only. Some have silver undersides. And, others are almost white in color.

And, fan palms add a different look and dimension to the garden. A garden composed of only pinnate palms like King Palms is quite boring. One has to mix fans into a garden to add diversity and interest. I hope you can see with these photos how you could do this.
















'

BRAHEA CLARA
BLUE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM FROM SONORA, MEXICO

LOVES SUN AND HEAT - SUPER COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 20 OR 25 GALLON SIZE

This palm is quite similar to the more common Brahea armata. ItIt is felt by some to be a natural hybrid between Brahea armata and Brahea brandegeei. It’s considered a “costo-palmate” palm. It loves sun, takes cold to 15 degrees and is blue in color. It gets to a height of no more than 20 feet. Compared to the common Mexican Blue Fan Palm (Brahea armata), it has longer petioles and is faster growing. Another curious difference we've discovered is the stem armor. Rather than simple, uniform curved spines, the armor is more like a bad set of shark's teeth. The plants on special are in limited numbers and quite large for their container with heights of 8 to 10 feet in their pots. They are way to big for standard mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 20 / 25 GALLON $595
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $495

BLUE BUTIA CAPITATA
THE BLUE PINDO PALM
MEDIUM SIZED PINNATE PALM WITH BLUE OR BLUE-GREEN LEAVES

LOVES SUN AND HEAT - EXTREMELY COLD TOLERANT!
SHOWING THREE DIFFERENT 25 GALLON PLANTS BELOW
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 25 GALLON PLANTS

For about a decade we’ve been offering this very desirable and sought after variety of Butia capitata that has a nice blue color. Otherwise, it’s quite similar to the regular gray-green Pindo Palm. Some of the "blue" Pindos are super blue. Others are a more muted blue color. It's quite variable. The problem is we always run out of them. To satisfy our customer demand, we are presently offering a handful of this palm in 25 gallon pots. But, there are very limited numbers. We are putting this size on special. This palm loves full hot sun and can take down to 15 degrees F. So, almost all of you can grow this palm. I am showing three different palms in 25 gallon pots. All are very husky with fat trunks. All shown some blue color. All the mature palms in the last row of photos were taken in the U.S. The next to last photo is by friend Paul Craft from FL. These palms are too big for standard mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $500
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON $395

BISMARCKIA SPECIES MAYOTTE ISLAND
THE RARE GREEN BISMARCKIA
YOU NEVER SEE THEM AVAILABLE

A BISMARCKIA BUT WITHOUT THE BLUE COLOR
VERY ATTRACTIVE, LARGER FLAT GREEN FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD AND LARGE 15G SIZED PLANTS

One of the favorite characteristics of Bismarckia is the blue color to the leaves. But, there is a green variety on the island of Madagascar. At another location, there is an endemic green Bismarckia known as the "Mayotte Island" form. There is very little published about these green forms of the Bismarck Palm. It likes sun and is probably cold hardy into the low 20's F. Most feel it's not quite as cold hardy as the blue form. On these green Bismarckias, often you'll see red in the leaf stem or a hint of it on the leaves. Of course, this is a full sun palm. This is a very rare palm to find as everyone seeks out the blue type. But, we have this more rare green form and have found they are showing nice cold hardiness to the low 20's F. The plant shown below is about twelve years old. We have a handful of them. The 11th photo below is by TS at RPS and the last three photos below are by M.F. with two plants in the San Diego area.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $295
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 15G $255

Note: Of course, we also carry a good assortment of the classic blue Bismarcia!

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

A SEMI-DWARF CLUSTERING PALM
SEMI-DWARF TO SIX FEET
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This species of palm has been sold under the name "Cat Palm", which is an abbreviation for "cataractarum". For Chamaedoreas and in the past, it was fairly easy to find. Nowadays it's very difficult to find, especially with mature size as shown here. It is a clustering palm that gets six feet tall. It really doesn't form any trunk. It likes water as it has a native habitat near river beds. It is cold hardy into the mid 20's F. and I'd recommend, at most, a few hours of sun or filtered light. It is native to the southern areas of Mexico and possibly into areas of Central America. With less than adequate water it tends to look scrappy. At the nursery, we offer mostly large plants, either 10 or 15 gallon size. They typically are suckering with a near mature height.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $220

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount.

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

FLUFFY LEAVES – SILVER CROWN SHAFT
TOLERATES SUN ALONG TH COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15 GALLON PLANT

This single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm comes from Madagascar. It is a medium size palm with a narrow trunk and plumose leaves. Trunk diameter is four to six inches. The trunk color is silver-green and it has prominent rings. Leaflets are narrow and green in color. The ends of the leaves curve downwards. We have been growing this species for over two decades and found it to be a reliable grower. When young the trunk is much thinner but fattens up with age. It is quite cold tolerant, down into the mid to low 20's F. It's growth rate is good. It likes full sun in most areas. We are offering very tall 15 gallon plants on sale. The plant shown below is about 12 feet tall – twice the height of most comparable 15g plants. We do have some singles & multiples which tend to be shorter. As you can see, they are very tall and too big to ship by UPS.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS SIZE $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $235

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

What good fortune is it that New Caledonia can claim to be the home of all Chambeyronia. Included is this species, C. macrocarpa. It is a slow growing, pinnate, crown shafted palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet. It has a dark green to green-black crown shaft. Compare this to C. hookeri above with it's yellow crown shaft. Leaves are wide, thick and leathery to the touch. With good culture, maybe you can get three new leaves a year. About one in twenty plants fail to throw a new red leaf - rather, it remains green. This is just bad luck and there's no way to predict which will do this. Shown here are 15 gallon plants we're putting on sale. We do have larger and smaller sizes available. Coastal sun is tolerated although strong filtered light is ok for most areas. This is a great garden palm.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $215

Just mention this special when you buy. I thank TS at RPS for usage of his photo below.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

SO, WHAT IS IT?
ARE THEY EVER ON SALE?
YES, 10 DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE - SINGLES OR MULTIPLES

Archontophoenix teracarpa is a fictitious name given to an unknown species/type of King Palm that I have in my garden and no one can identify. I've been collecting seeds from it for quite a few years and offering it for sale. Everyone who gets one agrees - "It's the best King Palm ever!" It got the name from the Latin "Large body", which it has. After trying to identify the species over many years and with no success, we coined the name "Archontophoenix teracarpa". The closest species to it would be A. maxima but it's not the same. So, what are the differences that makes teracarpa more ideal?

It is faster growing
It gets taller than the regular King Palm
It tolerates full sun better
It doesn't brown tip in full sun along the coast
It has a blueish crown shaft
It has a super thick trunk

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 5 GALLON $115

Remember: mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase! This size can be mail ordered.

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM FROM LORD HOW ISLAND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

There is a second endemic species of Howea on Lord Howe Island. This is Howea belmoreana. Common names used to describe this species include the Sentry Palm, the Belmore Palm, the "Kentia Palm", and even the Umbrella Palm. However, the name "Kentia Palm" is usually used to refer to the H. forsteriana. Howea belmoreana comes from a higher elevation in its natural habitat compared to the H. forsteriana. And, given this fact, one might expect that this species is a little more cold tolerant. Most growers have found this to be true, tolerating temperatures to about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Please mention this Special at the time of purchase.

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM

IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

I've discussed this great New Caledonian species before because it is such a good species for those of us in Southern California. It comes from high elevation in its native New Caledonia habitat, is a good growing palm and can tolerate full sun easily along the coastal strip. Its cold hardiness is down to about 23 degrees, better than the King Palm or Kentia Palm. It has an average trunk diameter of eight to ten inches and a mature height of usually about thirty feet. It can also be grown in part day sun or strong filtered light. Shown here is the 5 gallon size we’re putting on special Growth rate on this species is good. This species is highly recommended.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $125

The 5 gallon size is shown in the first 5 photos. The garden trees are growing in San Diego County.

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM
SINGLE TRUNK MEDIUM SIZED PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA

ARCHING GREEN LEAVES WITH SILVER-GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is from New Caledonia in the northern part of the island. It is of similar height to C. nucele and has the same trunk diameter. The crown shaft on C. elegans is slightly more swollen than that of C. nucele. The crown shaft is also more of a green color, but can show silver. The leaflets are thinner and, as you can see, the leaves curve downward as opposed to the stiff, upright leaves of nucele. Another important difference between the two is that the leaves of C. elegans are keeled whereas the leaves of nucele are more flat. Of note, on both species the bare petiole (stem with no leaves) is very short. This helps you identify this genus.

Shown here are our 5 gallon sized plants that I photographed recently. Also shown are lots of photos of mature plants. This species should be started in filtered light and be allowed to grow into some sun if you live along the coast. Inland full sun is too harsh for this species. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

MEDIUM SIZE – THIN TRUNK – CROWN SHAFTED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $72.50

Remember to mention this Special to get this price. Limited numbers available. The 2g size is shown in the first five photos.

ROYSTONEA OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

TALL PINNATE PALM WITH LUSH GREEN FOLIAGE
LONG PROMINENT CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLINGS IN BANDS

This species of Royal Palm is native to the lower Caribbean Islands and northern South America. References say it can reach heights of sixty feet but I've personally seen a grove of 100 year old trees in New Caledonia that surpass 100 feet. They are fast growing, have green leaves, a prominent crown shaft and hold their leaves typically in the upper half of the leaf-crown sphere. They want sun and are cold hardy to about 25 degrees F. On sale are one year old band sized seedlings.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55

Easy to mail order.

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ARCHING LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE SEEDLING SIZE

This species is interesting because, in the wild, it is known as a dwarf species that forms minimal trunk. But, when it is grown domestically, it forms a trunk about the size of Butia capitata. It, as you'd guess, comes from Paraguay, with habitat extending into Brazil and northern Argentina. The color is a blue-green, not as silver as Butia capitata. The leaves are strongly arched as shown. It is a full sun plant with cold hardiness into the teens F. We haven’t had them available for a few years. We are now offering band size seedlings. Culture includes full sun and good draining soil. Cold hardiness is into the teens F. The bands on sale are way oversized and ready for a 5 gallon pot. They are 4 to 5 year old. I am also showing a photo of a 15g plant from the nursery that is no longer available. The habitat photo is by TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS $55

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE BLUE TRANSVAAL CYCAD

NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA – EXTREMELY RARE

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This desirable species of Encephalartos comes from the Transvaal region of the northern Republic of South Africa. This area is also home to other sought-after species like E. dolomiticus, dolomiticus, and nubimontanus. \Encephalartos eugene-maraisii is a medium to large species with trunk height up to almost ten feet. It will sucker from the base. Leaf color is blue or blue-green. The leaves are sharply keeled giving a "V-shape" in cross section. Leaf length is two to five feet. Leaflets are 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide and have a sharp terminal tip. Encephalartos middleburgensis is a closely related species and was originally felt to be a subspecies of eugene-maraisii. This is a full sun cycad. In the wild it commonly sees freezing temperatures. In culture it is know to tolerate mid to low 20's F. We are currently putting our band sized plants on sale for ten days.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $95

Remember, mention this Blog Only Special. Easy to mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO
EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 2 GALLON SIZE

Encephalartos kisambo is a fast growing species native to Kenya where it grows at elevations of 3000 feet. It is a medium sized mature plant with trunks to eight feet. Leaves are green to soapy green in color, stand erect and are six to ten feet long. Leaflets are 1.5 inches wide, pungently tipped at the end, and spiny along the margins. This is a fast growing species that can tolerate our coastal sun. Far inland locations should use part day sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties, perhaps a bit lower. We had no leaf damage at the nursery in 2007 with lows of 25 degrees F. Shown here are very nice 2 gallon plants we have on a ten day reduced price – see first six photos below. Also shown are other larger sizes we have but note we have many sizes in between the sale plant and the monster specimens below.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON SIZE $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $125

Just mention this Blog special. These are simple to ship by mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS LAURENTIANUS
THE GIANT KWANGO CYCAD
SPECTACULAR CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONGEST LEAVES OF ANY CYCAD
CAN BE OVER 20 FEET LONG!
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 2 GALLON PLANTS

This species is endemic to the Kasongo-Linda districts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The climate is quite hot and humid. This is one of the largest cycads on the planet, and has longer leaves than any other species of known cycad. Leaves are green with somewhat wide armed leaflets. These leaves can grow in excess of seven meters and their fat stems can grow a staggering height of over fifteen meters (over hundreds of years)! Stems can be solitary, but on larger specimens it is more common to see them with basal suckers and large offshoots.

