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Blog discusses palm trees, cycads and tropical plants

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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

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On some plants, pricing given with the post
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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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WEDNESDAY, 31 JANUARY, 2024

WATER FEATURES IN THE GARDEN
POND, STREAM, POOL, WATERFALLS

ALL ENCHANTING AND RELAXING

There's something about having a water feature in the garden that gardeners find very appealing. I'm not sure if it's the movement, sound or just appearance. But, people will go to great lengths to make it perfect. I've had customers create 100 foot long streams, rock mountains with waterfalls into pools, coy ponds, or simple circulating ponds. I even had one who put in a volcano waterfall with a large palm being "the flames" of the volcano. Here I'm showing some photos of more classical usages of water in the garden. I hope you enjoy them - who knows, maybe you'll get a few ideas.

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 often have 5g and 15g sizes for sale.

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

TRACHYCARPUS LATISECTUS
THE WINDAMERE PALM

GREEN LEAVES WITH WIDE SEGMENTS – SILVER UNDERSIDE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This very rare species of Windmill Palm is from high elevation areas in India and is most known for the fact that it’s leaf segments are wider than other species. There are two varieties. It is a tall species, up to forty feet, with a narrow trunk of six to eight inches. Its leaves are green with a bit of glaucous color beneath. For this genus, the leaves are wide, sometimes up to five feet with wide segments that are divided about half way into the leaf. The petioles are about three feet long and the leaf shape is semicircular or near totally circular. There is a hope that this species tolerates more heat. Cold tolerance is yet to be determined but at our Nursery it's seen 28 degrees F. We’re suspicious it is not as cold tolerant as other Trachycarpus species. It is extremely rare in cultivation with few photos available of the native population. Both photographs below are of domestic plants, the first showing Martin Gibbons in the U.K. We only have one or two available.

REGULAR PRICE THIS RARE 15 GALLON SIZE $285
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $245

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 OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

TALL PINNATE PALM WITH LUSH GREEN FOLIAGE
LONG PROMINENT CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

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. (8th photo below). 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 our 5 gallon size. They are putting on some height but are still shippable by mail order. We also have band size available.

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

SYAGRUS KELLYANA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED PINNATE PALM
A RARE AND SMALLER ALTERNATIVE TO THE QUEEN PALM

FULL CROWN OF GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk Syagrus is native to Brazil and only gets to heights of ten to twenty feet. The trunk is thin and clean over time. Leaves are somewhat plumose and green. Fruits are fairly large and yellow in color. Some comment that is is similar to S. picrophylla. It is a full sun palm with an, as of yet, unknown cold tolerance. I suspect it'll go into the twenties for sure. It is a newly introduced species so there's little cultural information. Note on the mature palm pictures that the leaves down go much below the spherical circle of crown leaves. I find this very appealing. I’m offering 5 gallon plants on special. They are hug for their pots. This is a very rare species to find. Mature plant photos below are by TS at RPS and Palmpedia.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special price when purchasing.

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

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

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

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

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

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

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

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

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

Remember to mention this Special. These can be mail ordered

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

GORGEOUS CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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.

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

Just mention this Blog special for this discount. In the second row below I've shown a 5g nursery plant. We also have 15g size. The band size is shown in the first three photos below and are currently larger than shown here..

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

UNDERSTORY SUPER RARE MINIATURE PALM
SIMPLE LEAVES - NEVER OVER A FEW FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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 SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase. These can be mail ordered - weather permitting.

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.

DIOON CALIFANOI
RARE MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

KEELED, ARCHING GRAY-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY HARD TO FIND 15 GALLON PLANT

There is some type of seductive quality to this rare species – Dioon califanloi. I think it's because of the compact, rigid, keeled and curved leaves. The leaves are very distinct and different - and very appealing. This is a species that takes on the mature appearance over time. As a young plant you might think it's a "ho-hummer". But, as it ages, it develops its traditional appearance and gets more attractive. Leaves are four to five feet long. In a domestic situation, a plant with a three foot trunk would be enormous. It takes full sun and is cold hardy into the lower 20's F. The plant on sale is in a 15g container and has a 4 inch caudex.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON WITH 4 INCH CADUEX $780
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $625

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase. This plant can be shipped, weather permitting.

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE BLUE TRANSVAAL CYCAD

NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA – EXTREMELY RARE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX

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, cupidus 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 some 5 gallon plants on sale that have caudexes of about 2 inches for ten days. Age of these plants is about five years.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $550
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 2 INCHES $425

Remember, mention this Blog Only Special. We can ship these, weather permitting, but only within the United States.

DIOON CAPUTOI
RARE MEXICAN SMALLER CYCAD FOR SUN

VERY THIN LEAFLETS - TAKES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This is one of the more rare types of Dioons. For decades, no nursery could offer them for sale. But, about twenty years ago seeds were finally available and a few nurseries were able to grow them. The reason for the shortage was that locals in the habitat of the Puebla region in Mexico strictly prohibited viewing the plants or collecting seeds. There it's in a high elevation habitat in full sun. The hallmark of the species is the presence of widely spaced and rather thin leaflets. Leaf length is about four, perhaps five feet. A friend of the nursery visited the habitat and saw trunks approaching ten feet tall. This is a full sun species for most areas with a cold hardiness of about 20 degrees F. We've got some citrus pot plants that we're putting on special. These have a caudex of two inches. Easy to mail order. Habitat photos c/o M.M. Note that we may have other sizes available.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $270
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $225

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1.5 GALLON SIZE PLANTS
GOOD SIZED PLANT FOR CONTAINER SIZE

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 1.5 gallon sized plants on sale. Caudex size is 2.5 inches. 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 THESE OVERSIZED 1.5 GALLON $250
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 1.5 GALLON WITH 2.5 INCH CAUDEX $200
(Saves on Shipping costs)

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.

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.

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

MONDAY, 29 JANUARY, 2024

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZED PINNATE PALM WITH RED-BROWN FUZZY CROWNSHAFT
GREAT PALM SPECIES FOR SOUTHERN CA AND OTHER AREAS

Sometimes known as the "Teddy Bear Palm", this species is an absolute must for any garden in the coastal area of Southern CA. It got its common name because of the rusty colored and fuzzy crown shaft. It was introduced about thirty years ago and has proved to be a gorgeous palm that many can grow. It in thin trunked, gets to about 20 feet tall, and has a rusty-orange-red fuzzy crown shaft. The trunk is a silver blue color with prominent rings. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. and along the coast it can take can full sun. Inland locations would require some sun protection. Most enthusiasts would list this species on the "top twenty" list for sure. It is becoming somewhat hard to find lately. Shown here is a 25g plant forming some trunk. I'm showing various pictures so you can get a feel for the plant. Also shown are some garden specimens. Although we have very limited supplies, we sell band size, 5g, 15g and 25 g sizes. The fifth picture is a habitat photo from Madagascar donate by JS. If you like colorful palm trees, this species is a "no brainer" for your garden. I would consider it as one of the "top ten" palm species for coastal Southern CA.

PRITCHARDIA PACIFICA
EXOTIC MEDIUM SIZED HAWIAAN FAN PALMS

GEORGEOUS FAN PALM BUT NOT FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OTHER PRITCHARDIA SPECIES DO MUCH BETTER HERE

If you have followed this Blog for a while, you know that I have an affinity for Pritchardia. I consider them one of the most tropical and beautiful fan palms around. They are un-armed, have attractive green leaves and often are colored with white wool or hair on the leaves or stems. I've found that almost any species from Hawaii does well for us in Southern California. But, those native to other South Pacific Islands don't survive our winters here. If you are in Southern Florida you can grow them. But, over the long haul, they'll decline in our locality. So, this is a species I'd not recommend, especially as over 80% of the other Pritchardia thirve heere along the coast and grow very well. Of this later group, we offer over ten species.

Pritchardia pacifica is not from Hawaii but rather from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. It is one pretty palm. It has large, flat leaves with white tomentum on the leaf stems. The pictures here actually don't do it justice. You can see it gets quite tall, up to forty feet or more. In tropical environments it is a full sun species. I'd estimate cold hardiness at about 40 to 45 degrees F. This means that most of us will eventually lose this species in Southern California. But, don't be bummed out. There are plenty of other equally pretty Hawaiian species that we can grow. Some of the photos below are c/o TS at RPS, Flora of Singapore website and Missouri Botanical Garden website.

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.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIFTEEN 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 fifteen 15 gallon multiples which we're putting on sale (first 6 photos below) and are usually three per pot. These are good sized palms for their containers. Also available are large 5g and 1g sizes.

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

SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLA
MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

A SEED PRODUCING PARENT OF THE BEAUTIFUL COCONUT QUEEN!
SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

This single trunk species is from Brazil and never gets very tall. Usually they are never over twenty feet in height. A most prominent feature of this species are the retained leaf bases as shown below. It is super slow growing and, when mature, makes sherbet orange fruits of good size. It is unusual for a Syagrus because it has modified small spines (more like saw edge prominences) of the leaf stem. If you cross this plant with pollen from a Queen Palm you’ll get one of the best looking palms ever - The Coconut Queen Palm. This latter hybrid never gets very tall and really resembles a Coconut Palm. We’re putting 15 gallon size of S. schizophylla on sale. We only have a few. Want to be the next palm hybridizer? You better get one of these.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $225

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

MEDIUM SIZED TRUNK
VERY SOUGHT AFTER - FOR FULL SUN ALONG THE COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON PLANTS

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 15 gallon plants on a ten day Special. This size is shown in the first six photos below. We also have 5 gallon available (see below) and much larger sizes.

REGULAR PRICE15 GALLON SIZE $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $225

Limited supplies available. The habitat photo is by TS at RPS.