There are no cycads, that I can think of, that become larger or more impressive than this rapid growing species. Before this plant ever makes a foot of trunk, leaves will streak into the air, dwarfing much around them. The leaflets are heavily armed, but are pliable to the touch and are not overly pokey. The petioles are entirely different and possess very sharp, long spines and prickles. The growth habit of this plant is fairly erect, but can usurp more space as stems become large and more mature. Old specimens can easily be mistaken for palms as they are so large and tropical looking. In all areas, this species requites filtered light or shade. In the tropics or exceptionally humid areas, you can get away with growing this species in sun. They are susceptible to burn in drier areas and are not very frost tolerant (truly a tropical species of Encephalartos).

When I first got into cycads many decades ago, this was the hardest cycad in the world to acquire. A single seed sold for $25 to $50. We are quite fortunate to offer five to six-seven year old 2 gallon plants on special. Caudexes are about 2 inches. Plants on sale are shown in the first 5 photos below. This species wants plenty of room and an area where you don’t see much below a freeze.

TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GALLON PLANTS AS SHOWN $245 –
LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE!

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS – BLUE FORM
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE STACKED LEAFLETS - MINIMAL IF ANY SPINES
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED 15 GALLON PLANT

This rare South African cycad is also from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue. The plant on Special should be a nice blue form. Trunks of this species can reach a height of twelve feet or more. Leaf lengths are four to six feet with stacking leaflets and minimal if any spines when mature. Leaves are often curled downward toward their ends. It loves full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The 15 gallon plant on special has a caudex of 5 inches. It is shown below. It could be mail ordered in a large box. Below I'm also showing a few garden specimens of this species.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON, CAUDEX 5 INCHES $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15G CYCAD THIS SIZE $675

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this price!

ASIAN GUAVA
FRUIT TREE GIVING LARGE FRUITS

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE TREE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The Asian Guava Tree - Psideium guajava - is a medium sized tree with green leaves and green edible fruit with pink centers. The fruit produced is quite large - known to weigh up to 2 pounds per fruit. So, one must prune the tree years so fruit is produced on stronger, more proximal branches. Expect a mature tree of about 15 feet at most. Asian Guava produce an amazing quantity of fruit. They'd like full sun and tolerate temperatures below a freeze. This is the first time I have offered these trees. Photo of the fruit is c/o Wikipedia.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $65

ALOCASIA SUMO
AN EXOTIC ELEPHANT EAR WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

DARK STEMS - PURPLE VEINS ON THE LEAF'S UNDERSIDE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This exciting and super attractive Alocasia hybrid is getting very sought after. It has purple stems and rather large upright leaves that are green with a purple hue and purple veins on the underside. It is a cross between A. portora and A. purple cloak. It is said to grow in zone 7B and even being grown by folks in the SF Bay area. Mature height is six feet or a bit more. It can take partial coastal sun or perhaps full sun right near the Ocean. These plants will be double their size by next summer. The first six photos shown the 5 gallon on sale. I'm also showing a 15 gallon which we also have available.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA
BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

ORANGE OR RED/YELLOW UPRIGHT BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON SIZE

All of our Heliconia are grown from rhizomes from existing and flowering plants in Southern California. This results in large, very strong growing plants as shown here. Heliconia schiediana can take sun or part sun, gets to a height of sever to eight feet, and flowers freely in the summer. It is very cold hardy. Even if a hard freeze knocks down the leaves, plants usually come back vigorously in the spring. Flowers are red/yellow or orange/yellow. We’re putting the 5 gallon size on special.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80

The seventh photo is of a 15 gallon nursery plant. The blossom photo below is by TS at RPS. The last photo shows Heliconia plants in a garden.

BILBERGIA HALLELUHAY
SPOTTED SUN TOLERANT BROMELIAD

PINK HANGING BLOSSOMS - SPOTTED LEAVES
SPECIAL 5G CLUSTERS

Bilbergia are an easy to grow type of Bromeliad and many will tolerate coastal sun. This variety has red leaves with a scattering of white spots. They grow in as tubular fashion and freely suckering. Thus, you get quite a good sized clump in a few years. Mature height of the plant is typically about 2 feet. Blossoms are pink and hand down from the individual plants.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON CLUMPS $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

FRIDAY, 15 DECEMBER, 2023

WODYETIA BIFURCATA
THE FOXTAIL PALM

TREES IN FRUIT

Wodyetia bifurcata, a species from Queensland, Australia, is known for it's fluffy leaves, medium stature and bright red and large fruit. Shown here are several plants in fruit in various stages. Fruit first appears green. Fruit will attain full size but still be green. Then it changes to a light yellow, then to orange and finally to a prominent red. At this red stage it may fall to the ground. When red, it is ready to be removed and germinated. Green fruit germinates poorly. Fruit size is about like a small chicken egg. Seeds inside are brown and prominently grooved. In our local growing area here in San Diego, we've had scores of mature trees of this species produce viable seeds. BTW, this is a full sun species in most areas and has a cold hardiness into the mid to low 20's F.

Tree with ripe red fruit
First tree in fruit. All seeds are green

Another specimen with ripening fruit

CYCAS THOUARSII
MEDIUM TO LARGE GREEN CYCAD FROM EASTERN AFRICA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS

EASY TO GROW - TAKES COASTAL SUN
VERY DESIRABLE GARDEN CYCAD

This species of cycad is often mentioned as "coming from Madagascar", and that it does. But, there are also native populations in multiple eastern African countries and in the Comoros Islands. It is a large cycad that can get trunks over thirty feet tall and twelve to eighteen inches thick. Leaves are green, tend to be upright and have a length of six to nine feet. A healthy plant can throw forty new leaves all at once. Leaflets are paired and bright green. Leaf stems are armed with small hooks. Leaflets are leathery and reduced in size toward the base of the leaf.

Shown here is a nice boxed specimen ready for someone's garden. We usually have a pretty good supply of this species from small to large plants. It's a great plant for part day sun in our locality. If you are far inland, consider filtered light. And, right on the water, it can easily take full sun. Cold tolerance is into the low twenties F, but definitely not much lower than that. This species is a quick growing cycad and makes a wonderful patio plant. The last picture shows a plant in habitat in Madagascar. Below I'm showing a 5 gallon and a larger specimen at the nursery along with some garden plants.

VEITCHIA ARECINA
EXOTIC MEDIUM TO TALL PINNATE SUN PALM

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
RARE SPECIES - SELDOM SEE FOR SALE
END OF SUMMER SALE SINGLE 25 GALLON SIZE

We have only a few of single 25 gallon plants of this species. They are starting to put on good height. Inherently, this is a single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm native to Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. In the wild, plants get to over 75 feet tall. In So California it is more typical to see one to 30 to 40 feet. They have a light colored crown shaft, speckled dark or black color near the inner crown area and sometimes on the leaf stems. Leaves are six to eight feet long and leaflet tips are pointed or slightly blunted. The trunk is narrow for a tall palm. Shown here is the 25 gallon singles that we’re putting on sale. There are quite a few people who are growing this species in the coastal strip in our area.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON SINGLE $495
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE SINGLES $435

DYPSIS LUTESCENS
THE ARECA PALM

VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND LATELY - BUT WE JOST GOT IN PLANTS
THE BEST "NEIGHBOR BLOCKER" PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G & 25 GALLON SIZED PLANTS PLANTS

This is an attractive, suckering, thin trunked palm species is from Madagascar or surrounding areas. The number one reason people buy this species is "to hide something". By this, I mean they want to hide a neighbor, an ugly next door structure, an unsightly fence, the side of a garage, etc. This is an ideal species for this purpose as it suckers and is fairly dense. You can't see through it well. Mature height averages 14 feet in California. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. Trunk diameter is about 3 inches. It'll take full sun along the coast and far inland areas must give it only morning or filtered sun. These 15g are 6 to 7 feet tall in their pots. The 25 gallon are more full, about 10 feet tall in their pots and developing thick trunks. We have limited numbers available. Areca Palms have been difficult to find lately and in short supply. These will most likely be gone quickly, especially the larger plants.

REGULAR PRICE SQUAT 15G SIZE $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE SQUAT 15 GALLON $225

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 25 GALLON SHOWN $625
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $550 (only a few left and we can't get more)

To get maximal privacy one would not cut off the small lower suckers. The squat 15g are shown in the first two rows of photos. The 25 gallon are shown in row three and four of photos.

15 gallon size shown here

25 gallon size shown here

Photos of garden plants

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

DOES BEST IN SHADE – STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 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.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $240

Note: We only have a few available and they’ll be gone soon.

DYPSIS BARONII
IDEAL RARE SUCKERING MADAGASCAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – TOLERATES SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON WITH DIVIDING TRUNK

Over the years and having grown between fifty and one hundred different species of Dypsis, I can say that Dypsis baronii is one of the best species of Dypsis for Southern California. It is a reliably performing plant and quite beautiful. Palm enthusiasts get real excited about the variety of color seen in the stem, crown shaft and new petioles. The color in these plant parts varies from red to yellow to powder white. Eventually, most plants give a silver green trunk with a light colored crown shaft as shown here. Trunks are several inches thick, leaves are about five to six feet long and overall heights peak out under twenty feet. Right on the coast this species can be grown in full sun although strong filtered light or part day sun is ok too. Cold tolerance is into the mid and perhaps low 20's F. Growth rate is slow to medium. Although there are single trunk specimens around, most will sucker. Expect a mature height of about twenty feet or a bit more.

The 15 gallon shown below has a “splitting trunk”. It's hard to see on the photos below. Sometimes you will see this as opposed to basal suckers. It is dividing into two trunks above the ground. Not all will do this. It’ll tolerate partial sun or full sun along the coast

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $220

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA
THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SEVERAL PLANTS PER POT
LOOK BEST IN GROUPS OF TWO OR THREE PLANT TOGETHER
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 AND 5 GALLON MULTIPLES

For anyone who's looked for this species lately, you realize it's in very short supply. This is because of a several year shortage of seeds the past few years. We are pleased to presently three different sizes, all on sale. I'm showing photos of our 5 and 15 gallon here. All are multiples with at least 3 plants per 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. We’re putting on sale popular sizes of 5 and 15g plants. But, we also have one gallon size available as well. The 5g and 1g sizes are shippable for mail order. In the first two rows of photos you'll see our 15g followed by a row showing our 5 gallon size.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

REGULAR PRICE 15G $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $210

Mention this Blog Special for your discount at the time of purchase. NOTE: The last two photos are c/o Palmpedia and TS at RPS. Also, be aware, we have limited numbers on some sizes.

COPERNICIA PRUNIFERA
THE CARNAUBA WAX PALM

WATER CONSERVING - LOVES HEAT AND SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is native to Brazil and is a single trunk fan palm with a not too large crown of leaves that are green in color. Sometimes they'll be blue-green. Overall height can get over fifty feet but it’s more common to see them shorter. Old leaf bases can be adherent to the trunk as a petticoat as shown in a photo below. Economically, the leaves of this species produce a wax that makes carnauba wax. The latter is marketed for various usages including car and shoe wax. This palm wants heat and sun and is cold hardy to at least the lower 20's F. We are offering our 5g plants on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE ON 5 GALLON $110

LYTOCARYUM HOENII
NEAR EXTINCT SEMI-DWARF PALM FROM BRAZIL

DWARF PALM – SOFT GREEN LEAVES
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON

This semi-dwarf pinnate palm gets to a height of ten to twelve feet domestically and is single trunk and has no crown shaft. It is native to montane forests in Brazil and is near extinct in the wild. It is rarely seen offered for sale. The more frequently seen species of this genus is Lytocaryum weddellianum, also from Brazil rainforests. The latter is a much smaller plant than L. hoenii and rarely gets to ten feet. Hoenii has a more robust appearance, a bit thicker trunk and wider leaflets. Here I'm showing 5g plants of Lytocaryum hoenii that we’re putting on special. We rarely, if ever, can offer this species. Lytocaryum is a filtered light genus with a cold tolerance in the mid-twenties F. I've found from experience that Lytocaryum seem to thrive on neglect. Too much water, fertilizer or attention seems to not be right for them. Just plant one, don't pay attention to it other than average watering, and they seem to do fine. By the way, we should have 5 gallon sized Lytocaryum weddellianum available as well.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $125

The 7^th photo - garden photo is c/o Palmpedia

SYAGRUS OLERACEA
THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

PLUMOSE LEAVES - NOT AS TALL AS A QUEEN PALM
AND A MUCH THINNER TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of single trunk pinnate palm is native to Brazil and can get to heights of fifty to sixty feet. It can be grown in Southern California and is a smaller version of the Queen Palm with a thinner trunk. Leaves are green and plumose. It wants full sun and is cold hardy into the mid to upper 20's F. One special are nice 5 gallon plants, still with their juvenile foliage. This species should grow fairly fast and fill have classic pinnate leaves in the next one or two leaf throws. The 8th photo is by the late John DeMott and that last photo by TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

VERY "CUTE PALM" WITH GREEN OR SILVER GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 2 GALLON

We at the nursery are very proud that we offer a good selection of these interesting New World fan palms. Coccothrinax are native to the Caribbean region. This species, C. baradensis, gets to heights of about 30 feet in many decades. Leaf color is green to silver-green and trunks are typically six inches thick or a bit more. This species loves full hot sun and is cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F. Many are growing it with good success. In pots, all Coccothrinax are painfully slow. Our plants are grown from seed which we germinate. After a 6 month wait, one gets one small green strap leaf. It takes 2 to 3 more years to get a fan-type leaf. Thus, it's taken us about six years to produce the 2g plants you see here. We do have other sizes for sale and multiple other species of this genus. In the ground they are much faster.