TRACHYCARPUS MARTIANUS
HARD TO FIND MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

WHITE HAIRS ON DISTAL PETIOLE - MEANS OF IDENTIFYING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

DESCRIPTION BELOW
LIMITED SUPPLY

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Trachycarpus martianus photo

Description

Locality:	Northern India, Nepal and adjacent areas.
Cold Hardiness:	20 degrees, F.
Trunk type:	Hairy, medium sized.
Leaf type:	Small fan leaves with fuzz on the petiole.
Suckering/Solitary:	Single
Maintenance:	Easy
Speed of growth:	Medium
Height:	20 feet
Soil requirements:	Average, adaptable
Sun Requirements:	Full or partial
General Description:	A pretty fan palm that is medium sized and can fit in almost any garden.
Other Notes:	Remember the fuzz for identifying.
Further Data:
Palm for sale/Availability:

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

ROBUST GROWER - SWOLLEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

The Shaving Brush Palm is super popular here in Southern California and is native to New Zealand. It is fairly rare and sometimes difficult to find. This is suprising as it's so beautiful and can be grown by many. It is cold hardy down to the low 20's F. and perhaps even into the upper teens F. Along the coast it can tolerate full sun or part sun. Inland areas should give it a few hours of sun - best is morning sun. The trunk is medium sized and mature height is about 25 feet. Leaves are green and upright. The crown shaft is green or lime green and swollen. Shown below in he first five photos are our 5 gallon size followed by a 15 gallon. We have an assortment of sizes available.

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

Remember: Mention this Special when purchasing.

POLYANDROCOCOS CAUDESCENS
AKA ALLAGOPTERA CAUDESCENS

MEDIUM TO LARGE PINNATE PALM
SILVER BACK TO THE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This is a single trunk species from Brazil. Polyandrococos is a monotypic genus with only one species. More recently a taxonomist grouped it with Allagoptera. It doesn’t make sense to me because in no way does it resemble an Allagoptera with its entirely different appearance. In any case, it is a very interesting palm. It's height is variable, depending on conditions. However, some trees can get up to thirty feet tall. The trunk is medium sized, about twelve inches thick, with no crown shaft. The leaves are eight to ten feet long and very silver underneath. Photos below demonstrate the silver back to the leaves. It also has gorgeous clusters or orange colored (mature) seeds that are the color of orange sherbet ice cream. Photos of green seeds are below. This is a very rare plant and hard to find. Shown are 5 gallon that we are putting on special. This species likes sun and is cold tolerant to the mid-twenties F. There is a very large specimen in Ventura, California.

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

SYAGRUS (LYTOCARYUM) WEDDELLIANUM
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

RARELY AVAILABLE - FIRST TIME OFFERED IN FIVE YEARS!
SEEMS TO THRIVE ON NEGLECT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Locality:	Brazil
Cold Hardiness:	25-26s, F.
Trunk type:	This palm has a slender trunk, 4-6 inches. The crown is brown and fibrous.
Leaf type:	Plumose (fluffy appearance), pinnate (feather shape) leaves. The individual leaflets are very slender with a white underside.
Suckering/Solitary:	Solitary (single trunk).
Maintenance:	Easy
Speed of growth:	Slow to moderate.
Height:	8-10 feet.
Soil requirements:	Normal.
Sun Requirements:	Shade or partial sun.
General Description:	This is a very nice slender palm. It does well in darker areas and has dark green leaflets. It can be grown in more sun along the coast, but leaves tend to turn yellow.
Other Notes:	This interesting dwarf palm, through my own experience, seems to thrive on neglect. If you water it too much, give it a lot of fertilizer or pamper it, it will not do well. I found just plant it and check it from time to time and you'll get the best results.
Further Data:	Near impossible to find in nurseries. Mail order possible.

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

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

FULL HOT SUN - EXTREMELY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON 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 (see garden photos). The plants on special here are nicely sized and suckering five gallon plants. They'd be easy to ship for mail order customers. On occasion we do offer larger sizes.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

EVERYONE LOVES THIS PALM
ONE OF THE BEST MADAGASCAR PALMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The Teddy Bear Palm has become super popular because it grows well in Southern California, has a rusty colored, fuzzy crown shaft, has a silver, ringed trunk and doesn't get too tall. For most enthusiasts, it's among the "top ten" Madagascar palms. Mature height is about 25 feet. Right on the coast it does well with full sun. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. Growth rate is medium. One can grow it in part day sun as well. The average enthusiast, once he sees a mature plant, just "has to have one". Expect a mature height in California of about 25 feet or a bit more. Trunk diameter is usually about eight inches. The crown shaft is the most prominent trait - fuzzy, rusty red and quite touchable. The latter trait is why it's called the "Teddy Bear Palm". We’re putting five on Sale but only have a handful available..

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

Mention this Special for your discount.

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

RUST COLORED CROWN SHAFT
THIN SILVER RINGED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE BAND SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

WODYETIA BIFURCATA
THE FOXTAIL PALM

THIN TRUNK, FLUFFY GREEN LEAVES, MEDIUM SIZED MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

The Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia bifuracata, is native to Queensland, Australia and is a single trunk palm. It gets to about twenty-five feet height, has fluffy green plumose leaves, is crown shafted as shown below and is single trunk. It has a thin trunk, usuall mature about six to eight inches. It is a great species for more inland areas that see a fair amount of heat. It does love heat and sun. Although some like to plant this species in colonies of two or three plants, it looks great as a stand-alone single palm. Because it wants sun, it should not be put in a shady area. Cold hardiness is about 23 to 25 degrees F. We’re putting shippable 1 gallon on sale.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $52.50

Remember: Mention this Blog Special when you purchase

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD
SPECIAL VERY LARGE BAND PLANTS

This species of green South African cycad is a medium sized mature plant with trunks up to about five feet. They are un-branched and have green leaves that are about five feet long. The leaves are straight and leaflets point toward the end of the leaf. In the wild stands in the Natal area of RSA, there are only about a hundred plants remaining. Shown here in the first row of photos are 4 to 5 year old band plants - very large for their container. The second row of photos show a huge boxed specimen and a 15 gallon at our nursery. The last row shows domestic plants and a close up of the leaflets.

We're putting older band seedlings on sale. They'd be easy to mail order. In our area, this is a full sun plant with a cold hardiness into the low 20's F. On this band size we only have a handful left.

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

We, of course, have other sizes of this species for sale.

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

BLUE STACKED LEAFLETS - MINIMAL IF ANY SPINES
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE WITH CAUDEX 3 INCHES

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 plants 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 citrus pot size on sale came from blue parents and will become more blue out of the greenhouse and in full sun. This size is easy to mail order. BTW, this actual plant shown below is definitely not the green form. You can see the leaves are gray colored and, outdoors in the sun should be blue over time. The garden photos below show a blue plant,, a green plant and something in between.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 3 INCH CAUDEX $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE 3 INCH CAUDEX $325

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this price! Easy to mail order, weather permitting.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
GOOD STARTER SIZE FOR CYCAD ENTHUSIAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL AFFORDABLE 5 GALLON PLANTS - CAUDEX 2.5 INCHES

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 are E. lehmannii that were put into 5 gallon pots over a year ago. It has about five leaves showing the blue color. Caudex size in 2.5 inches. Age from germination 5 to 6 years. Plans this size can remain in their containers for 2 to 3 more years. Easy to mail order. We do have larger sizes of 5 gallon not on sale currently. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $275

The third row of photos shows other garden specimens of this species. We have several of this species at this size and obviously smaller plants up to coning sized specimens.

CYCAS PETRAEA
SUPER RARE GREEN CYCAD FROM THAILAND

TWENTY YEAR OLD SPECIMEN WITH VASE SHAPED TRUNK
AS FAR AS WE KNOW, A SPECIMEN LIKE THIS AVAILABLE NOWHERE ELSE
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD

This is an unusual Cycas species from colder parts of northern Thailand. In locality, freezes are experienced and it's reported this species will even tolerate snow. Cycas petraea can get trunks over 15 feet tall in dozens of decades. More typically, domestic plant trunks are under three feet tall. Leaves are flat and green and about four to six feet long. Crowns consist of dozens of leaves. The bases of the trunks have a peculiar swelling to them as seen here. They can form a classical "water vase trunk" which is fat and swollen and then gets thinner above. Culturally, this species likes nice draining soil, temperatures above a freeze and part day or filtered sun. As an interior cycad, this would be one to try. This is probably one of the coolest Cycas species around. The plant on special is in a 7 gallon pot and is about 20 years old from seed. The caudex has the classic “vase” shape, is 9 inches wide at the base and 11 to 12 inches tall. As you can see it’s holding a nice set of softer green leaves. We’re putting this plant on a Ten Day Special. This is an old, near impossible species to find, especially with this size & age. It can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT $2100
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1775

The cycad on special is shown in the first six photos. The 8th photo is by Amazon.de website, the 9th by the late Ken Hill.

KAHILI GINGER
HEDYCHIUM GARDNERIANUM

MEDIUM SIZED - GREEN LEAVES
SUPER FRAGRANT BLOSSOM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

This suckering green Ginger is quick and easy to grow. It can take full coastal sun or part sun. Leaves are green and, unlike Shell Ginger, the blossoms are super fragrant - and have a very nice smell. Plants typically don't get over over 7 feet tall and have a tropical look. These 15g plants are good size with multiple tubers and near blossoming age. You can see the health of these plants here. The garden photo is c/o the Queensland Govt. website.

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

Just mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

ALOCASIA MAYAN MASK
GREEN EXOTIC WITH UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
PURPLE ON THE UNDERSIDES

MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - TAKES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This hybrid variety of Alocasia is known for its large upright leaves that are green on the upper dorsal side with purple undersides. Both sides show prominent yellow veins. It is easy to grow but does best if you are in a freeze-free area. It likes good draining soil, average water. But, you back off on water during winter's cold. Mature height is six to eight feet. Leaves can easily get three feet long. On the coast it tolerates full sun or part sun. Far inland areas (frost free) would be bright filtered light or a small amount of sun. On sale are our 15 gallon size as shown n the first seven photos. The last photo is c/o the National Gardening Association where this species is being used as a patio plant.