REGULAR PRICE 2G $80
TEN DASY SPECIAL 2 GALLON $70

Remember: Mention this Special when you purchase to get this discount.

DYPSIS SPECIES BEF
SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

THIN TRUNK, ARCHING LEAVES, WHITE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND 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. The first six photos show the plants on special.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55

This size is easy to ship. This species will take coastal sun. Cold tolerance is unknown although I’d guess it’s in the mid-twenties F.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL
REASONABLY COLD HARDY TALL BIPINNAT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

Yes, this species of Fishtail is super fast growing. And, it's not unusual for one to get above 70 feet tall. Some people love the grandeur of these palms. And, for some, they want it "right now". Well, this is an opportunity to satisfy that need. Planted out, once established, this is a super fast growing palm. It would not be unusual to go from a seedling to a height of 30 feet in six or seven years. This species is native to northern Thailand and surrounding countries. The trunk is about 16 inches or so thick and light tan in color. The leaves are compound – bipinnate. This means the main stem branches off into secondary leaf stems. Leaflets are jagged at their ends. Also, this is a monoecious palm that dies about three years after flowering It wants full coastal sun. It is taller than Caryota gigas and has shorter leaves and a thinner trunk. We’re putting young two-leaf seedlings on sale. Easy to mail order. BTW, these seedlings have probably thrown another leaf since these photos below were taken.

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

GRAY-GREEN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLDER BAND SIZED PLANTS

This is a slow growing New World cycad species that comes from Mexico. It is very attractive. One of the things that is particularly nice about this species is that the crown size is compact and not that large. For this reason, it fits into a small sunny location in the garden where no other plant would work. Its leaves are a silver-green in color (can be just green) and it holds many leaves. An extremely old plant might have a foot or two of trunk. In the wild there are specimens that are possibly a thousand years old with many meters of trunk, often leaning over toward the ground. But, from a practical point of view, it is a small plant. If you grow this species, you'll probably find that it will take fifty years or more to get three feet of trunk.

Cold hardiness is into the low 20's F. and it prefers full sun except for harsh desert climates. We offer many sizes of this species from seedlings up to trunked plants that are many decades old. For mail orders, the band size is easy to ship. These are not newly germinated seedlings but rather plants with an inch or more of caudex. Most germinated five years ago. If you want larger, we do have citrus pot, 15g and boxed sized plants. I hope that you like this cycad; it's one of my favorites. For upscale landscaping, nothing beats it.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZE JUVENILE PLANTS $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZED PLANTS $85

BTW, if these don't sell out, all will be repotted into 5g pots shortly.

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON OVERSIZED 1.5 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This small to medium sized exotic cycad is from southwestern China. Only in the past 20 years has this species been available in the U.S. It has green upright leaves and can develop a trunk about three feet tall. Leaves are green and leaflets narrow and shiny. Sometimes you’ll see the leaflets twisted on their axis. It comes from elevations of 1000 to 1500 feet or more and has potential to have reasonable cold hardiness, at least into the mid and possibly low 20’s F. The crown width is about eight feet across with leaf lengths of three to five feet. At the nursery it seems to grow quite well. We’re putting nice one & one/half gallon plants on special. Caudex size is 2.5 - 3 inches. The 7^th photo, by George Yao at PACSOA, shows a plant in full sun although growers may get away with part day sun as well.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1.5 GALLON OVERSIZED CYCADS $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 1.5 GALLON CYCADS $225

This size easy to mail order.

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

COLORFUL EMERGING NEW LEAVES
INLAND FILTERED LIGHT OR COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE AS SHOWN

This attractive cycad comes from the Sierra Mountain Range in Mexico near Tamaulipas. There is grows among overhead oak trees. It is a small to medium sized plant, perhaps at most getting a four foot tall caudex. Leaf length is four to five feet. Leaflets are long and narrow, coming to a point. Leaflet color is green. But, newly emerging leaves are a brown-red as shown below. With the 8th photo by Ian Edwards below, you can see how attractive a new swirl of leaves can be. Petioles can be smooth or armed with small spines.

This is an easy to grow species. It can take coastal full sun but inland demands filtered light. Cold tolerance is to the low 20's F. This species is being grown in northern CA and in some other states where they see cooler weather. I’m showing you two plants in citrus pots with new reddish-brown emerging leaves. Caudex sizes are 3 to 3.5 inches. Soil should be well draining in the garden. This species also makes an attractive containerized patio plant.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE CITRUS POT $385
TEN DAY SPECIAL - THIS SIZE $345

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this discounted price.

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
THE MODJADJI CYCAD
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

GREEN LEAVES - QUICK GROWING
TEN DASY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Shown here below are 15 gallon sized plants of a larger green South African cycad that, in the ground, makes a magnificent specimen cycad. Encephalartos transvenosus gets enormous with trunks over 20 feet tall. It is native to the Modjadji Forest area of South Africa. Leaves are six to eight feet long and leaflets are shiny, dark green with some glaucous faint hairs on the leaflets. This is not a small cycad and needs plenty of room to grow and trunk out. It makes a big show. The plants on special below are in the 15 gallon size with caudexes of 4 to 5 inches – age 8 to 10 years. They can be easily shipped within the U.S. but would require a large box. See first four photos. This size is shown in the first six photos below. Following are photos of garden plants. The eight photo shows cycads with about 15 feet of trunk. Of course, this will take a century or two to achieve. This is a full sun species along the coast with a cold tolerance is 22 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS SIZE $550
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS SIZE PLANT & CONTAINER $485

But, mention this special to get this price when purchasing.

BLECHNUM GIBBUM FERN
"MINIATURE TREE FERN"

NICE 5G PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS

This species never makes a large plant. But, it does resemble the classic "Tree Fern". It has a short, small trunk 3 to 4 inches in diameter, an overall height typically of under six feet and crown width of four feet. It prefers filtered light and will tolerate temperatures into the 20's F. People in the San Francisco area are growing this species. Be aware that this species, like all ferns, needs water.

Note that there are other types of "Blechnum Ferns". But, the variety shown is one of my favorites and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it in your garden.

REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $75

Just mention this blog only special when purchasing to get this price. Note that the last photo is a 15 gallon plant from the nursery. Note that we also have 15 gallon plants available as well.

ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA
THE NORFOLK ISLAND PINE OR STAR PINE

LARGE AND TALL STURDY GREEN LEAFED TREE
TOLERATES OUR LOCAL WINTER COLD - WANTS SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

There are about twenty different species of Araucaria worldwide. This includes multiple species from New Caledonia. The Norfolk Island Pine is one of these species. It is native, of course, to the Norfolk Island. All Araucaria tend to make good sized trees. The Norfolk Pine in the wild can get to heights well over one hundred feet with a forty or more foot spread of the crown. It developes a thick trunk and has prickly green leaflets. Because of the latter, you cannot walk below it bare footed. It is a full sun tree in most areas and is only marginally cold hardy - at best into the mid to upper 30's F. Also, it doesn't like extremely hot weather. With this said, there are a fair number of mature trees in the coastal San Diego area. It is difficult to find any Araucaria for sale. We rarely have them available.

TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON $155

ALOCASIA CAL-ODORA
THE MINIATURE ELEPHANT EAR
NEVER OVER ABOUT THREE FEET TALL

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Customers often shy away from the regular Elephant Ear Alocasia because of it's potential size of up to eight feet with huge leaves. There is even one species that gets super tall and almost takes over the garden. But, what I'm showing you here (Alocasia Cal-Odora) is a true dwarf with plants that never get much above your knees. The leaves are a foot wide and color is green. They are an ideal plant where you want a low profile companion plant to cover the garden floor.

This species can take full coastal sun or part day sun and filtered light in all areas. They do like and respond to water. We sell a ton of these but do have limited supplies of five and fifteen gallon plants. We often put them on sale for reduced prices. When people see how they perform they often come back for more. In the firsts six photos below I’m showing the 5 gallon on sale. I’m showing a photo of a larger 15 gallon which is also available. Also, we offer super unusual and different types of Alocasia, so if you are a tropical plant freak, come and see us. I’d say right now we have about ten different species or hybrids of Alocasia.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $75

TILLANDSIA MALLEMONTII
SPECIES WITH VIOLET BLUE FLOWERS
CLUSTERS IN BLOSSOM IN SPRING - SUMMER

A TYPE OF AIR PLANT - JUST IN
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES OF CLUSTERS

As I've mentioned before, I'm not a Tillandsia expert. But, I could not pass when a private collector offered me multiple clumps of a blue-gray Tillandsia mllemontii in full blossom. The blossoms are a violet-blue (photos make them appear a bit pink - which they are not). I was told by the collector that the blossom every spring to summer with lots of flowers. The clumps are composed of ten to fifteen plants. I have two sizes available. They'd like sun or part sun and to be watered at least weekly. They can be mounted to a tree limb, post or a fence. This species is rare to find. These would be easy to mail order. We have small to medium clusters as well as large clusters on sale. The larger clusters contain 15 to 20 plants. Note that, when you buy Tillandsia on line, you ususally get one dinky plant, not huge clusters 15 years old like shown here.

REGULAR PRICE LARGE CLUSTERS (15-20 PLANTS) $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE CLUSTERS $95

WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER, 2023

ROYSTONEA BORINQUENA
PERHAPS A MORE COLD HARDY ROYAL PALM

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MATURE PALMS - COMMENTS ON AVAILABILITY
IT'S BEEN A DIFFICULT SPECIES TO FIND

During the winter of 2007 when we had a severe cold spell, I came to find that this species or Royal Palm seemed to posses more cold hardiness than Roystonea regia and others that are more commonly seen. Our area got down to about 25 degrees F. An enthusiast about a mile from the nursery said his R. regias were totally burned but the Roystonea borninquena went untouched. Because of this I pursued seeds and grew more. We've sold a lot of this beautiful palm since then. It is native to Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and a few other islands. You'll note the absence of the super swollen base often seen with other species. It likes full sun, enjoys ample water and can get to heights over forty feet. More recently, availability has been less plentiful but we plan to carry them as much as we can. Shown here are mature specimens of this species. In recent times we've had no seeds available, but we do get some in from time to time. At this moment we are sold out. It's been hit or miss. If you want some when they become available, email and I'd email back when we have this species for sale.

YELLOW LEAVES ON CONING SAGO PALMS
IS THIS CYCAD IN TROULBLE? LACK OF FERTILIZER?

WHAT CAUSES THIS AND WHAT ONE SHOULD DO

Recently, while driving in a neighborhood close to where I live, I can across a female Sago Palm in cone that had strikingly yellow leaves. This reminded me of the dozens of calls I've had over the years from customers who complained that they thought their cycad was dying when it began to cone. The photos below shown this Cycas revoluta throwing a female cone. Looking at the leaves may make you wonder if this cycad is sick or has a sever nitrogen deficiency. Neither of these things are the case. Look at the basal suckers that come off the primary trunk - you can see their leaves in the background. They are a normal dark green color. The yellow leaves is only affecting the coning trunk.

To understand what's happening here you have to realize that it take a tremendous amount of energy (nutrition - nitrogen and micro elements) for a cycad to produce cones. If the plant is short on supplying these elements, it has to "steal" nutrition from the leaves. It usually steals from the older leaves first. But, the home owner of this plant has cut off all the old leaves to supposedly beautify the plant. So this plant took nutrition from the only leaves that this trunk had. If this plant had an abundant supply of nutrition perhaps this wouldn't have happened.