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

AUSTRALIAN TREE FERN
CYATHEA COOPERI

FAST GROWING, CAN GET TALLER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

The Australian Tree Fern in native to several areas on the eastern side of Australia. It is a faster growing tree fern that can get to a height of over forty feet. The two photos from my garden in San Diego show potential height. I have several with twenty-five feet of trunk. I'm about 8 miles from the ocean and they take my sun fairly well. Trunks can get up to twelve inches thick although most are more thin. This species is a bigger alternative to the Tasmanian Tree Fern and has a thicker trunk and longer leaves. This species tolerates coastal sun or part day sun. It is cold hardy into the upper twenties or lower. We're putting nice 15 gallon on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $175

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.

FRIDAY, 26 JANUARY, 2024

ROYSTONEA BORINQUENA
PERHAPS A MORE COLD HARDY ROYAL PALM

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MATURE PALMS

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 did get in some last year. So, we can currently offer seedlings for sale.

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD

NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA
GOOD SUPPLY AVAILABLE AT NURSERY

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. Below I’m showing a combination of garden plants as well as nursery containerized plants. We can easily mail order smaller plants.

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.

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

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.

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

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

GREAT PATIO OR INTERIOR PALM - OR IN THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON MULTIPLES

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 one gallon plants on special -these are all multiples. We’re sold out of one gallon singles. If you prefer a single, we do have them in 5 gallon size. Both sizes can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON SINGLES $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE SINGLES $57.50

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE

In the mid-1980's I began to grow some of the very cool palms from new Caledonia. By 1995 I was totally into it and this led to my arranging the fantastic International Palm Society Biennial trip to New Caledonia that happened during my tenure as President in the year 2000. I just didn't know of a better place for a bunch of palm enthusiasts to go and see some of the best palms in the world. This species, Burretiokential hapala, is one of those palms.

It is a crown shafted, single trun pinnate palm with a rather thin trunk of about eight inches that gets to a height of approximately 25 to 30 feet. It has an intriguing brown color to the stems and crown shaft area. It does not have the stripes you'd see with the Burretiokentia vieilllardii. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F, or perhaps a bit lower. So, it's comparable to a King Palm. If you can grow a King, you can grow this species. One of the keys to culture is not letting the ground it's in go dry. This species, like Chambeyronia, responds to water.

Shown here are the one gallon size I'm putting on special. I'd recommend morning sun, a few hours of mid day sun, or bright filtered light. It's a great species to grow.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON SIZE $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE $57.50

Note that we have two other sizes of this species below

VEITCHIA ARECINA
EXOTIC MEDIUM TO TALL PINNATE SUN PALM

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
RARE SPECIES - SELDOM SEE FOR SALE
TEN DAY SPECIAL SINGLE ONE GALLON SIZE

We have a limited number of this fairly rare species that is difficult to find. 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 one gallon single plants this species which we're putting on special. There are quite a few people who are growing this species in the coastal strip in our area. This size is shown in the photos below. The 7th photo is a double 25 gallon size which we also have.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $57.50

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES - MEDIUM TO LARGE SO AFRICAN CYCAD
TEN DAY FOUR YEAR OLD 1.5 GALLON JUVINILE CYCADS

This cycad is native to Swaziland, northern South Africa. It is known as one of the most attractive of all the green cycads. It does great in Southern California but is rare and hard to find. New leaves tend to be upright. Most pronounced is the "frost" appearance of leaves as shown below. This is from small hairs on the leaflets. It makes a medium to large mature specimen. Mature size can be over fifteen feet with 6 to 10 foot green leaves. Leaflets are armed. Along the coast it’ll take full sun. Far inland I’d recommend limited sun. Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.

The plants on special are in deep 1 gallon (1.5 gallon) and are four years old with 3 to 4 leaves. Caudex size is approaching one inch. These would be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1.5 GALON WITH CAUDEX ABOUT ONE INCH $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 1.5 GALLON $110

Below I'm showing photos of a few garden and nursery plants of this species.

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 $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

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 $700
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS GROUP OF CYCADS $550

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

EXOTIC FERNS

COMMON TO RARE & UNUSUAL FERNS FOR SALE -
MOST LIKE SHADE, SOME LIKE COASTAL SUN
SPECIES BELOW OFTEN AVAILABLE AT NURSERY
IF WE DON'T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT, WE CAN PROBABLY ORDER THEM

At our nursery, we like to offer a nice assortment of ferns. This includes some of the more common types as well as rare and exotic species that are hard to find. If you've come to this page, you're probably looking for a fern you can't find. There are literally hundreds of different types of ferns. Below you'll find about twenty different varieties that we try to keep in stock. Some could sell out. But, we can do special orders for those species that are sold out or others that are not listed below. Below are mentioned just the common names, species name and photos of nursery plants. No descriptions of species are given here. Of all the ferns below, some tolerate sun but most want shade. All prefer adequate water. We can often order varieties that we're out of or don't normally carry.

Sizes available: 1 gallon, 5 gallon and occasionally 15g or larger.

REGULAR PRICE FERNS BELOW $75 - $85 IN 5 GALLON SIZE
TEN DAY SPECIAL: ANY FERN SHOWN BELOW 5 GALLON $60

Staghorn & Moosehorn Ferns: Variable prices depending on size.

Birds Nest Fern 5g



Blechnum Gibbum Silver Lady Fern 5g

Blue Star Fern 5g

Button Fern 5g

Lace Fern 5g

Maidenhair Fern 5g

Silver Break Fern 5g

Silver Lady Fern 5g

Silver Lady Fern 5g

Assorted ferns in gardens

TRICOLOR NEOROGELIA BROMELIAD
GREEN, WHITE AND PINK

EASY COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
OR NICE INTERIOR PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS VARIETY

Neorogelia are one of our favorite types of Bromeliads. This is because you get color without the need for waiting to see a blossom. Typically, the mother plant lasts for about a year and then dies off. But, you then get several small pups forming from the base of the plant and the cycle repeats itself. So, over time, you'll have a large cluster of many plants. Most Neorogelia like shade although some will take some sun. This species has a pink flush on top of variegated white leaves. We have many attractive Neorogelia for sale. In the last row of photos below I'll show a few other types and also some garden pictures of bromeliads in the 3rd & 4th rows.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT SIZE $45 - AS SHOWN BELOW -
LARGER CLUSTERS $75 - NOT SHOWN HERE

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.

WEDNESDAY, 24 JANUARY, 2024

ALOCASIA SPECIES
ELEPHANT EAR PLANTS

FOUR TYPES SHOWN HERE
LUSH, EXOTIC, QUICK TROPICAL LOOK AT A FEW SPECIES

Alocasia are a type of suckering tropical plant that many know as the "Elephant Ear Plant". Most that one will see commercially are hybrids that have no native home. With this said, natural species are typically found in the Old World and Asia. The main differences between these plants are the overall height, the size of the leaves, the aggressiveness of growth, coloring and cold tolerance. I am showing you here four hybrid varieties, each with their own charm. Figure that they are not for full sun unless you are told otherwise. But, the first variety can take full coastal sun.

1. Row 1 and 2: Alocaia "Cal - Odora", a dwarf species. It rarely gets over five feet and has leaves that are typically under 12 inches wide. Leaf color is green. People like this one b/c of its dwarf size.
2. Row 3: Alocasia Calidora, a bigger species that will form significant trunks and has a larger leaf. Color is green. Leaves can get three feet long.
3. Row 4: Alocasia portoro, an attractive hybrid with an arrowhead shaped leaf and prominent leaf veins. It can get to about six feet or a bit more.
4. Row 5: Alocasia species "black stem", a super attractive and charming species with black stems, silver to the back of the leaves and a medium height to five feet. But, it's not as cold hardy as those above.

We presently have all of these available with some in limited numbers. Also, from time, we get very exotic natural species that tend to be smaller and are quite stunning.

DIOON SPINULOSUM
A CUSTOMER FAVORITE CYCAD
GREEN LEAVES, ELEGANT

LOTS OF SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM

Although you can't tell from the photos here, this cycad species can get quite tall. I've seen photos from habitat with what appears to be over 20 feet of trunk. Dioon spinulosum is native to tropical areas in Mexico where it grows in limestone forests. Trunks don't get overly thick, typically 12 to 14 inches thick. With age, this can be more. Leaves are green and mildly armed. Leaf length is about six feet. My preference is to grow this species in filtered light. Cold tolerance is into the mid twenties F. Be aware, to get a foot or two of trunk can take a few decades. At the nursery we usually have a good selection of this species from small to large. Photos below shown some nursery plants as well as plants in gardens.

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

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.

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

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

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.

MONDAY, 22 JANUARY, 2024

PHOTOS OF ASSORTED TROPICAL PLANTS
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN - MIAMI, FL

INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL SPECIES

Several years ago my wife and I visited Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami, Florida. This is a large and public tropical garden that contains literally thousands of exotic and rare plants. It specializes in palm trees but also has a vast assortment of cycads, tropical plants, Aroids, tropical trees and countless delights for the plant enthusiast. It's as must if you ever visit the area. Presented in random order below are some photos of what we saw. All are labeled according to their identification by FTG. I hope you enjoy this presentation.

Exotic Anthurium species
Livistona concinna
Pseudophoenix sargentii

Monstera deliciosa
Astrocaryum mexicana
Coccorthrinax crinita leaf

Ceratoz.europohyllidia leaf
Bismarckia nobilis
Pentagonia macrophylla

Licuala grandis leaf
Microcycas calocoma
Satakentia liukiensis

Coccothrinax species
Coccothrinax crinita trunk
Cryosophila williamsonii

Hyphanae dichotoma
Roystonea species
Kerriodoxa elegans

Licuala grandis
Delonix floribunda
Phoenix loureiroi var. loureiroi

Alcantarea imperialis
Cycas ophiolitica
Cycas thouarsii

Livistona marie
Heliconia blossom
Base of Pandanus species

Fruit of Pandanus species
Pachypodium lameri
Leaf Imprint in Concrete Step

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

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!

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

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 SINGLES $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SINGLES $150

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

RUST COLORED CROWN SHAFT
THIN SILVER RINGED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This great palm is known for its rusty-brown/red crown shaft that is quite fuzzy to the touch. It therefore has its common name the Teddy Bear Palm. It is not a huge palm, usually getting up to about twenty-five feet with a six inch thick trunk. Trunk color is silver with prominent rings. Leaf color is green. Right on the coast it takes full sun easily. Far inland would require part day sun or filtered light. Cold tolerance is down to about 25 degrees F. This is one of the most popular palms around. I’m offering our one gallon size on special. This size is quite large for its pot and definitely needs repotting soon.

REGULAR PRICE LARGE ONE GALLON $70
TEN DAY PRICE LARGE ONE GALLON SIZE $57.50

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

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. Along our coast it will take part day sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning sun inland. The plants on special are in one gallon pots and 3 years old. We do larger sizes available. I cannot tell you whether the plants we have (from seed) are the single or suckering type.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $50

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. The garden photos below are c/o Al Bredeson (deceased) and tranquilmetro.



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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

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 $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND $50

Easy to mail order.

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.

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
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

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.

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.

FRIDAY, 19 JANUARY, 2024

GASTROCOCOS CRISPA
AKA ACROCOMIA CRISPA

THE CUBAN BELLY PALM
SPINY PINNATE PALM
CENTRAL TRUNK SWOLLEN

Native to various areas of Cuba, this single trunk spiny palm is most known for the prominent bulge in the central trunk as shown here. The spines on the trunk are variable. Some older plants seem to lose their spines whereas others keep them. See the photos below. I've shown some photos that definitely show the bulge in the trunk.

Heights can get to over thirty feet, crowns are full, leaves are plumose and overall appearance of the trees are very interesting. This is a full sun species that can be grown in frost free areas of Southern California. We probably have some smaller sizes available presently. BTW, I am old fashioned and really like the old name of Gastrococos crispa. But, taxonomists have to make a living. You can pretty much be guaranteed they'll change 25% of the names you know and lover over the next twenty-five years. They always have their reasons for this.

CYCAS THOUARSII
MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD FROM MADAGASCAR & NEARBY AREAS

SOFT GREEN LEAVES
FAST GROWING WITH LUSH APPEARANCE

The first four pictures here show a nice 15g specimen of this species. Native to Madagascar, the eastern coast of Africa and the Comoro Islands, this fast growing species gets to a native height of sometimes twenty feet or more. Plants grown domestically are typically ten feet or a bit more in California. The trunk is about eight to ten inches thick. Leaves are five to six feet long and soft to the touch. There is small armor on the leaf stem, but the leaflets have no spines. Leaf color is green to blue-green. With good culture this is a good growing cycad that, in not too many years, will be lush and well overhead.

Along the coast this species tolerates full sun. Far inland areas should utilize filtered light or morning sun. Cold hardiness is into the low 20's F. We have a whole assortment of sizes available including some smaller sizes for easy shipping although availability does change over time.

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

MEDIUM SIZED SINGLE TRUNK
HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - FULL SUN
AMAZING HUGE SPECIMENS IN 36 INCH BOX SIZE

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON HUGE CONTAINERIZED SPECIMENS

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're putting on sale the largest plants we've ever had for sale - in 36 inch boxes or 35 gallon bags. Heights in the containers is about twelve feet. Limited supplies.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE SPECIMENS $800
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 36 INCH BOX SIZE $675

You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price. Limited supplies available. Two habitat photos by TS at RPS. We only have one or two left.

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.

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. Of note, we only have a couple left.

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

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.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

RARE PINNATE PALM FROM PUERTO RICO
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

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.

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

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

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI
THE BLONDE FLAME THROWER PALM

GORGEOUS PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON SIZE

The palm shown in the first two rows is a 5 gallon size of Chambeyronia hookeri with its blonde colored crown shaft. This species is hard to find. It is different in appearance from the dark green crown shafted form, Chambeyronia 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

We’re putting large one gallon on Special but also have 5 and 15g sizes available.

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

This size is simple to ship weather permitting. You'll love this species. Some photos below by TS RPS & DL

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.

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.

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI
VERY ATTRACTIVE DWARF SHADE PALM

TYPICALLY NOT OVER 3 FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Over our 40 year existence, I'd estimate that the nursery has sold several thousand of this very popular dwarf palm. Typically we recommend putting in a small colony of them. They look great like this and will get staggered heights. Most garden plants are not over 3 to 4 feet tall. The first two rows of photos show our one gallon size on sale. The last row shows older photos of either five gallon size or one of a 30 year clumps that are mature and flowering. We've found this species to look best when planted as a small colony of three to five plants. A name sometimes used for this species is the "Whale Tail Palm". This species likes shade and has simple, non-divided leaves as shown. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. For some reason, no seeds have been available lately, so it's a difficult plant to find. These bands are small but all that's around right now.

REGULAR PRICE SMALL BAND SIZE $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

These are easy to ship and four in one box is no problem. Just remember to mention this Special for the reduced price when you purchase.

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.

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.

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI
LEPIDOZAMIA SPECIES WITH WIDER LEAFLETS

MAKES A TALL TREE CYCAD OVER A CENTURY
RARE AND HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON GOOD SIZED GARDEN READY 15 GALLON

This species of cycad gets enormous! I mean really tall. There are specimens with heights to almost 60 feet – but these plants are hundreds of years old. 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 an older 15 gallon on sale. It has a caudex that is 6.5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. We estimate age at 12-15 years. It could be mail ordered in a large box.

REGULAR PRICE THIS OLDER 15 GALLON SPECIMEN $1210
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS ACTUAL SPECIMEN $1050

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

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
VARIOUS COLORS AVAILABLE - PINK – BLOSSOMS SHOWN HERE

REEDSTEM TYPE TERRESTRIAL ORCHID
HARD TO FIND PINK-PURPLE COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

The family of Epidendron Orchids are loaded with species/varieties of lots of different colors. These include pink, purple, orange, red, white and yellow. But, one of the most vibrant is the pink-purple as shown here. It is also an easy variety to grow. This is the color I'm showing here. We're putting blossoming one gallon purple-pink on sale. These plants will have tons of reed-like stems, most of which will blossom this summer. Leaves are thick and small and plants can be divided in the future to easily add to other areas of the garden. They'll take coastal full sun or strong filtered light. Some sun is needed for flowering. You can plant these right in the soil. They are cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F. BTW, this color is difficult to find. You’ll love them in your garden or in a pot. If we run out of this color, we've got lots of other great colored blossoms in the same size/price.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $65

Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price.

WEDNESDAY, 17 JANUARY, 2024

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
THE STAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZE, WHITE UNDERSIDE TO LEAVES
A VERY COOL PALM - PRETTY COLD HARDY

This single trunk fan palm is native to regions stretching from Mexico through Central America. In the genus, there are multiple species. All have prominent white powder on the underside of the leaflets as shown here. Trunks are narrow. Often you'll see what look like "spines" on the trunk. But, these are a different structure - they are modified root spines. They are quite interesting looking. Right on the coast, this species can take full or part day sun. Most would grow it in bright filtered light. Expect heights ranging from ten feet to well over twenty feet. Cold hardiness is into the upper twenties F. Shown here are photos of the 15g size at the nursery. Notice the white backs to the leaflets. Also shown are photographs of a Cryosophila unknown species to show the typical appearance and trunk covered with "spines". We usually have an assortment of sizes available

PRITCHARDIA SPECIES
THE HAWAIIAN PALM

OLDER 25 GALLON AVAILABLE - AGE ABOUT 12 YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 25G PALM

Pritchardia are a tropical fan palm. Most do not get overly large and many are under fifteen feet tall. Along the coast they tolerate full sun. There are about 25 species with habitats ranging from Hawaii to some South Pacific islands. We only grow the Hawaiian varieties as they do the best in Southern California where most will take coastal full sun. Or, grow them in part day sun. Cold tolerance is in the mid-twenties or a bit lower. Shown below is a very old 25 gallon plant. We do not know the exact species. But, my anticipation is that it will be about 15 to 20 feet mature and can take coastal sun. Age from germination is estimated to be 12 years or more. Of note, we have several of this size available. .

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

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

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

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

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

Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

GET UP TO ABOUT 8 FEET - SUCKERING SPECIES
COLD HARDY INTO THE UPPER TEENS F.
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This type of Bamboo Palm is known for several things. First, it is one of the shorter true suckering and pinnate types of Chamaedorea. It gets to a mature height of about 8 feet. It is a great patio plant or can be grown inside quite easily. It is also one of the more cold hardy types of Chamaedorea, only being beat out by C. radicalis. It'll go down to about 20 degrees F. or a bit lower. Leaf color is green and sometimes there are hints of blue, a blue iridescence or even blue leaflet backs on this species. Fruits are numerous and red in color. Trunks are very thin. I'd recommend filtered light for this species although some have grown in in coastal sun. Of note, it's one of the more cold hardy Bamboo Palms around. The 15 gallon size are fruiting size and on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SIZE $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $210

But, you must mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get your discount.