This leads to the maxim that it's best not to cut green, healthy leaves off of a cycad (or a palm) as this can stress the plant and give it difficulty throwing new leaves. In the case of the Sago shown here, the grower would have been better off leaving two sets of leaves. The plant would have stolen nutrition from the lower set which could have been removed later. On palms, removing all but a few of the healthy green leaves at the top can also leaf to a diminishing caliper of the trunk, penciling of the upper trunk (narrowed diameter) and even a propensity toward fungal infections. Cutting off brown, dead leaves is not a problem. But, cutting off healthy green leaves can put any plant into jeopardy. And, to make things worse, producing a cone takes a tremendous amount of energy. So, cutting off old green leaves when coning is always a mistake.

In summary, this cycad is doing what you might expect and what it had to do to produce the cone. It's not sick. It's just doing what nature taught it to do. With the next coning cycle, the grower should leave at least two sets of green leaves to fairly give the plant enough nutrition to complete its coning cycle. Below I'm also showing two Sagos with healthy green leaves for comparison.

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

RARE AND HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - EASY TO GROW
FULL COASTAL SUN - RE-CURVED GREEN LEAVES

DAY SPECIAL 36 INCH BOX SIZE – 12 TO 14 FEET TALL IN BOX

This species of exotic palm is 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 it may possess the best cold hardiness. I've documented other Beccariophoenix species tolerating temperatures below 25 degrees at our nursery. 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 - so it offers privacy and screening of neighbors. Growth rate is medium in most areas and along the coast it likes sun. This species is hard to find. We are offering on Special some massive 36 inch boxed specimens that are over fourteen feet tall in the box. They require delivery b/c of their size. This size is shown in the first eight photos below followed by one picture of our 15g size. The habitat photos are c/o TS at RPS and the local specimen is growing in San Diego. Only one or two left for sale. The 9th photo is our 15 gallon size which we're sold out of. But, we do have about six 25 gallon on sale - see further below.

TEN DAY SPECIAL MASSIVE 36 INCH BOX SIZE $825

Only one or two left for sale.

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

RARE AND HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - EASY TO GROW
FULL COASTAL SUN - RE-CURVED GREEN LEAVES

TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

FOR DESCRIPTION OF THIS SPECIES, SEE ABOVE

Shown here are our 25 gallon sized plants that I photographed recently. These palms are very nicely sized for their containers. Also shown are lots of photos of mature plants.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $795
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $675

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
BLUE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

A DEFINITE STATEMENT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 20 GALLON SIZE

For several decades we've been growing this stunning blue fan palm from Madagascar. These are the blue form. This palm species loves sun, heat and is cold hardy to the low 20’s F. It doesn’t like the grower to fool with or cut its roots. These cannot be transplanted once established in the garden. They get a husky trunk and probably about 35 - 40 feet tall in many decades. The fan leaf is intensely blue, especially with full hot sun. This is a very attractive palm and should be given room in the garden to show it off. Many people in desert locations have found they can grow it. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. Shown below is our 20 gallon size. They are actually presently bigger than shown here. This size is followed by our 15 gallon size in the next post - and they are also on sale. This species is a real “show-stopper”. Literally people driving by will stop to look at one in your front yard and ask: “Hey Man, what is that blue palm tree?”

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON SIZE $595
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE $495

Remember: Mention this Special for this price.

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
BLUE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

A DEFINITE STATEMENT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $215

Mail order possible but it'd take a very large box.

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID
POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

VERY EXCITING – NOT PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 15 GALLON SIZE

There is an interesting story behind the plants I'm showing you here. About four years ago, we got some seeds from a botanical garden that were labeled as Veitchia merrillii (aka Adonidia merrillii). This palm resembles a miniature Royal Palm, so it is a popular choice by enthusiasts who see it in tropical areas. Rarely does it get over twenty feet tall and many people like this smaller size. But, native to the Philippines, you might expect it'd be too tropical and cold sensitive to grow here. Well, that is the case and I don't know of one mature tree in Southern California.

The seeds we got were thought to be pure Veitchia merrillii. The seeds looked to be the right size for merrillii - the anticipated small size as you see with this species. Seeds of other Veitchia species are much larger. Of the fifty or so seeds that germinated, about half died off quickly in our greenhouses the first winter. We figured - that makes sense - cold sensitive. But, to our surprise, the other half grew quite well. As they got bigger, it was apparent that they looked nothing like a true species Veitchia merrillii we have grown in the past. The prominent speckling and dark color to the leaf stems was not expected - merrillii is plain green usually. And, there is a diversity of appearance of the various plants we were now growing.

We figure these are a hybrid of a Veitchia merrillii crossed with something else. Most likely it's with another species of Veitchia that are more cold tolerant. Our suspicion is it as cross with V. arecina. This is to our customer's benefit as this means perhaps they can grow these and end up with a smaller palm that resembles V. merrillii. We have a limited number of these plants left. They’ve gotten bigger and all have survived a freeze at our nursery. So, maybe here’s your chance to grow a “Veitchia merrillii hybrid” . I'm showin photos of both of the probable parents below. Mature height should be about 15 - 18 feet on these hybrids.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS HYBRID $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $225

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. Obviously, I have no mature garden plants to show you as this is such a rare hybrid. Also, don't dally as we'll be out of this hybrid soon!



Veitchia merrillii	Veitchia arecina

TRITHRINAX ACANTHICOMA
AKA TRITHRINAX BRASILIENSWIS

SPINY TRUNK - MEDIUM SIZE FAN PALM
EASILY TOLERATES INTO THE TEENS F.
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15G SIZE

This single trunk tropical fan palm is noted mostly for its spiny trunk. The spines are long, randomly directed and almost needle sized. It is native to South America and gets to a height of about twenty feet. It likes full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-teens F. Unlike Trithrinax campestris, the leaflet tips on this species are not sharp nor pointed. It is a medium rate grower. Also, when fruiting the fruit is a golden yellow color.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $200

Remember: The 15 gallon on sale are shown in the first five pictures below. The fifth photo shows a close up of the trunk of an older garden plant.

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

TALL, SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
ELEGANT WITH LONG CROWN SHAFT
SINGLE PLANTS AND MULTIPLES
TEN DAY 15 GALLON SIZE

This super popular palm is native to south Florida and Cuba. It gets a very tall trunk with a height of forty feet or more. The crown shaft is long and a prominent green. The base of the trunk is swollen just above the ground. Often, you'll also see bulging in the mid-trunk. It is a full sun plant and some are growing it in desert areas with success - in full sun. Cold tolerance is like a King Palm, about 25 degrees F. The 15 gallon shown here is a double. In this size we also have single trunk plants in addition to multiples. Many in Southern California are growing this species quite well. The 8th photo below was at the home of the late Luis Hooper in La Brea, CA. There's a shortage of this species on the California market. This species is also very quick growing. With our 15g you will probably have leaves over the house in 3 to 4 years. We have singles and multiples. BTW, the 15 gallon shown below is over ten feet tall in its pot. If this one sells, others are quite tall as well.

REGULAR PRICE LARGE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL OUR LARGE 15 GALLON ROYALS $225

Mention this Special for your discount.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

LOVES SUN AND HEAT
PLANTS ON SPECIAL SIX FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $125

Note: All the garden photos below were taken in Southern California. Yes, they grow easily in many areas here.

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX
THE NEEDLE PALM

WORLD'S MOST COLD HARDY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON 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 first five photos show the 3g on sale. 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. This is a very slow growing species. The plants on sale are not quite up to size so we're offering a very nice price on them.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

I only have a few of these. You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

EASY TO GROW - A GREAT INTERIOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This suckering palm species is native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of about four types of "Bamboo Palms" and is probably either the best or in a stiff competition with Chamaedorea hooperiana. This species gets to a mature height of twelve to sixteen feet, has strong 1 inch to 1.5 inch trunks which are green in color with prominent rings, and about three to four foot long leaves. It is an upright grower and does clump. It doesn't run. It takes filtered light or morning sun along the coast. I've even heard of some growing it in full sun although I'd not recommend it. It is a good growing species. Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F.

Below I'm showing in the first six photos the 5g size which we’re putting on sale. This size can be mail ordered no problem.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Remember: Mention this Special for this Blog Only discounted price.

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A "MULTIPLE"
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to areas extending from southern Mexico down to Columbia. They are often grown for food as the male blossoms are cooked and eaten as a delicacy. This species doesn't take sun here - it'll burn. But, in shade it thrives in temperatures down to the mid-twenties F. It is quick growing and has a rather thick, prominently ringed dark green trunk. Flowers are quite prominent and, if you have several plants closely situated, the chances are you'll obtain fruit without even trying. The last photo shows a flower with green fruit. This species can also be grown inside the home as long as the air is not too hot and dry. I personally like the looks of a collection of several plants grown together. Over time, as they age and get overhead, there will be some "stair-stepping" of the crowns and this is quite attractive. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. It needs filtered light, even when tall. We have singles and some multiples of our 5g that are on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $130

The last photo below is c/o TS at RPS.

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

UNDERSTORY SUPER RARE MINIATURE PALM
SIMPLE LEAVES - NEVER OVER A FEW FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND SIZE

This dwarf understory palm species has entire, small leaves, a very thin trunk the size of a pencil and a mature height never over two to three feet. It comes from high elevation mountainous areas of Mexico. It's extremely rare and hard to find. The seedlings we're offering this year came from domestic plants in San Diego County. They are about a year old. We got these in last year and about ten sold out quickly. I rarely have them for sale. They need a filtered light environment and should be cold hardy at least into the mid-twenties F. I can mail order these. Limited numbers available!

REGULAR PRICE BAND $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

Remember: These can be mail ordered.

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

GORGEOUS CROWN SHAFT - VERY ELEGANT MATURE PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND 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 are red colored as shown here. Cold tolerance is the low 20's F. It will take coastal sun or consider morning sun or strong filtered light inland. The band size are four to five years old and absolutey huge for their pots - needing repotting or putting into the garden.

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND SIZE $55

Just mention this Blog special for this discount. These can be mail ordered. We also have 5g (shown below) and 15g sizes available. The 8th photo is c/o cloudforest.com website.



5g size

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE PLANTS

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. We are putting band sized seedlings on sale. They are supposed to be the blue form (from blue parents) but need age and sun to show the blue. These are easy to mail order, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $72.50

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO
EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 2 GALLON SIZE

Encephalartos kisambo is a fast growing species native to Kenya where it grows at elevations of 3000 feet. It is a medium sized mature plant with trunks to eight feet. Leaves are green to soapy green in color, stand erect and are six to ten feet long. Leaflets are 1.5 inches wide, pungently tipped at the end, and spiny along the margins. This is a fast growing species that can tolerate our coastal sun. Far inland locations should use part day sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties, perhaps a bit lower. We had no leaf damage at the nursery in 2007 with lows of 25 degrees F. Shown here are very nice 2 gallon plants we have on a ten day reduced price – see first six photos below. Also shown are other larger sizes we have but note we have many sizes in between the sale plant and the monster specimens below.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON SIZE $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $125

Just mention this Blog special. These are simple to ship by mail order.

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS X CYCAS DEBAOENSIS
CYCAD HYBRID OF TWO RARE SPECIES

NEVER BEFORE AVAILABLE HYBRID CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE & ONE/HALF AND TWO GALLON SIZE

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 and two gallon cycads with about 1 - 2 inch thick caudexes. They need to be repotted or planted.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 2 GALLON $175
DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $145

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



Cycas panzhihuaensis	Cycas deboensis - this and next photo

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE VARIETY
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING BLUE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

Encephalartos arenarius is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape. This species is small to medium in mature size. Leaf length can range from one to two meters (i.e. three to six feet approximately) depending on cultivar and exposure to sun. Like many of the Encephalartos from the Eastern Cape, this species is variable in color, size and leaf type. E. arenarius can range in color from a dull green to a powdery white color (bearing a likeness to E. horridus).