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

This medium to tall fan palm is native to southeast Asia. It can get to heights of thirty-five feet or more. It is an interesting palm that is easy to grow and has a very ornamental leaf with deep divisions of the segments. Its leaf segments almost make a complete circle. Leaf color is green. The spines on the petioles tend to be dark in color and dramatic, usually the thing most people remember most about this species. Another interesting thing is that the seed fruit is blue in color as shown below. It is a sun species and cold hardy into the mid to low-twenties. The 15g on sale are nicely sized. Shipping is possible in a large box. The last photo is by John Volk.

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

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

Just mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase. Please note the prominent spines on the leaf stems.

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
THE CHILEAN WINE PALM

FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
SPECIAL JUVENILE 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. The leaf stems are unarmed. Cold hardiness in into the mid teens F. It's a sun species, even in the desert. The plants on sale are truly massive 15 gallon specimens. On some, the trunk almost fills the 15 inch diameter pot. Also, notice the somewhat blue petioles. These may end up being the blue variety of the Chilean Wine Palm. 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. We’ve found that young plant don’t do well if thrown into full hot 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 five photos below.

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

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 rather thin. The two plants shown here are going to be the suckering variety. Along our coast it will take full sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning light inland. The plants on special are in 5g size, are not super large as of yet and are on sale. We may have both larger and smaller size.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $95

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. Limited numbers are available.

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 bluish crown shaft
It has a super thick trunk

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMS
VERY “CUTE” AND PETITE UNDERSTORY SHADE PALM

SOLID ENTIRE LEAVES – THIN TRUNKS AND SHORT STATURE
VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

We have a very limited number of this super rare understory palm. They are in 2 gallon pots, grown from seed and presently showing three to four leaves with a bit of stem. This size is shown in the first six photos below. These could be mail ordered, weather permitting.

Locality:	Mexico and northern Central America
Cold Hardiness:	25 to 28 degrees F.
Trunk type:	Thin, single trunk; miniature species usually under three feet tall
Leaf type:	Simple, bifid type
Suckering/Solitary:	Solitary, (single trunk).
Maintenance:	Easy, likes shade
Speed of growth:	Medium to slow, remembering that it never gets tall
Height:	Two to three feet
Soil requirements:	Good drainage and ample water
Sun Requirements:	Shade or light filtered
General Description:	A gorgeous very small palm that looks good in clumps of multiple plants. A nice "filler plant" for that special shady area.
Other Notes:	Makes nice houseplant. Similar to C. ernesti-augusti but with more narrow leaves. Recommended: Chamaedorea Palms, The Species
Further Data:
Palm for sale/Availability:	Call for availability; very rare

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

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 ONE 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 photos below of the one gallon we’re putting on special. Seeds came from blue parents. The two photos below in the last row of photos were taken in the U.S. The last photo is an older 15 gallon plant. The next to last photo is by friend Paul Craft from FL. These palms in one gallon are easy to mail order but limited numbers available.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $55 (Large for their pots)

CHAMAEDOREA FRONDOSA
SUPER RARE UNDERSTORY DWARF PALM

SINGLE STEM - BIFID COMPLETE LEAVES
A TRULY UNUSUAL COLLECTOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This is a rare and almost never available single trunk dwarf palm with a mature height of two feet. Its trunk is very narrow and leaves are plicated (ridged) as shown below. It is an understory palm and wants filtered light. It is native to mountain cloud forests in Honduras. It has a cold tolerance in the mid to upper twenties F. and has been successfully grown by enthusiasts in So California. We may be one of the only nurseries around offering this species. You want to give it ample water and to not let it go dry. It is a dioecious species so you'll need several to get both sexes if you want to produce seeds. We're offering band sized seedlings on sale and have very limited numbers. These can be mail ordered. Our band sized seedlings are shown in the first five photos below followed an older one gallon plant. Because of it's rarity, I don't have any garden photos that are better than our 5 gallon photos. Mail order should be easy. The last photo is c/o Palmpedia.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SUPER RARE BAND SEEDLINGS $65

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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

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

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. These are easy to ship within the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE BAND SIZXED SEEDLING $55

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 1.5 inches. I'm showing photos of all three parents below.

REGULAR PRICE THESE CITRUS POT AS DESCRIBED $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POTS THIS HYBRID $185

I have limited numbers available. Easy to mail order.

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 THESE 15 GALLON $500

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

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

GREEN LEAVES - QUICK GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON GOOD SIZE 15 GALLON PLANT

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 cycad on sale is in a 15 gallon container and has a caudex width of 7 inches. It is a full plant with lots of leaves and really beautiful. It could be mail ordered in a large box. This is a full sun species along the coast with a cold tolerance is 22 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $875
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $765

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERUM SUPERBUM

GROWS EPIPHYTICALLY
MOUNT ON WOOD OR TREE TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES SHOWN

Platycerum are a type of fern that we know as the "Staghorn Fern". But, the normal type you will see is P. bifurcatum, which 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. I'm showing you below what we have in stock presently: mounted medium sized Moosehorn Ferns.

REGULAR PRICE MEDIUM AS SHOWN $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $185 (And we do have large for sale as well)

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 two photos are, in order by floragreatlakes.info website and by floragreatlakes.info website.

ALTERNATHEA PARTYTIME
DWARF COLORFUL SPECIES

RED AND GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE ONE GALLON $35

HIBISCUS MIDNIGHT
RED BLOSSOM

RARE VARIETY
TEN DAY SPECIAL FLOWERING SIZE ONE GALLON

As a nursery, we're not a specialty Hibiscus grower. But, I've always loved these plants. Even older species, around for quite a while, add color and charm to the garden. And, newer varieties are amazing. The reason we backed off from Hibiscus is that they attract white fly problems. This was especially present a decade ago but has become less of a problem nowadays. So, we are growing some cool varieties presently. Most are from cuttings from collections of desirable plants. The one on sale here has large red (touch of pink) blossoms. They are fully rooted.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $40

MONDAY, 15 JANUARY, 2024

CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA
THE HAWAIIAN TI PLANT

GREAT COLORFUL COMPANION PLANT
SOME LIKE COASTAL SUN - OTHERS MINIMAL SUN

Cordylline fruiticosa, the "Ti Plant", are vibrantly colorful plants that are single stem, don't sucker (but can branch), tend to be under six to eight feet tall mature and have a compact crown of wide leaflets. They are often grown in small colonies of two to five individual plants per pot. This gives a fuller appearance and a lot more color. Along the coast, the red, orange and purple solid color forms usually tolerate full or near full coastal sun. On the other hand, varieties with multicolored leaves - especially with pastel colors - like a bit of sun or strong filtered light. I feel that the color is even better after a year or two in sun. They'll go through transitional stress but almost always come around and look great.

At any given time, we usually have six to eight different types of Ti's. They take average watering and are cold hardy to a bit below a freeze. Sever cold will kill them. Below are photos of Cordylines being used in an assortment of landscape applications. Be aware, these sell out very quickly so availability on some species changes.

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST PALMS FOR INSIDE
GREAT GARDEN PLANT AS WELL
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 $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 25 GALLON $665 (only a few available)

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 $200

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

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED 15G

I'm down to the last few of the large 15g that we're offering for sale on this, the Chilean Wine Palm. These plants are approaching ten years old from seed! As most know, they are unbearably slow to grow and getting a nice plant as shown in the first four photos seems to take forever. Try it yourself some day from seed. You'll know why it takes a decade to produce a nice sized Jubaea. Interestingly enough, we ship a lot of this sized Chilean Wine Palms to people in colder states like Texas and South Carolina. This size are not the biggest 15g we offer, but fairly old and very nice. Typical basal trunk diameter is four to six inches on this batch. I do have massive 15g that are 10 inches in diameter, but they cost more. This size is an affordable size for people who want to save a lot of years of growing time.

Ultimate height can reach at least forty feet (in several decades) and trunk diameter up to four feet. The leaf stems are unarmed. Seeds are large and globular as shown here. Cold hardiness in into the mid teens F. It's a sun species, even in the desert.

REGULAR PRICE 15G AS SHOWN $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $295

But, mention this Special to get your discount. Note that we have limited numbers but should be able to get more if needed. Mail order, in the pot with soil, totally possible but it'll be a big and heavy box to ship.

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

A SEMI-DWARF CLUSTERING PALM
SEMI-DWARF TO SIX FEET
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 $255

TEN DAY SPECIASL 15 GALLON $220

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount.

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

We at the nursery are very proud that we offer a good selection of these interesting New World fan palms - Coccothrinax. This particular species discussed here 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 eight years to grow the 15 size 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 15 GALLON SIZE $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL GALLON SIZE $235

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

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

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 2G $80
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON $67.50

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

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
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 also from New Caledonia in the northern part of the island. It is of similar height to C. nucele above 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. You might have to look at these photos and then go above to compare with the Cyphophoenix nucele to recognize these differences. Of note, on both species the bare petiole (stem with no leaves) is very short. This helps you identify this genus. Mail order possible depending on weather.

Shown here is a 5g plant that I photographed recently. Also shown are garden specimens. 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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

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 $110

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

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A "MULTIPLE"
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G 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 5G $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $125

Just mention this Special for your discount. The last photo below is c/o TS at RPS.

COCONUT QUEEN PALM
DESIRABLE SYAGRUS HYBRID
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WHEN MATURE

SYAGRUS ROMANZOFFIANA X SCHIZOPHYLLA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This interesting hybrid originated in Thailand by a grower and propagator of rare palms. It is a cross between the common Queen Palm and an unusual type of palm from the same genus, Syagrus schizophylla. The offspring have proven to be quite beautiful and have good cold tolerance. These will be a medium to large palm. The trunk will be thinner than the normal Queen and the overall size will be less. The attached photos of mature plants show how pretty it is. Note that they do not resemble what we all know as the Queen Palm. Some say they seem more to resemble a Coconut Palm.