The plants we are putting on special are the blue type. To get this color they will want full sun or an ample amount of sun. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good. You could expect to have a nice garden sized plant from these 5 gallon plants in about five to seven years. Caudex size of the plants on sale is approximately 2 inches. They all have six to seven leaves or more and are four to five years old. These are showing a bit of their blue color already at this stage and not in sun – so you’ll get blue. Easy to mail order. I’m also showing a garden plant and several larger nursery plants.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $300

This size is easy to mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS HILDEBRANDTII
LARGE SIZED GREEN CYCAD

UPRIGHT LEAVES – GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT CYCADS

This species has a fairly wide distribution in the coastal regions of Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island (Tanzania) and into northern Mozambique. Its habitat consists of rocky, sandy soil in dry coastal forest and bush. This is a large sized species. Leaves can reach three meters in length. Over many centuries, stems become quite wide and can reach six meters or more! This species can produce basal suckers, but this is not very common. This is a fast growing cycad. Crowns tend to stay erect, though can become wide with full crowns. Leaflets and petioles are armed with sharp spines, though the leaflets have some flex to them. This species is moderately rare among Encephalartos, but is quite rare in cultivation. It is tolerant of coastal full sun, but look better in partial sun. For inland areas, I recommend this plant for partial sun or shade. This plant is great for established gardens with canopy, or gardens with shade. This is a fast growing species and requires space. It will make a large showy plant and will enhance the tropical look of any garden in the right application! The citrus pot size we’re offering on special have caudexes of about 4.5 inches - see first five pictures below. They are ready to go into the garden or be repotted. Mail order possible, weather permitting. The citrus pot size is shown in the first five photos followed by a 15 gallon larger plant

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT THIS SIZE CAUDEX $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $385

RABITTS FOOT FERN
DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

DWARF FERN - ABOUT 18 INCHES TALL
CREEPS ON GROUND WITH FURRY FEET
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This popular fern is known for its furry rhizomes which make new plants and can form near sphere of leaves when grown in a basket. Or, you can grow it in the garden where it'll crawl the garden floor. It is native to Fiji. Leaves come off the rhizomes and are about 12 to 16 inches long. Their color is green. They are easy to propagate by cutting and rooting one of the rhizomes with a few leaves. They prefer filtered light and are cold hardy into the twenties F. Many people grow this fern indoors. We're offering full 5 gallons on special.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $60

SCHEFFLERA TREE
UMBRELLA TREE

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE - GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON LARGE & FULL 25 GALLON

There are two types of Schefflera. On is a larger tree with larger leaves. The other type is a dwarf with small leaves and leaflets. The plant shown here is an "in-betweeners". It's 8 to 10 feet tall n the pot and quite wide - 6 to 8 feet. It's an ideal tree for privacy and can be shaped and trimmed liberally. I'd anticipate a mature height of about 15 feet. It takes full sun and is cold hardy well into the mid to lower 20's F. We only have a few available. The first two garden photos show the larger species Schefflera actinophylla. The last photo is c/o Clemson University website.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $650
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $550

MUSA MEKONG GIANT
TALLER, EDIBLE & FRUITING BANANA WITH COLD HARDINESS

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This fruiting banana is from China and gets quite tall, especially if grown in a tropical environment. But, in this locality it is typically about 15 feet tall. It has broad green leaves and a six inch thick stem. It does sucker forming a clump of plants. It produces edible yellow fruit. It also is known to be somewhat cold hardy. Although it will freeze in weather below 32 degrees, often plants come back when it's warmer. I've read that folks in zones 6 & 7 are growing this species. This species wants full sun.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $35

BRAZILIAN RED CLOAK
MEGASKEPASMA ERYTHROCHLAMYS

MEDIUM SIZED BUSH / TREE WITH PROMINENT RED BLOSSOMS
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND FOR SALE
ONLY A HANDFUL AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 & 1.5 GALLON SIZE

The Brazilian Red Cloak is super rare and hard to find. This is probably because most propagation is by cuttings only. And, you have to have a mother plant to do this. We obtained two mother plants about eight years ago and have established them here in Encinitas. We began propagating about a year or two ago. This is considered a "bush" but can reach heights of eight feet or more. It blooms red when the weather is more cool - November to April. The terminal leaves turn red and hide the small white blossoms within (thus the "cloak" in the name). The red colored photos are of our mother plants. These can be mail ordered but you have to be in at least a 9A environment to grow it. Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze. We only have a few for sale.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 & 1.5 GALLON $47.50

Note: Our one gallon size is on the right of the first two photos. The larger 5 gallon size has sold out. The last photo is c/o Gumtree.com website. The boxed tree is our Nursery tree which we use for propagation of this impossible to find species.

MONDAY, 11 DECEMBER, 2023

END OF THE YEAR - A GOOD TIME TO BUY PLANTS?

YES, AT THE YEAR'S END PLANTS ARE THE BIGGEST OF THE YEAR
BUY BEFORE THEY GET REPOTTED
SHOWING A LOT OF RARE BUT MOSTLY SHIPPABLE PALMS

Experienced buyers know that the best time to buy nursery grown plants is at the end of the year. This is because come February, we'll be in the process of repotting our largest smaller plants into larger containers.   We select out the largest of plants and repot them first. And, of course, the price goes up when they are moved into larger pots. Thus, by buying now, you get more for you dollar, bigger plants and you just grow them until planting time is here. For those in our locality, you can plant all year long but in colder areas, waiting until March or April is preferred.

By buying now you can acclimate plants to your light and weather conditions and plant when the time is right. We're still shipping plants to all areas of the country.   Below I'll show a variety of pot sizes of palms (from our smallest band size to 15 gallon - I'm not showing larger sizes than 15 gallon here) to demonstrate the size that some are and you'll see how they are begging to be repotted. Shown is a whole assortment of interesting palms that are all good sized for their containers.

Archontophoenix maxima band size	Chamaedorea costaricana band	Roystonea oleracea band
Veitchia winin 1 gallon	Ptychosperma solomnense 1 gallon	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii 1 gallon
Chamaedorea tepejilote 5 gallon	Dypsis decaryi 3 gallon	Sabal causiarum 5 gallon
Archontophoenix beatricea 15 gallon	Burretiokentia koghiensis 15 gallon	Roystonea regia 15 gallon

OUR CYCAD SOIL
JUST GOT IN A NEW BATCH
WE DO SELL IT BY THE 15 GALLON BAG

Photos here show our cycad soil. Our basic ingredients are pumice, coarse sand (#12), fir wood chips, fir shavings, peat moss, perlite, and a touch of high grade topsoil. We also add dolomite and a slow release Osmocote fertilizer. Be aware, there is no "perfect" single mix or formulae that you have to use. At this website I do give a specific component ratios for a cycad mix. (link below) This soil shown will support most cycads and is quick draining. One ideally might alter it for tropical species like lush Zamia. We sell this cycad mix by the bag for those who don't have the capacity to make their own.

SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON BAG OF CYCAD SOIL $21.99

LINK TO CYCAD SOIL MIX

SYAGRUS PICROPHYLLA HYBRID
SUPER RARE SYAGRUS HYBRID

A SHORTER ALTERNATIVE TO THE QUEEN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 25 GALLON SIZE

I have only two of these extremely rare hybrids of Syagrus picrophylla. The seeds were produced by the same hybridizer that created the Coconut Queen Palm. I do not know what they are hybridized with and probably can't find out. The hybridizer is in his mid eighties and a bit forgetful. Plants are in 25 gallon containers, have been outdoor grown in sun. They should prove to be a very interesting hybrid palm. They are twelve feet tall and too tall for typical shipping or mail order. The last photo is of the pure Syagrus picrophylla by G.M from PACSOA.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON $775
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 25G $675

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM VAR RUBRUM
PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT - CROWN SHAFT – THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

This is a somewhat rare, collector type of palm that would be attractive in almost any coastal or near-coastal garden. Native to the Mascarene Islands, this thin trunked, crown shafted palm gets to a height of about 25 feet. This variety is called "rubrum" because of the red color that is present on the stems and on juvenile leaflets. One photo shows this below. The leaves are green, arching and without any spines. Growth rate is medium. This is a coastal sun or part day sun species with a cold tolerance in the upper twenties F. I've had one in my garden for years in San Diego.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $215

ARENGA PINNATA
THE SUGAR PALM

GOOD SIZED 15G AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

As many of you know, Arengas are usually suckering palms. But, there are several single trunk species. Arenga pinnata is one of these. It is felt to be native to Indonesia and is a large palm. It is a pinnate palm with a fibrous trunk made from woven fibers. Overall height is forty to fifty feet and the trunk gets to a diameter of two feet. The leaves are held upright and can be over twenty feet long. The leaflets, like all Arenga, has jagged terminal ends.

This is a monocarpic species and will die when the plant flowers. Other suckering Arenga has new trunks to replace dying flowering trunks. But, since this species has only one trunk, like a Caryota it will be gone a few years after the flowers appear. The Sugar Palm is a full sun species with cold tolerance into the mid-twenties F. Shown here is a 15g nursery plant and photos of mature specimens. We also have 5g for sale. Note the woven material on the trunk. It is very interesting to see in person. We are putting nice 15g plants on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $215

RHOPALOSTYLIS HYBRID
SAPIDA X BAUERI

SHOWING HYBRID VIGOR - SHOULD BE A WINNER!
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

For those of you with growing experience, you understand that palms, even monoecious palms, can hybridize. We got in some plants and were told that they were "sapida". But, looking at them you'll know they are not pure sapida. Seeds came off a Rhopalostylis sapida seed bearing tree. The dark petioles (brown) and downward flexing leaves show that they are a hybrid - baueri blood. Sorry, but I have no photos of a mature garden tree of this hybrid. They can take part day sun or filtered light in most areas. Cold hardiness will be about 20 degrees F. I have no mature hybrid garden plants to show at this time.

REGULAR PRICE 15g $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $215

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

SUPER COLD HARDY AND TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
SALE ON 15G SIZE MULTIPLES

Speaking of cold hardy, filtered light or full sun palms, let me mention Chamaedorea radicalis. Today I’m talking about the tunking form of this species. Decades ago we didn't even know this species existed. All Chamaedorea radicalis were dwarfs - rarely over five feet tall. The trunking form rapidly puts on trunk. Mature, plants can get up to fifteen feet tall. Leaflets are wider than the dwarf form and there's a bit of silver color to the stems and trunk. Trunks mature are narrow, under an inch thick. They can bend slightly as they get height. See photos below of a mature specimen at the nursery. It is also very quick growing. These 15g on Special should have a ten foot height in under five years. Both forms tolerate full sun along the coast but can also be grown in strong filtered light. Cold hardiness of 18 degrees F. Some in the SF Bay Area are successfully growing this species. Also, enthusiasts in Houston, TX have as well. We have a limited number of 15g plants on special. This larger 15g size can be mail ordered but do consider smaller sizes to save money if you are out of our area. Interestingly enough, the 15 gallon shown below has a taller single trunking form in the pot with a true dwarf below. Notice how the smaller plant looks totally different. Also, I am showing below a fruiting size mature 25 gallon plant at the nursery.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON MULTIPLES $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON MULTIPLES $215

BTW, that huge 25 gallon plant, the mature one with seeds, is also for sale.

CHAMAEDOREA ARENBERGIANA
SINGLE TRUNK UNDERSTORY PALM WITH WIDE LEAFLETS

MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - PROMINENT TRUNK RINGS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk species is from Mexico and Central America. It is pinnate like other Chamaedoreas with a trunk diameter of an inch or a bit more. The leaves a five feet long with wide leaflets and prominent drip tips. You can see how wide the leaflets are from the photos. It is a very tropical and exotic understory palm. It prefers moist but good draining soil. The trunks are dark green and prominent trunk rings are present. Mature height is about 12 feet. You'd want to make sure this palm doesn't excede your canopy to expose it to full sun. Low temperatures tolerated are about to a freeze and this species likes filtered light. Below I've shown you photos of our 5 gallon size which we are putting on Special. We also have 15 gallon size available. The last row of photos have pictures by palmpedia and RPS. The last photo shows mature seeds and the trunk.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $125

EUTERPE EDULIS
THIN, SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM
EXOTIC AND TROPICAL APPEARING

SMOOTH CROWN, COLORED CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

Euterpe edulis is a fun palm to grow because it is super attractive, has a narrow trunk and a beautiful, smooth crown shaft. I have had several in my garden. On mine, the crown shafts were a purple-green color but it's more common to see them as a lime green. Maximum height is about thirty feet with about a four inch thick trunk. Leaves tend to arch down and leaf color is green. Typically and most successful is to start in filtered light and work it's way into full sun along the coast. It's cold hardy into the upper twenties F. Anticipate a plant life of about thirty years. Also of note is the fact that the hearts of this palm are edible and a delicacy in many areas. The size on special are in five gallon size. These can be acclimate to sun and planted in the garden or shifted up over time to bigger pots. They can be mail ordered. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia and the last photos is of a 25 gallon at the Nursery which has sold.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON $125

ALLAGOPTERA ARENARIA
THE SEASHORE OR BEACH PALM

FULL SUN, COLD HARDY, DWARF
VERY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE FOR SALE
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

The nursery plants shown here are nice one gallon size. They are about three years old. This species is native to Brazil and lives near the ocean, often on sandy dunes near beaches. In general, it is very slow growing. Mature height height is about six feet. The leaves are plumose and fluffy. It is a single trunk species although it has the appearance of being a suckering species. It loves sun and heat. If you need a small palm for full sun that you can see over, this is a great species for you. These 5g are easy to ship in their containers with soil. This species is very difficult to find for sale nowadays.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $125

Just mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

ELEGANT SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
CROWN SHAFT - THIN TRUNK - MEDIUM HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 2 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 2g size on special. It's been a while since we've offered this species or size.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON $70

PRITCHARDIA HILLEBRANDII
A HAWAIIAN LOULU FAN PALM

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE - NICE SEMI-FLAT GREEN LEAVES
WHITE TOMENTUM ON LEAF STEMS AND INNER CROWN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

If you like fan palms, then you have to try some Pritchardia palms. There are about 25 species of Pritchardia. All the best ones come from the Hawaiian Islands. The species from the South Pacific are to be avoided as they don't do well here. This species reaches a medium height of 25 feet. Leaves are green. They have white tomentum (hairs) on the leaf stem and trunk. You can even see this on the leaf stems of the one gallon below. C Trunk diameter is medium, about ten inches. Growth rate is medium. This is a very attractive palm. I have one in my garden that gets partial sun and is at least 20 feet tall. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. Mail order easy.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $65

DYPSIS "MAHAJANGA"
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING

FLUFFY PLUMOSE LEAF
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a species of plant from Madagascar. The name is a “locational” name – where the plant is from. I am unaware of an exact species name at this time. The seeds of this "species" first came out about twenty-five years ago. From seeds, some of these plants ended up being single trunk, others suckering. I have a limited number of one gallon plants which I’m putting on sale. Leaves are quite plumose or “fluffy” in appearance. They seem to be reasonably cold hardy and should mature at heights under twenty feet. I'd give part day sun. The most similar species to these plants is Dypsis madagascarensis. The mature palm below was photographed by Al Bredison. It's suckering with two trunks. This species is recommended.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

Mention this Special to get this price at the time of purchase. This size would be easy to mail order.

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMIS
SINGLE TRUNK, DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM

PREFERS FILTERED LIGHT – NEVER TALL
SIMPLE UNDIVIDED LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND SIZED PLANTS

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. 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 identify this species, 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 upper teens perhaps but most assuredly to the mid-twenties. These plants were grown from seeds from Don Hodel’s personal plants. This species does not like direct sun.

Also, be aware that this is a rare and desirable species and seldom seen for sale. We're putting our band size on sale. Very easy to mail order, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII
LARGER GREEN CYCAD FROM SO AFRICA

FULL CROWN OF LEAVES - HUSKY TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

This is a medium to large green cycad from the Eastern Cape region of the Republic of South Africa. It was named after a Prussian statesman and is listed a a threatened cycad species. Mature height after many decades can reach up to over sixteen feet. Leaf length is six feet with trunk diameter of up to 18 to 24 inches. Leaflets have spines, especially when young. The base of the leaf stems are usually devoid of prickles or spines. Leaf color is a shiny green. Along the coast this species tolerates full sun or part day sun. It easily withstands a freeze and has an absolute cold tolerance down to about 22 degrees F. It can easily be grown on the patio if given adequate light. Desert areas should consider only a few hours of direct desert sun. It is best to give this species plenty of room in the garden. It makes a spectacular specimen plant. We are offering seedlings in the band size on special. They are nicely sized with about 4 leaves. These are easy to ship within the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID
F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

ENCEPHALARTOS (E. NATALENSIS X E. WOODII) X (ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS X E. WOODII)
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This should prove to be one of the most interesting hybrid Encephalartos available on the market. It is an F2 hybrid. These were done from domestic plants in Southern California. The hybridizer took pollen from the E. horridus x woodii to pollinate a receptive female of E. natalensis x woodii. As most know, E. woodii is extinct in the wild and only male plants are known to exist. E. horridus x woodii (Encephalartos "horwood") is one of the most sought after hybrids around. I've shown multiple photos of the plants on Special as well as close up photos of the leaves of both parents. Caudex size is about 2 inches.

REGULAR PRICE THESE CITRUS POT AS DESCRIBED $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POTS THIS HYBRID $195

I have limited numbers available. Easy to mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS ITURIENSIS
SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

This species is native to the Ituri Forest in the Congo in Central Africa. It is extremely rare to see it offered for sale. This cycad would not be as cold hardy as plants further south in South Africa. But, it should take weather into the mid-twenties F. E. ituriensis is known for its long, upright leaves reaching well over twelve to fourteen feet tall. It towers over E. whitelockii in terms of length. Leaflets are armed and narrow. The plants on special are four years old and carrying about four leaves. They are four to five years old. If you search the Net for photos of this species, they are essentially nonexistent. This is because of political instability of the area, remote native location and the risk of Ebola infection. Certainly, this has hampered availability of this species worldwide.

The photos below show a 15 gallon plant with long leaves and an 8 inch caudex. It is shown in the first seven photos below. We are putting this actual plant on sale. Remember, it’s very difficult to find this species, especially with size. We may have a few smaller plants in stock.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1600
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1385

Presently I only have one nice 15 gallon specimen. The last photo shows a plant we sold about a decade ago that was much larger with longer leaves. Unfortunately, this sale plant has too long of leaves to ship without pruning down the leaves. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia Commons.

ENCEPHALARTOS FRIDERICI-GUILIELMI
VERY RARE SOUTH AFRICAN BLUE CYCAD

COLD HARDY - SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD

This species is endemic to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. These regions are arid and subject to semi-regular fires (evidenced by the scorched and blackened trunks). Plants grow in sunny locations. This species is small to medium sized. Leaves are approximately one meter long. Stems are stout and can get up to a height of four meters over a few centuries. E. friderici-guilielmi is primarily a solitary stemmed plant but can make some basal suckers. This is a beautiful, fine leafed and blue cycad. They are moderate growers and are an easy size to manage in the garden. The leaves are unarmed, and are not pokey. This species tends to be very cold hardy as well tolerant of heat. Cold tolerance is down to about 20 degrees F. This cycad also needs a soil that drains well. They can get into rot problems if the soil stays too moist. As this is not a large cycad, I would place it in the foreground of a planting. We’re putting on Sale a 15 gallon plant that is about twelve years old and has a caudex of 4 inches. This plant can be mail ordered in a big box.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $740
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $650

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD

NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA
TEN DAY SPECIAL GREAT LANDSCAP READY 15 GALLON

This is a South African cycad species that has green leaves and makes a medium sized
adult plant. By this I mean you, over several decades, will get a plant with perhaps 4 feet of
trunk. It's crown width is about 8 feet. It likes full sun and heat unless you are in a desert
locality. It is a quick grower and has cold tolerance to the low 20's F. It can go even to lower temperatures if you give it some cold protection. It is also known to be a reliable and relatively fast growing cycad. This is a mainstay species for any cycad garden. We’re offering a 15 gallon with a caudex of 6 inches on sale with our End of The Summer Sale. This plant can be mail ordered. If this plant sells, we have others of similar size available as well as smaller and larger sizes.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $600
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ATUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $525

BEAUCARNIA RECURVATA
THE PONYTAIL PALM - THE ELEPHANT FOOT PALM
MEDIUM HEIGHT - SWOLLEN BASE

LIKES FULL HOT SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED 5 GALLON

The ponytail palm is native to Mexico. It is known for it's large and wise base. I've seen photos of a small Jeep parked on the base. Basal width can reach up to six feet across. The trunk, above this base is much thinner. Leaves are thin, somewhat flexible but have a sharp edge that can cut you. They do well in containers or in the ground. Some have grown them indoors if there's very bright light. Cold tolerance is into the low twenties or below. They want full, hot sun. The 5 gallon on sale are oversized with 4 to 5 inch thick bases with an age of five to six years. This size is shown in the first 3 photos below. But, we also have larger sizes available. This size is is easy to mail order. Garden photos below by Wikipedia & Floridata websites.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $75

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM "SHISHI BOTAN"
THE RUFFLED LIGULARIA

RUFFLED, FRILLY LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

Most of you are familiar with the regular Ligularia that we offer at this Blog. This rare variety on special today has ruffled, frilly leaves and is quite attractive. It gets to a height of 18 inches, takes sun or shade and has yellow daisy-like flowers in the late Fall. They are also an "indicator" plant and tell you when the garden is going dry. Watering these immediately corrects this. Compared to the standard Ligularia, the leaves are quite different with curly and frill leaf edges. These are easy to grow and easy to ship.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $40

Note Note that we also have 5 gallon size available.

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

GROWS EPIPHYTICALLY
MOUNT ON WOOD OR TREE TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGER MOUNTED PLANT

Platycerium are a type of fern that we know as the "Staghorn Fern". But, the normal type you see, P. bifurcatum, has deer antler types of leaves. They are narrow and reach out from the attaching shield. But, there's another type known as the "Moosehorn Fern" where the leaves are entire, stretching across the width of the plant. Mature, they look entirely different. These leaves can get up to six feet across – one giant shield like leaf. They are not easy to find. The standard Staghorn is not difficult to locate. Both are an epiphytic type of plant that can be mounted on a tree trunk or grown on a flat wooden base. They are not hard to care for but you don't want to let them go dry. I water them by just spraying with a hose and occasionally give them some liquid fertilizer mixed into the water. You want to water to hit the plant from above – like rain. They can take a bit of sun or strong filtered light. Cold hardiness is typically into the mid to perhaps low twenties F. The plants we have presently are larger than ones we’ve offered in the past. The plant shown below has a shield that is about 16 inches wide and mounted on wood. It's shown in the first six photos. We also have slightly smaller Moosehorns that are a bit less expensive.

TEN DAY SPECIAL MOOSEHORN FERN THIS SIZE $295

Mention this special to get this price when purchasing. I can mail order these but they take a surprising large box to ship. The last photo is a great on and was taken by floragreatlakes.info website.

ALTERNATHEA PARTYTIME
DWARF COLORFUL SPECIES

RED AND GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON OLDER ONE GALLON

This hybrid ornamental plant appeals to those who like color in the garden. It only gets to about 2 feet tall and two feet wide and can tolerate good filtered light or sun. The leaves are green with prominent pink-red mixed color as shown below. They can be pruned to make a fuller plant and are not that difficult to grow. They tolerate a freeze. The one gallon on special are older plants and ready for planting.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 1 GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 1 GALLON $35

SUNDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2023

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

I've discussed this great New Caledonian species before because it is such a good species for those of us in Southern California. It comes from high elevation in its native habitat, is a good growing palm and can tolerate full sun easily along the coastal strip. Its cold hardiness is down to about 23 degrees, better than the King Palm or Kentia Palm. It has an average trunk diameter of eight to ten inches and a mature height of usually about thirty feet. It can also be grown in part day sun or strong filtered light.

Shown here is a nice 25g plant along with other sizes. You'll notice that the leaf color in the sun is blue-green in a way. It is certainly not a lime green color. Also, some new leaves may emerge with a hint of red color. Growth rate is good. We have a reasonable assortment of all sizes although our larger plants are almost sold out. This species is highly recommended.

ASSORTED BROMELIADS
NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY

FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
MANY SUN & SHADE VARIETIES

We are continually trying to bring in more colorful, exciting and new varieties of Bromeliads that customers will like At the end of this week we'll be getting in a new batch of colorful and different species. We try to emphasize different types including Aechmea, Neorogelias and others. Some are for shade and others for sun. Right now we probably have about 25 different varieties of Bromeliads. I'm showing some we've had in the past year below. We invite all to drop in to see our Bromeliads. We have a lot more than shown here but, be aware, that some sell out while other different ones arrive.

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM
SINGLE TRUNK MEDIUM SIZED PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA

ARCHING GREEN LEAVES WITH SILVER-GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

This species is from New Caledonia in the northern part of the island. It is of similar height to C. nucele and has the same trunk diameter. The crown shaft on C. elegans is slightly more swollen than that of C. nucele. The crown shaft is also more of a green color, but can show silver. The leaflets are thinner and, as you can see, the leaves curve downward as opposed to the stiff, upright leaves of nucele. Another important difference between the two is that the leaves of C. elegans are keeled whereas the leaves of nucele are more flat. Of note, on both species the bare petiole (stem with no leaves) is very short. This helps you identify this genus.