This is a very rare hybrid to come across. They are essentially unavailable on the market and absolutely no small plants exist. This is because there have been no seeds for going on ten years. But, we were able to get a limited number of seedlings a few years ago and now they are in 5 gallon pots. We’re putting these on special. Be aware, these are near impossible to find. Mature height is about 20 feet. This hybrid likes full sun, is a medium rate grower and has a cold hardiness estimated to be in the low 20's F. We have very limited supplies.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $165
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $145

This is probably one of the last times we’ll offer this rare hybrid for sale. Domestic large plants by JI.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL - DIFFICULT TO FIND
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 nice band sized seedlings on sale. Easy to mail order.

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

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.

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

GRAY-GREEN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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. These bands have caudexes of 1-2 inches..

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE WITH LARGER CAUDEX $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $105

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

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 SIZE

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 year old 2 gallon plants on special. Caudexes are about 2 inches. This species wants plenty of room and an area where you don’t see much below a freeze.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON PLANTS AS SHOWN $215 – LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE!

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. Only a few of these left.

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

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

CYCAS THOUARSII
EASY TO GROW GREEN CYCAD WITH LUSH APPEARANCE

“MEDIUM SIZED” IN MOST GARDENS
FROM EASTERN AFRICA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS
TEN DAY SPECIAL - TWO LARGE SPECIMEN CYCADS

Cycas thouarsii 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 medium to large sized cycad that can get trunks over thirty feet tall and twelve to eighteen inches thick in a hundred years. But, in the short term of 20 years, anticipate a trunk height of six or eight feet in the ground. 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. Similar in appearance to Cycas circinalis, this species thrives in Southern California and tolerates full coastal sun. In far inland areas, part day sun is preferred. Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.

I’m showing two garden ready specimens of this species below. Both are sun grown. If these two sell, we do have other similar in this species.

1. 15 gallon with caudex 5 x 19 inches – shown in the first five photos.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1350
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $1195

2. 25 gallon plant with caudex (stem) 7 x 30 inches – shown in second batch 5 photos

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 25 GALLON SPECIMEN $2400
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS ACTUAL SPECIMEN 25 GALLON $2099

MAIDENHAIR FERN
GENUS ADIANTUM

NICE 2G PLANTS
WATER LOVING SHADE FERN
TEN DAY SPECIAL FULL 2G PLANTS

The genus Adiantum or Maiden Hair Fern contains many species and cultivars. If you Google the genus, you'll see all sorts of different looking plants. What I'm showing here is the plant on the West Coast that we consider to be the "classic Maidenhair Fern". They are in 2 gallon pots. They never get over two feet tall, like water and are best grown in filtered light.

REGULAR PRICE 2G $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 2G $35

Remember to mention this Special. Mail order is possible on this size. The last photo shows a close up of a garden plant.

THE SNOWBUSH PLANT
BREYNIA DISTICHA

UNUSUAL GARDEN COMPANION PLANT
SMALLER GREEN, WHITE & PINK BUSH
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 & 5 GALLON SIZES

This sought after smaller bush is native to Asia in various tropical islands. Contrary to the name, it does not survive if you live in an area where it snows. Rather, it looks like a green bush with snow on it. Leaves are green with white accents. With age you also get a flush of pink. Leaves are very small. Mature height it 3 to 4 feet. This species wants full or part day sun. Cold tolerance is a bit below a freeze. This is a very attractive companion plant where one wants an addition of white foliage – perhaps to contrast other colors. I am putting our 1g and 5g on Special. Both are nicely sizes and both can be mail ordered. The one gallon are shown in the first group of photos - the 5g in the second. We have good numbers available but seldom offer them on sale.

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

REGULAR PARICE 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $70

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

FRIDAY, 12 JANUARY, 2024

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
SUPER CUTE DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM

SIMPLE, UNDIVIDED LEAVES
A REAL COLLECTOR ITEM

This is an adorable small, single trunk, understory palm from Southern Mexico that is typically about two feet tall. In habitat, it has been known to attain a height of three to four feet. Trunks are quite thin, usually about a quarter of an inch thick. Leaves are complete (simple) with no divided leaflets. It is closely related to Chamaedorea geonomiformis, just smaller. The lumping type taxonomists must drool at the possibility of someday lumping the two together. It is rarely seen on the market. Recently we got in about five of these and they sold the same day. But, I still wanted to show them to you. It wants filtered light and has a cold hardiness somewhere in the mid-twenties F. Because of its rarity, little is offered about culture in reference books. Anticipate in the future that, from time to time, we'll have small plants available.

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD

PRITCHARDIA MINOR
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

EASY TO GROW IN OUR AREA
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

This species of Pritchardia never gets overly large. The mature specimen shown in the last row of photos is growing in San Diego and in many years has just reached the roof of a single family home. I'd estimate you'll get a mature height of ten to fifteen feet in two decades. Trunk diameter is about eight inches. Native to the Island of Kauai in HI, this species is quite rare and grows at high elevation in locality. It tolerates full sun here if you are not too far inland. Cold tolerance is about 26 to 27 degrees. We presently have a limited number of 15 gallon. We also have smaller sizes available. The 8th photo is c/o KM.

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

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 PRICE THIS SIZE $220

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE

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 5g size (first 6 photos below) which we're putting on a Ten Day Special. These are nicely sized for their pots and either single or multiple (more than one per pot). In the pot they are about four feet tall or a bit more. We also have other sizes available. These can be mail ordered.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

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 last photo is c/o Luke Nancarrow, AU

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

COCCOTHRINAX SPECIES
PROMINENTLY SILVER ON UNDERSIDE OF LEAFLETS

STRIKING FAN PALM SPECIES FOR SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL UNIDENTIFIED 5 GALLON PLANT

Coccothrinax is a genus of small to medium sized fan palms that tend to have thin trunks. There are over fifty identified species. Most come from the Caribbean Islands although there are native Florida and Cuban species. Mature heights on almost all are under thirty feet. All want sun and many species are being easily grown in Southern California. Cold tolerance is estimated to be in the mid-twenties F. All love heat and sun.

The 5 gallon Coccothrinax below is an unidentified species. I can tell you what it's definitely not but am not quite sure what it actually is. It has strikingly thin leaflets and is very silver on the underside of the leaflets as shown. I can pretty much guarantee that it’ll be a striking mid-size garden plant. I’m showing three different garden specimens of Coccothrinax below to give you a feel for this genus but none are this species. This plant can be mail ordered.

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

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. If you prefer a multiple, we have some available but the price is $10 more on sale. These can be mail ordered.

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

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

DYPSIS BARONII
IDEAL RARE SUCKERING MADAGASCAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – TOLERATES SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 3 OR 5 GALLON PLANTS

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.

Availability on this species is variable. Right now we have 3 5 gallon sizes available. They are already suckering and the size as shown. These can be mail ordered if needed. Limited supply. The garden photos were taken in the San Diego area.

REGULAR PRICE 3 OR 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 OR 5 GALLON $115

VEITCHIA WININ
NATIVE ONLY TO VANUATU

SINGLE TRUNK, CROWN SHAFTED
TALL PALM WHEN MATURE
SUPER RARE, HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to the Vanuatu Islands. It can attain a mature height of over fifty feet. Leaves are green, about eight feet long with somewhat drooping leaflets. The trunk is gray in color and medium thickness. This species makes bright red seeds. It can tolerate full coastal sun and has been grown well by some in Southern California. But, because of it's tropical nature, should only be tried by those in good climates. We're offering nice 1 gallons on sale. They've done well with our temperatures down to about 32 degrees F. The one gallon on sale are way oveTrsized - in the pot about three feet tall.

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

Remember to mention this Special when purchasing so you get this discounted price. Mail order this size quite easy.

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

RUST COLORED CROWN SHAFT
THIN SILVER RINGED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This great palm is known for its rusty-brown/red crown shaft that is quite fuzzy to the touch. It therefore has its common name of the Teddy Bear Palm. It is not a huge palm, usually getting up to about twenty-five feet with a six inch thick trunk. Trunk color is silver with prominent rings. Leaf color is green. Right on the coast it takes full sun easily. Far inland would require part day sun or filtered light. Cold tolerance is down to about 25 degrees F. This is one of the most popular palms around. I’m offering our band size on special. This size is quite large for its pot and definitely needs repotting soon.

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

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

PALM SEEDLINGS
FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES ONE SALE

BAND SIZE - EASY TO SHIP
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SPECIES BELOW

Below I am not giving species descriptions or photos of mature specimens. I've just shown the species names. I'm posting these for those who know their species and know what they are looking for. I have shown the most frequently seen common names for the palms below. Be aware that palms shown below may currently be bigger than shown in photos. Regular price on all of these is $60 to $65 each. On some, supplies are limitged.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND PALM SEEDLINGS:
$52.50 EACH, ANY OF THESE SPECIES BELOW. AMU COMBINATION, ANY NUMBER

All can be mail ordered within the U.S.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX ALEXANDRAE

RARE TYPE KING PALM

CARYOTA GIGAS

KING KONG FISHTAIL PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI

THE BLOND FLAME THROWER PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA

SHAVING BRUSH PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS

CHILEAN WINE PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS X WOODII
HYBRID WITH AN EXTINCT SPECIES

GOOD SIZED MATURE CYCAD THAT TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 7 GALLON CYCAD

The hybrid discussed here may be considered a "must have" cycad for an enthusiast. The pollen bearer for this South African cycad hybrid is Encephalartos woodii. It is extinct in the wild. There are no known females. Because it is impossible to produce seedlings of pure E. woodii, enthusiasts have used the pollen from a mature male pure E. woodii to cross with other similar species. It is felt that Encephalartos natalensis is genetically the closest to E. woodii. Therefore, and historically, pollen has been used to pollinate receptive female cones of this species. Shown here is a 7 gallon plant with a caudex of 4 inches. We’re putting this cycad of End of Summer Sale special. It has always been felt that doing such a hybrid gives a "normal" collector the chance to have a plant that has similarities to woodii. Expect a medium mature size and a plant that wants full coastal sun with a cold tolerance down to about 22 degrees F. This plant can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 7 GALLON CYCAD AS DESCRIBED $700
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $600

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

BLUE STACKED LEAFLETS - MINIMAL IF ANY SPINES
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES

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 plants 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 citrus pot size on sale came from blue parents and will become more blue out of the greenhouse and in full sun. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT 2 TO 3 INCH CAUDEX $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE 2 TO 3 INCH CAUDEX $275

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

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA X NORSTOGII
CROSS BETWEEN TWO RARE SOUTHERN MEXICAN CYCADS

BOTH PARENTS SMALLER THIN LEAF SPECIES
SHOULD BE SMALLER MATURE PLANTS THAT TAKE SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

The citrus pot size of this hybrid as shown below. We have several of them available. These were produces by applying male pollen from C. nostorgii to a receptive female cone of C.kuesteriana. Both species are quite rare and I'm not sure this cross has ever been done before. Both parent species are very narrow leaf species of cycads. We anticipate mature size of this cross will have a caudex size of one to two feet and a height of six feet or so. It should tolerate a fair amount of coastal sun. Far inland areas should put it in filtered light. Cold tolerance will be at least into the low twenties F. or perhaps colder. This size can be mail ordered with the U.S. Caudex sizes on these are 3 to 4 inches.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $475
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT $375



Our hybrid	Ceratozamia kuesteriana	Ceratozamia norstogii

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
GOOD STARTER SIZE FOR CYCAD ENTHUSIAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL AFFORDABLE 5 GALLON PLANTS

Shown below are E. lehmannii that were put into 5 gallon pots about 9 months ago. They have r to 6 leaves with caudexes 1 to 1.5 inches. They can remain in these containers for 2 to 3 years. Easy to mail order. We do have larger sizes of 5 gallon not on sale currently. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $160

The third row of photos shows other Nursery E. lehmannii. The 4th row shows garden specimens.

MUSA SUMATRANA ZEBRINA
A NON-FRUITING BANANA ORNAMENTAL BANANA

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

The plants I'm showing here are a non-fruiting type of ornamental Banana. Like most Bananas, it does sucker and the mature height is six to eight feet. It has light green leaves with attractive purple splotches and maroon underside. See photos below. 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 one gallon on sale. See first six photos below. In the garden sumatrana zebrina wants at least half day sun. Cold hardiness is into the mid 20's F.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $40

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

TOP OF LEAF - RED BLOTCHES ON GREEN
UNDER SIDE OF LEAF MAROON
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

PHILODENDRON SPECIES
THIS ONE IS A CLIMBING TYPE
LARGE GREEN ARROWHEAD SHAPED LEAVES

TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON PLANTS

We have propagated these plants from a plant we got from a botanical garden. We do not know for sure the species. It's a great growing Philodendron that has about 12 to 14 inch arrowhead shaped leaves with pink to red veining on the ventral side. The dorsal leaves are entirely green. Leaf stems are yellow-green and firm. The plant shown below is going into flower. It has tolerated a freeze here at the nursery. It wants filtered light, not hot direct sun. It can grow in a pot if there's something it can attach to. Or, in the garden, it can grow up a pos, on a fence or up a tree trunk that doesn't shed its bark. These 5 gallon plants have five to ten leaves and are four to five years old. The garden photos show climbing Philodendron growing up anything they can find

REGULAR PRICE THESE 5 GALLOON PLANTS $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $100

DRACENA DRACO
THE DRAGON TREE

NOW AVAILABLE HUGE 25 GALLON SIZE WITH FOUR FEET OF TRUNK HEIGHT
IN GROUND MAKES MEDIUM SIZED MATURE TREE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE - LIMITED NUMBERS

This species of Dracena actually makes a rather large tree. It has thick silver leaves. It is native to the Canary Islands. It has the peculiar habit that, after a lengthy time, any given branch stops growing and then bifurcates or trifurcates, giving a very branched pattern. The trunk can get quite thick. It has fragrant white blossoms. It likes full sun and is cold hardy only into the mid-twenties F. Shown here below is our 25 gallon size that I’m putting on sale. They are good sized plants, overhead when you stand next to them. Bare trunk height is about four feet. These are way too big for standard mail order and would need a big SUV or pickup to transport. They are sun grown and ready for the garden. This tree wants full sun and does get rather large (see photo below). We have several and are showing our largest below but all are nicely sized.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 25 GALLON $550
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON $485

Remember to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this price.

WEDNESDAY, 10 JANUARY, 2024

CHAMAEDOREA POCHUTLENSIS
IMPOSSIBLE PLANT TO FIND

RECENT ARRIVAL - DIVISIONS OF GARDEN SPECIMEN
FIRST TIME OFFERED IN THIRTY YEARS!

It's been over thirty years since I've been able to offer this species of understory, suckering Chamaedorea. It is a type of "Bamboo Palm" because it suckers and has narrow trunks like a Bamboo. It is rumored that this species was used to make the famous Horace Anderson hybrid "Irving Cantor". A friend of the nursery had an old specimen clump in his garden and offered us some divisions from that clump. They were dug about a month or two ago and are establishing themselves now. We have only a few left for sale. I'm showing you a 20g size.

This species hasn't been offered for sale for decades. Seeds are never available. It is native to the Pacific mountain regions of Mexico and prefers understory conditions. Mature height is ten to fifteen feet with a trunk diameter of about an inch. Canes have prominent rings. Leaf color is green.

Over the decades I have had many calls of people seeking this species and have never had it. Now I have a limited number from divisions for sale. The last three photos are c/o unknown contributors at PalmPedia.

ZAMIA GENTRYI
EXOTIC & SUPER RARE TROPICAL ZAMIA

LUSH & TROPICAL GREEN CYCAD
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND FOR SALE

This cycad is a South American species native to the Pacific slopes of Equador. It produces a medium sized plant with a trunk of several feet, about five inches in diameter. It has long, upright and slightly arching leaves that can be six to eight feet long . It has matched leaflets that are typically one to two inches wide and six to eight inches long. As the photographs below show, the dorsal surface of the leaves are prominently veined giving it a corrugated or plicated surface. These veins run the length of the leaflet. As you can see from the photos, this is a gorgeous species. It is almost impossible to find for sale in cultivation. It is closely related to another South American species, Zamia roezlii, which forms a taller trunk. It is a filtered light species that won't tolerate below freezing temperatures and likes warmth, humidity and good air movement. This is just a drop-dead beautiful species. From time to time, we do have one for sale. If you look at the nursery plant to the right, it's hard to imagine a plant more exotic and appealing than this one. The 4th & 6th photos are c/o the World List Of Cycads website. From time to time we've had this species available for sale.

CHAMAEDOREA BENZIEI
RARE SINGLE TRUNK CHAMAEDOREA
LIKE C. RADICALIS ON STEROIDS!

NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
15 GALLON SIZE NOW AVAILABLE AND ON 10 DAY SPECIAL

I have not shown this species that often because it's rarely available and very difficult to find - either plants or seeds. It is native to Mexico at high elevations near Chiapas. It is a single trunk, understory palm that has sort of a thick trunk up to 1.5 or 2 inches. The flowers are reminiscent of Chamaedorea radicalis as they shoot high into the foliage. Its overall appearance is also similar to the trunking radicalis but with bigger leaves, wider leaflets and a thicker trunk. It gets up to about 10 to 15 feet. It grows in filtered light and seems to be cold hardy into the mid-twenties at least. Right on the coastline, some have grown it in full sun. We have a limited number of 15 gallons available (first six photos) that we're putting on Special. These can be mail ordered but would require a large box to ship. Please appreciate that this is a super rare species and is seldom offered for sale.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

TALL, SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
ELEGANT WITH LONG CROWN SHAFT
SINGLE PLANTS AND MULTIPLES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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. BTW, the 15 gallon shown is over ten feet tall in its pot.

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

Mention this Special for your discount.

PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS
TALL PALM WITH BLUE-GREEN LEAVES

THE SILVER DATE PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS

This species of Date Palm is from India and Pakistan and somewhat resembles the Canary Island Date Palm. But, the trunk is much thinner, the crown is not as large and it is more rounded in shape. Leaf color is blue-green. Overall height can reach forty to fifty feet. This is a sun species in all areas with a cold tolerance into the teens F. We're offering nice 15g plants on special as shown. These might be a bit of a challenge to mail order but can be done.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIES 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

Just mention this Special to get the discount when purchasing, Only a few available.

BUTIA CAPITATA BLUE
EASY TO GROW, NOT TOO TALL
BLUE COLOR LEAVES, NOT GREEN - VERY COLD HARDY

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

For about a decade we've been offering this very desirable and sought after variety of Butia that has a nice blue color. Otherwise, it's quite similar to the regular gray-green Pindo Palm. The problem is we always run out of them. To satisfy our customer demand, we recently got in some more of the 15g size. But, there are very limited numbers. We are offering them at one of the best prices we've ever offered. This palm loves full hot sun and can take down to 15 degrees F. So, almost all of you can grow this palm. The row of three palms in the last row are being grown in San Diego, CA, about a half mile from the Bay. These are cold hardy to about 15 degrees and demand full, hot sun.

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

Just remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount. We can easily mail order this size.

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

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

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

DOES BEST IN SHADE – STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA
FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

SILVER CROWN SHAFT - SILVER TRUNK
UMBRELLA SHAPED CROWN OF LEAVES
ONE OF PRETTIEST PALM TREES AROUND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

We have available some nice 5g plants of Hedyscepe canterburyana. This single trunk palm has a silver crown shaft, silver trunk (in shade) with prominent rings. It is native to medium elevations in the mountains of Lord Howea Island (home of the Kentia Palm). It is single trunk. Mature height is about 20 feet. They fruit here and seeds are large and red in color. Along our coast here it takes full sun but also does well in part day sun or strong filtered light. Trunks are beefier in sun. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees. When folks see this plant in person, most agree it is one of the most desirable palms around. Our 5 gallon size are about four to five years old. Yes, they are slow growing! We only have a few left this size.