Shown here are our 25 gallon sized plants that I photographed recently. Also shown are lots of photos of mature plants. This species should be started in filtered light and be allowed to grow into some sun if you live along the coast. Inland full sun is too harsh for this species. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $650
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON $565

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This Madagascar palm is known as the "Triangle Palm" because the crown shaft has three flat sides. This crown shaft has multiple colors including purple, silver and black. It gets to a mature height of about 22 feet in 3 decades. It loves heat and sun. Leaves are a gray-green color and there is prominent speckling in the inner crown with dark colors. It is slow growing. It has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees F. The 15 gallon size on Special are nicely sized for their containers. These are too big for mail order but we do have smaller more shippable sizes available. These 15 gallon are acclimated to sun and ready to be planted in the garden.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $195

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase

BRAHEA ARMATA
THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM
BLUE HESPER PALM

VERY BLUE COLORED LEAVES – SLOW GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE PLANTS

This species of blue fan palm is not only known for its intense blue color but also for the fact that it is extremely cold hardy. It goes down to about 16 degrees. It is native to Mexico, specifically to Baja Mexico. It prefers dry heat and is a challenge to grow in humid areas. Mature plants take 30 years or more to reach a height of 20 to 25 feet. The trunks are stout but clean. These 25g plants have nice color and are sun acclimated. They are begging to be planted into someone's garden. This species is also very drought tolerant. The plants we’re putting on special are intensely blue 15g plants, large for their containers. The plants on special are shown in the first four photos. I’m also showing a 25 gallon and a larger boxed plant.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $200
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $175

Just mention this Blog Special to get this nice discount. On the mature trees below, note the prominent blue color of the leaves. This is the hallmark of this species. We have very limited numbers.

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING PALM

VERY POPULAR, EASY TO GROW - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $125

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI
THE BLONDE FLAMETHROWER PALM

GORGEOUS PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA
USUALLY HAVE NICE NEW PURPLE-RED LEAF
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Shown is a nice example of a 5 gallon size of Chambeyronia hookeri with its blonde colored crown shaft. I’ve found that this species throws just as red (sometimes even more intense) new leaf compared to Chambeyronia macrocarpa. This species is hard to find. It is different in appearance from the dark green crown shafted form seen on C. macrocarpa. Here's some facts about this species:

• Growth habit and care about the same as macrocarpa
• Along the coast will tolerate full sun if you're are not too far inland
• Crown shaft is yellow-tan colored and quite prominent
• Cold tolerance is about 23 degrees
• Growth rate on this species like macrocarpa is slow to medium but improves once planted in the ground.
• Trunk diameter is about 8 inches typically and overall height of mature plants is about 25 feet
• Leaflets are shiny green, thick and sturdy, and quite wide as shown
• Like macrocarpa, about 95% of the time throws newly emerging red leaf as shown here. Rarely a plant will not throw new red leaves and there's no way of predicting this.
• Also makes a great interior palm inside the home

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $125

We have very limited numbers available of this species and also have a few 15 gallon size. Of course, not all will have a red new leaf at this time. Mention this Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price. The crown shaft photo below is by TS at RPS and the new red leaf by the roof is by D.L.

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

GREAT PATIO OR INTERIOR PALM - OR IN THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SINGLES

Howea forsteriana, the popular Kentia Palm, is native to Lord Howe Island. There it lives at lower elevations. At higher elevations up the mountains one sees Howea belmoreana and Hedyscepe. The Kentia does great here in So California. It is a single trunk species that is often grown as a "multiple" with several plants in the same pot. It does NOT sucker. Along the coast it takes full sun or part day sun. Far inland, filtered light is needed. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. Mature height in sun is usually about thirty feet in 30 years. We’re putting very nice 5 gallon plants on special. These plants are singles - not multiples. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $125

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF KING PALM

SILVER BACKS TO THE LEAFLETS – GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Common Name(s):  Alexandra King Palm, Alexandra Palm, the Alex Palm
Native Locality:  Northern and Central Queensland, Australia, both along the coast and inland
Overall Height:  70 to 80 feet in habitat but usually up to 40 feet in domestic gardens in sun
Trunk Diameter:  12 inches, sometimes swollen at the bottom. Young trunks brown, older gray
Leaf Length:  6 to 10 feet
Leaflets:  Color dark to grass green, silver on the underside
Crown Shaft Color:  Olive green, sometimes a bit brown mixed in. Slight bulge at bottom occasionally
Presence of Ramenta:  Absent
Flower Color:  White or near white
Seed Size:  1/2 inch
Other Comments:  This species holds a nice large crown of leaves with a tall, gray colored straight trunk. There is a possible sub-species, that I will discuss below

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

Remember: mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase. The last photo shows a naturalized colony of this species on the Big Island, the Island of Hawaii.

DYPSIS PRESTONIANA
SINGLE TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL
A REAL WINNER!

SUPER RARE MADAGASCAR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Discovered by John Dransfield and named after a U.K. executive of Macdonald's Hamburgers (who funded the expedition to Madagascar), this single trunk palm is new to the market, super rare and quite attractive. It has orange-brown leaf bases at the point of trunk attachment, plumose leaves and gets to a height of about 25 to 30 feet. It is single trunked with a medium thickness and prominent rings. It takes full sun in coastal areas and, once established, is a good growing palm. Shown here are our band sized seedlings. On occasion we have larger sizes for sale. These are easy to ship. Growers tell us that this species takes temperatures into the mid-20's F. I know of several enthusiasts who live in cool areas and now have fruiting specimens of this species. It is an excellent grower.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for this price. Easy to mail order. Habitat photo c/o TS at RPS.

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROX
SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

STUNNING RED OR ORANGE CONES
GREEN HOLLY FERN-LIKE LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLDER BAND SIZES SEEDLINGS 5 TO 6 LEAVES

This South African cycad is perhaps best known for two things: It can grow in shady conditions and the cones (especially the female cone) are red. The cone color varies from fire engine red to orange. Female cones seem to be more colorful. The leaflets look like a holly fern. Right along the coast, this species can take almost full sun and look good. But, most people grow it in part day sun or filtered light. From a seedling, it takes about ten years in the ground to get a big, coning sized plant. Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F. We’re offering our older band size on special. Ages of these are at least 4-5 years with five to six leaves. Ideally, they should be repotted into a larger container. These are easy to ship within the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
SALE PRICE BAND SIZE $70

DIOON EDULE VARIETY TAMAULIPAS
GLAUCOUS GREEN THIN LEAF MEXICAN CYCAD

ONE OF VARIOUS VARIETIES OF DIOON EDULE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Dioon edule is a very durable species of cycad that is found in Mexico. Enthusiasts have found that in different native localities that the plants of each region are different. This has led to what we call "varieties" of Dioon edule. In the Tamaulipas area of Mexico such a variety is found. This is also the locality of the recognized species Dioon angustiolium. The Dioon edule variety tamaulipas is a glaucous green species with flat leaves and narrow leaflets. The leaflets re minimally spined if at all. Leaflets are spaced with a narrow gap between individual leaflets. Leaf color is green to a blue-green. Mature plants are dwarf and rarely over 6 feet tall overall in the garden. It prefers full sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F. It likes good draining soil. We are offering 5 gallon plants with a 3 inch caudex on this hard to find variety. These can be mail ordered. Unfortunately, I have no garden photos of this variety.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 3 INCH 5 GALLON $345
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BATCH 5 GALLON 3 INCH CAUDEX $285

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI
LEPIDOZAMIA SPECIES WITH WIDER LEAFLETS

MAKES A TALL TREE OVER A CENTURY'S TIME
FAIRLY RARE AND HARD TO FIND - NO SPINES!
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This species of cycad gets enormous! I mean really tall. There are specimens with heights to almost 60 feet. Leaves are six to ten feet long. Leaflets are soft and without spines or armor.
For this reason, it is felt to be a very user friendly cycad. But, you must give it adequate room to grow. Compared to the Lepidozamia peroffskyana, the hopei leaflets are wider. It's quite noticeable when you compare the two side by side. This is the best way to tell them apart when they are young. Culturally, it is quite similar to L. peroffskyana, preferring some sun but not full sun in most areas. Far inland it may do better with filtered light. In terms of rarity, you don't see this species for sale that often. Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F. We're putting citrus pot size on sale with caudexes of about 4 inches. These can be mail ordered.

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $395

Regular price is $120 per inch. These can be mail ordered.

BRACHYCHITON RUPESTRIS
INTERESTING THICK TRUNK TROPICAL TREE

SNAKESKIN TEXTURED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 25 GALLON TREE

About four decades ago I visited Seaborne Nursery up in the Lake Hodges area of San Diego County. It has long since vanished as a nursery. A fellow who ran this nursery, Bill Seaborne (now deceased) convinced me to try a few of this interesting species. I planted them and within about five to ten years found they have the most peculiar, large and swollen trunks. The leaflets are quite fine; but the trunk is massive. It has a green snake skin type of texture and is a fast growing tree. The plant I’m showing here is a 25 gallon we’ve been growing for years. It’s about 15 feet tall and begging for a home. I am also showing you pictures of mature trees in Australia, the native home of this species. This species is not known for flowers, but rather for it's peculiar swollen trunk. It can get to fifty feet tall, likes sun, and has a cold tolerance that is probably into the low 20's F. It's quite tall - maybe ever too tall to easily transport in a pickup. Garden photos by australiagarden website and anbg.gov.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS TREE $400

PINSTRIPE GINGER
DWARF GINGER WITH WHITE ON GREEN STRIPED LEAVES

NEVER OVER ABOUT FOUR FEET TALL
PARTIAL SUN OR FILTERED LIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This attractive companion plant has become very popular with our customers. This is because it has striking variegation on the leaves and never gets too tall. And, it does quite well in filtered light where other thing gingers can struggle. Mature height is about four feet. Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties. If it suffers from winter burn, the following spring it usually bounces back. Blossoms are yellow and white (see photo) and not overly large. We are putting the 15g on sale. Remember to mention this Special when you purchase.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $175

PHILODENDRON RED CONGO
AKA "CONGO ROJO"

ATTRACTIVE COMPANION PLANT FOR FILTERED LIGHT
DARK LEAVES, RED STEMS / RED BACKS OF LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 GALLON SIZE

This popular hybrid Philodendron never gets very large. It doesn't climb much. It's more of a rosette form of companion plant. It might crawl along the ground a little. People prefer this hybrid because, in shade, it has dark green leaves with a red tint to the back of the leaves and prominent red stems. It is a filtered light companion plant. It is not for full sun. Cold hardiness is down to about a freeze or a bit colder. We are offering very nicely sized (large & older) 3 gallon (10 inch pots) on Special. But, there are limited numbers. These can be used as a houseplant and can be mail ordered but take a big box for shipping.

REGULAR PRICE 3 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON $70

Just mention this Blog Only Special for your discount at the time of purchase.

NOTE: DECEMBER, 2023 BLOG POSTS HAS NO "EARLIER" DECEMBER POSTS BECAUSE OF THE END OF THE YEAR SALE

END OF CURRENT POSTS FULL VERSION FOR DECEMBER, 2023
BUT THERE'S EARLIER POSTS FROM NOVEMBER AND BEFORE - CLICK BELOW

TO SEE EARLIER POSTS FROM NOVEMBER, 2023, CLICK HERE
TO SEE EARLIER POSTS FROM OCTOBER, 2023, CLICK HERE

Links to even older archived posts at end of this page

RECYCLE USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS
AND OLD NEWSPAPERS AND BOXES

ECOLOGICAL AND HELPS OUR NURSERY
YOU'LL RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON YOUR PURCHASE OR A CREDIT TOWARD FUTURE PURCHASE

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 - when you drop them off or issue a credit toward a future purchase. Or, if you just don't know what to do with them and are conservative minded, drop them off at our nursery location. If you arrive off hours, just leave them in front of our entry gate. 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. On containers, we are especially looking for larger pots, 5g and bigger. Our nursery is plush with one gallon or smaller. We also really appreciate 5 gallon, 7 gallon, 15 gallon and citrus pots.

We are also recycling old cardboard boxes (Amazon types or otherwise) and newspapers.

So, don't give them to the garbage man for your local landfill. Bring containers to our nursery and receive a nursery credit for plastic/ceramic containers. The fourth photo shows all containers from a band to a 24 inch box, left to right.

5 gallon
15 gallon
25 gallon

All containers in a row

GIFT CERTIFICATE

CLICK TO READ ABOUT

ALSO - RECYCLE OLD NEWSPAPER -We can use it!

We utilize old newspaper to stuff our plants before we put them in vehicles. Newspapers also help us secure mail orders. And, we're always running out and don't like using new paper for this purpose - wasteful. So, we'd recycle those old newspapers that you have on hand. Just drop them off at the nursery any day Monday through Saturday. Thank you.

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE! SEE ALL OUR TOPICAL PLANTS
AT ONCE - ONE PAGE

DESCRIPTION , PHOTOS, AVAILABILITY and REGULAR PRICES

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT TROPICAL PLANTS!
GET A FEW IDEAS FROM PHOTOS BELOW

A LOOK AT THE NURSERY
QUICK PHOTO TOUR

Recently, on a drizzling day, sort of gray and gloomy, the following photos were taken by Alma, one of the staff. These pictures show the unique combination of palms, cycads and succulents that we're offering. You can see how nicely they all blend together. We're showing these photos so you get a feel for our Nursery.

GREAT PALM TREES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Below are pictures of about thirty five palm species that all do well in Southern California. 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 SIZES

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
twenty gallon
24 inch box

SIZES WE USE NOT SHOWN HERE

Deep band containers
Citrus pots
25 gallon
30 gallon
35 gallon
45 gallon
30 inch boxes
36 inch boxes

Note: Larger pots/boxes can get very heavy and are too heavy to mail order by usual means - independent trucker needed for these.

Pots to left lined up in a row

Cycad in 36 inch box

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HOW THESE TEN DAY SPECIALS WORK

• NEW SPECIALS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY AND EXPIRATION DATE FOR SALE PRICES ARE TEN DAYS AFTER INITIAL POSTING.
• SOON AFTER EXPIRATION, DATED SALE ITEMS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS PAGE
• FOR MAIL ORDERS, JUST CALL US. WE DO NOT PRESENTLY HAVE A
"SHOPPING CART" BECAUSE ALMOST ALL CUSTOMERS NEED HELP WITH DECIDING WHAT TO ORDER. WE WANT YOUR PLANTS TO THRIVE!
• AT THIS THREAD, MOST RECENT SPECIALS ARE LISTED AT THE TOP
• TERMS OF SALE ARE GIVEN HERE BELOW - RESTRICTIONS AND CANCELLATION FEES MAY APPLY. SEE POLICIES (LINK BELOW).
• SOME ITEMS ARE IN LIMITED SUPPLY AND MAY SELL OUT QUICKLY • PHOTOS SHOWN ABOVE SOMETIMES ARE ONLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SALE ITEMS.
• MAIL ORDER PLANTS ARE SHIPPED TYPICALLY THE SAME DAY OR THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY IN THEIR CONTAINERS WITH SOIL TO GIVE YOU THE BEST CHANCES OF SURVIVAL
• SHIPPING CHARGES APPLY TO ALL MAIL ORDERS. ESTIMATES OF SHIPPING COSTS CAN BE GIVEN ON REQUEST.
• PURCHASED PLANTS CAN BE HELD FOR FREE FOR A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME (SEE POLICIES) AND SHIPPED WHEN YOU TELL US OR WEATHER PERMITS
• TO GET THESE DISCOUNTED PRICES, MENTION SPECIALS ABOVE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. IT'S SORT OF LIKE A "PAPERLESS COUPON"

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SALE ITEMS SHOWN ABOVE AND OTHER PURCHASES

• SALE PRICES ARE FOR A LIMITED TIME SHOWN ON EACH POST ABOVE
• ALL SPECIALS ARE FOR A TEN DAY PERIOD AND EXPIRE TEN DAYS AFTER INITIAL POSTING, USUALLY AT THE END OF NURSERY HOURS
• PLANT PRICES CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND MAY NOT YET BE RECORDED ON OUR PRICE DATABASES
• AT NO TIME ARE THERE "DOUBLE DISCOUNTS" - PERCENTAGE DISCOUNTS DO NOT APPLY TO OTHER SPECIALS
• DISCOUNTS OR SALE SPECIALS DO NOT APPLY TO SHIPPING OR HANDLING CHARGES. THEY DO NOT APPLY TO SPECIAL ORDER PLANTS OR ITEMS WE HAVE TO SEARCH FOR APART FROM OUR OWN PLANT INVENTORY.
• SALES TAX MAY APPLY, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE
• NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS WILL BE SENT OR TAKEN
• CYCADS AND CITES LISTED ENDANGERED SPECIES ARE FOR DOMESTIC UNITED STATES USAGE OR PURCHASE ONLY
• NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE IS GIVEN OR IMPLIED ON YOUR ABILITY TO GROW THE PLANTS IN YOUR LOCALITY
• MAIL ORDER ITEMS SENT VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS PRESENTLY UNLESS OTHERWISE ARRANGED
• AVAILABILITY VARIES. ITEMS ON SALE MAY SELL OUT WITHOUT NOTICE AND NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE.
• All SALES ARE FINAL WITH NO REFUNDS. PLEASE SEE OUR COMPANY PURCHASE, GUARANTEE & WARRANTY POLICIES, OUR REFUND AND SHIPPING POLICIES, AND OTHER POLICIES AS DESCRIBED IN OUR PUBLISHED JUNGLE MUSIC POLICIES. ANY CANCELLED BUT NOT SHIPPED ORDERS OR SHIPMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CANCELLATION FEE DESCRIBED AT OUR POLICIES.

THIS IS A HUGE WEBSITE WITH MANY THOUSANDS OF PAGES AND PICTURES.
TAKE YOUR TIME WITH IT.

SEE MORE ARTICLES ON PALM TREES

Thank you for reading our Blog.

Phil Bergman
Owner, Jungle Music Palms, Cycads & Tropical Plants
Phone - for orders or availability: 619 291 4605
Email: phil@junglemusic.net or TO EMAIL PHIL OR STAFF, CLICK HERE

Jungle Music Palm Trees, Cycads and Tropical Plants

Website:
www.junglemusic.net Email: phil@junglemusic.net

Nursery Location:

450 Ocean View Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024

Nursery Phone: 619 291 4605

Nursery Hours:
Monday - Saturday, 9AM - 4PM
Sunday typically closed

Directions to Nursery: Freeway Close. Take Freeway 5 to Encinitas
(10 minutes south of Oceanside, 30 minutes north of San Diego).
Exit Leucadia Blvd West (toward ocean).
Immediate left on Orpheus Ave, left on Union St,
Right on Ocean View Ave to Nursery, which is at 450 Ocean View Ave
Mailing Address:
3233 Brant Street, San Diego, CA 92103

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HOW THIS BLOG WORKS New plant arrivals, desirable species and requested plants included New species described every few days, most recent posts at top of thread Jump to older Blog Threads from links below. Blog discusses palm trees, cycads and tropical plants	LEARN ABOUT PALM TREES AND CYCADS Brief comments given below. We trim this thread frequently to maintain 30 day run. Information on sun requirements and cold tolerance given if available Pictures of mature specimens shown when possible In depth posts with lots of photos on some species
PRICING ON PLANTS SHOWN On some plants, pricing given with the post You can use quick link for all our prices: PALM PRICES OR CYCAD PRICES	SPECIALS AND SALES Specials below apply to drop in visits or mail orders. Photos are representative. All specials have a termination date and always expire when the current thread expires Ten Day Specials expire ten days after date of posting and are marked in red color. For any sale prices, you must mention all Blog Only Sale Prices when purchasing
DIRECTIONS TO NURSERY CLICK HERE for printable copy of DIRECTIONS 450 Ocean view Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024 Hours: M-Sat, 9AM to 4PM	CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 619 291 4605 Email: phil@junglemusic.net or click here FOR INSTANT EMAIL TO Phil
MAIL ORDERS Most orders sent in boxes with Fed Exp. No international shipping. Plants shipped in pots with soil. For larger plants use trucking services.	DELIVERIES (larger orders or larger plants) To almost anywhere within the continental U.S. Quite affordable. We deliver or we utilize independent trucking services on any size plants.




Colony of very old Spindle Palms	5 gallon size	15 gallon size at nursery

*Encephalarto altensteinii male cone*	*Encephalartos ferox female cone*	**Encephalartos ferox male cone**
*Encephalartos villosus female cone*	*Encephalartos lehmannii male cone*	**Encephalartos kisambo female cone**
**E. arenarius x lebomboensis male cone**	**Encephalartos ferox female cone**	*Encephalartos villosus female cone*
*Encephalartos villosus cone with fruit*	*Encephalartos horridus female cone*	*Encephalartos villosus male*
*Encephalartos lebomboensis female cone*	*Encephalartos trispinosus female cone*	**Encephalartos ferox male cones**
**Encephalartos arenarius male cone, older**	*Encephalartos natalensis*	*Encephalartos kisambo female cone*

Tree with ripe red fruit	First tree in fruit. All seeds are green
Another specimen with ripening fruit

A LOOK AT THE NURSERY QUICK PHOTO TOUR Recently, on a drizzling day, sort of gray and gloomy, the following photos were taken by Alma, one of the staff. These pictures show the unique combination of palms, cycads and succulents that we're offering. You can see how nicely they all blend together. We're showing these photos so you get a feel for our Nursery.

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

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.

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG PLANTS FOR SALE

SPECIAL SALE ITEMS

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

PHOENIX ROEBELENII THE PYGMY DATE PALM

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DIOON EDULE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

THE PERFECT COMPANION PLANT

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

LIVISTONA LANUGINOSA THE CAPE RIVER LIVISTONA – THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

SABAL CAUSIARUM LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

ARENGA PINNATA THE SUGAR PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA THE NIKAU PALM

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

ASSORTED VRIESEAS HYBRIDS BY JOHN ARDEN EXTREMELY RARE TROPICAL PLANTS

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS IN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW

COCCOTHRINAX MIRAGUAMA VERY POPULAR FAN PALM

CARYOTA GIGAS "THAI MOUNTAIN GIANT", "KING KONG PALM", "BLACK STEM FISHTAIL"

SABAL BLACKBURNIANA LARGE AND TALL FAN PALM

BRAHEA BRANDEGEEI A TALL, QUICK GROWING BRAHEA

SABAL PALMETTO THE PALMETTO PALM

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

CYCAD SEEDLINGS - LOTS OF THEM GROWN IN BAND CONTAINERS

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

FAN PALMS THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM THE CAT PALM

DYPSIS PLUMOSA THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA" THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

HOWEA BELMOREANA THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS THE ELEGANT PALM

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

DYPSIS LUTESCENS THE ARECA PALM

COPERNICIA PRUNIFERA THE CARNAUBA WAX PALM

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

VERY "CUTE PALM" WITH GREEN OR SILVER GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 2 GALLON

DIOON MEROLAE SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

RABITTS FOOT FERN DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

ARENGA PINNATA THE SUGAR PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS HYBRID SAPIDA X BAUERI

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

ENCEPHALARTOS ITURIENSIS SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

THE MOOSEHORN FERN PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

ASSORTED BROMELIADS NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY

BRAHEA ARMATA THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM BLUE HESPER PALM

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING PALM

HOWEA FORSTERIANA THE KENTIA PALM

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI LEPIDOZAMIA SPECIES WITH WIDER LEAFLETS

RECYCLE USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND OLD NEWSPAPERS AND BOXES

DESCRIPTION , PHOTOS, AVAILABILITY and REGULAR PRICES

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS
PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA
THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM
ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

LIVISTONA LANUGINOSA
THE CAPE RIVER LIVISTONA – THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

ARENGA PINNATA
THE SUGAR PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

ASSORTED VRIESEAS HYBRIDS
BY JOHN ARDEN
EXTREMELY RARE TROPICAL PLANTS

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS
IN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW

COCCOTHRINAX MIRAGUAMA
VERY POPULAR FAN PALM

CARYOTA GIGAS
"THAI MOUNTAIN GIANT", "KING KONG PALM", "BLACK STEM FISHTAIL"

SABAL BLACKBURNIANA
LARGE AND TALL FAN PALM

BRAHEA BRANDEGEEI
A TALL, QUICK GROWING BRAHEA

SABAL PALMETTO
THE PALMETTO PALM

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS
MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

CYCAD SEEDLINGS - LOTS OF THEM
GROWN IN BAND CONTAINERS

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA
BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO
EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA
BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

DYPSIS LUTESCENS
THE ARECA PALM

COPERNICIA PRUNIFERA
THE CARNAUBA WAX PALM

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

VERY "CUTE PALM" WITH GREEN OR SILVER GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 2 GALLON

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID
POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO
EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

RABITTS FOOT FERN
DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

ARENGA PINNATA
THE SUGAR PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS HYBRID
SAPIDA X BAUERI

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID
F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

ENCEPHALARTOS ITURIENSIS
SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

ASSORTED BROMELIADS
NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY

BRAHEA ARMATA
THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM
BLUE HESPER PALM

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING PALM

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI
LEPIDOZAMIA SPECIES WITH WIDER LEAFLETS

RECYCLE USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS
AND OLD NEWSPAPERS AND BOXES