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

The 5 gallon size is shown in the first six photos. The 7th photo is a 15g.

BRAHEA NITIDA
FLAT GREEN LEAF - NATIVE TO MEXICO

CAN TOLERATE LESS THAN FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G 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 5g which I'm putting on sale. The close up of the petioles shows the lack of armor. Note the minimal division of the leaflets. 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 5G $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $115

Remember, mention this Blog Only Special for price at the time of purchase. Limited numbers available. The photo from habitat is by Justen Dobbs

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM VAR RUBRUM
PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT - CROWN SHAFT – THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 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. You'll note the red color on the emerging new leaf below. Overall, 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 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $115

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

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.

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

COLD HARDY - NEVER OVER EIGHT FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This suckering Chamaedorea has very thin canes, somewhat wide leaflets, green leaves and an overall small to medium size. Mature plants are rarely over 8 feet tall. Often leaves can have an iridescent sheen and sometimes are glaucous on the back side. This species wants filtered light and is cold hardy into the upper teens F. The 2 gallon on sale are nicely sized and suckering already. They are equivalent to a 5 gallon plant.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $75
SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $65

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. These can be mail ordered. The plants on special are shown in the first two rows of photos. The last row shows a 15g at the nursery.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

RARE PINNATE PALM FROM PUERTO RICO
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE

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 one gallon plants on Special. We do have larger sizes available up to 15 gallon. Note that this species has historically been known as "Prestoea montana" but in more recent years has been considered a variety of P. acuminata.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for this price.

DYPSIS ARENARUM
THE SAND PALM - ANOTHER RARE DYPSIS SPECIES

SIMILAR TO DYPSIS LUTESCENS BUT WITH WHITE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This thin trunked suckering palm is native to Madagascar where, in the northeastern area, it lives close to the sandy beaches. Thus the common name. It has green curved leaves with small leaflets. The tubular crown shaft is white and the thin trunk is ringed. It is distinguished from the Areca Palm by it's reddish petioles and blue-green leaflets. It typically forms a clump of four to five individual plants. It tolerates coastal sun and is cold hardy in the mid to upper 20's F. It is as rare species. We rarely have it for sale. The garden photos are by TS at RPS.

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

ENCEPHALARTOS MUCHII
BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD

RARE AND VERY ATTRACTIVE CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

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 and I've shown several photos here to demonstrate this. I've seen specimens that are as blue as an Encephalartos horridus.

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 two gallon on sale are a good, strong two gallon plant with caudexes average 2 to 3 inches. They came from parents domestically that both had extreme blue color. These can be mail ordered but not outside the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 2G PLANTS WITH 2 INCHES OF CAUDEX $200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 2 GALLON CYCADS $175 AS DESCRIBED HERE

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

ENCEPHALARTOS NUBIMONTANUS
ANOTHER SUPER RARE CYCAD SPECIES – SOUTH AFRICA
FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA

LIKES SUN AND HEAT - COLD HARDY MOST AREAS ALONG COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This This super rare cycad is endemic to the Limpopo province, South Africa in what’s considered the “Transvall” area. It can be found at high elevations in the mountains (around one thousand meters), in low deciduous forest and precipitous slopes and cliff (in partial and full sun). The species is almost gone in the wild, populations are small and scattered. This is a small to medium sized species. Leaf length can range between one to two meters, and stems can reach a height of two and a half to three meters with ancient plants. Mature specimens will make multiple pups. Mature leaves in sun are very blue.

It is among the species located in the Transvaal region of South Africa, and is highly sought after. This species has beautiful leaves. The leaflets and petioles are mildly armed and can be almost completely unarmed in some cases. This species is a good grower, but is not what I would classify as a fast plant. In coastal and inland areas, this plant prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. For desert areas, I could recommend partial sun or filtered light. Cold hardiness is into the low 20’s F. The citrus pot size on sale below has a caudex of 2 inches.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $650
SALE PRICE THIS CITRUS POT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $500

ENCEPHALARTOS DYERIANUS
SUPER RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

NATIVE TO THE TRANSVAAL DISTRICT
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This sought after and very rare blue to blue-green South African cycad is native to the Limpopo Province in northern RSA. There it is critically endangered with a few hundred plants remaining. It lives on granite mountain slopes at an elevation of about 2000 feet. It prefers full sun and is an average speed growing species. Mature size is over ten feet in habitat in centuries. Leaf color in full sun is typically blue. It is considered one of the more rare of the "Transvaal" South African cycads. Shown below is a citrus pot plant with a caudex of 1.5 inches. This size plant is about 4 years old. They were grown from domestic seed and pollinated by a very knowledgeable enthusiast. Most have two leaves. I'm showing five pictures of these plants we're putting on sale as well as several specimens we have or have had at the nursery. Also shown are several garden specimens.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 1.5 INCH CAUDEX $600
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT WITH 1.5 INCH CAUDEX $450

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase.

CYCAS DEBAOENSIS
SUPER RARE, MULTIPINNATE, SMALLER MATURE CAUDEX, LONG LEAVES

YES, THIS IS THE REAL THING!
STUNNING MULTIPINNATE CYCAD THAT NEVER GETS LARGE
TEN DAY SPECIAL MATURE SIZE FEMALE IN 15 GALLON POT

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. Compared to other cycads, this is a small to medium size mature plant. The leaves tend to go straight upwards, flexing down over time. Cycas debaoensis prefers filtered light and is cold hardy to the lower 20's F. It is extremely difficult to find, let alone in coning size. Our cycads are 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. The plant on special is in a 15g pot with a caudex of 6 inches. It is known to be a female. The 11th photo is c/o TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON WITH 6 INCH CAUDEX, FEMALE IS $1200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 15 G FEMALE WITH 6 INCH CAUDEX $1050

FICUS UMBELLATA
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PLANT WITH LARGE ROUND LEAVES

DWARF MATURE SIZE - STRIKING APPEARANCE
NEWLY AVAILABLE TREE FOR ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Until about 12 months ago, I had never heard of this species. There's essentially no scientific articles on it on the Internet. I've read that it is native to South Africa. It's mentioned as a smaller replacement for the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig. It differs from the latter in that it's leaves are very soft and pliable. It is also much smaller tree mature. The Fiddle Leaf Fig in my yard is over 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a thick trunk. This new species is supposed to be a real dwarf, not getting over 4 to 6 feet tall. Leaves are a foot wide, prominently veined and round. Inside, it's said to want very bright light - next to a bright window. Cold hardiness is unknown. We'll know more by next spring after we winter them over at our nursery. I have no data growing it outdoors. We're offering some nicely sized 15 gallon that are 7 to 8 feet tall in their pots. I only have a couple. They are apparently near mature height. BTW, this is only the second time we've offered this tree for sale. We know it does well as an interior plant but data on growing outside is limited. We have only one or two 15g and a few 5g which, obviously, are les expensive. Grab one as I doubt we'll have them again and I only have one or two left.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $425
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $350

Sorry, but no photos of mature trees are available.

AUSTRALIAN TREE FERN
CYATHEA COOPERI

FAST GROWING, CAN GET TALLER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

The Australian Tree Fern in native to several areas on the eastern side of Australia. It is a faster growing tree fern that can get to a height of over forty feet. The two photos from my garden in San Diego show potential height. I have several with twenty-five feet of trunk. I'm about 8 miles from the ocean and they take my sun fairly well. Trunks can get up to twelve inches thick although most are more thin. This species is a bigger alternative to the Tasmanian Tree Fern and has a thicker trunk and longer leaves. It tolerates coastal sun or part day sun. It is cold hardy into the upper twenties or lower. It’s fairly fast growing and one just needs to keep up on the water. If it goes downhill it’s almost always lack of water. Otherwise it’s quite easy to grow.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $170

Only a few left. The 15g size is shown in the first six photos. The 8th garden photo is by PlantLust website, AU.

COLORFUL RED AND GREEN CLUSTERING BROMELIADS
NEOROGELIA SPECIES
GOOD FOR FILTERED LIGHT OR SUN ALONG THE COAST

LOW PROFILE COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 8 INCH POTS

This is a desirable and colorful Bromeliad that does well in the garden. It forms a nice cluster of colorful plants. They don't get ba get very tall - about 18 inches. Color is as red and green. Like all Bromeliads, after it flowers it produces pups and, in a couple of years, you have a good sized clump. You can removed pups and plant them elsewhere in the garden. They do need overhead water - so just drip is not good for all bromeliads. In coastal areas, it'll take some sun. If you are further inland, figure strong filtered light will work. We're putting plants as shown on Sale.

REGULAR PRICE 8 INCH POT $90
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 8 INCH SIZE $75

RED SPECKLED LEAF BROMELIADS
NEOROGELIA SPECIES
GOOD FOR FILTERED LIGHT OR SUN ALONG THE COAST

LOW PROFILE COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 8 INCH POTS

This species is a little bit tasller and larger than the Bromeliads shown above but has similar growth habits and requirements. Leaflets are a bit longer and wider with red speckles on green leaves. They are beginning to cluster.

REGULAR PRICE 8 INCH POT $90
TEN DAY SPECIAL 8 INCH $75

ASSORTED BROMELIADS
NEW ONES ARRIVING ROUTINELY

SHADE AND SUN VARIETIES – MANY VERY COLORFUL
TEN TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED & COLORFUL 6 INCH POT PLANTS

We are continually trying to bring in more colorful, exciting and new varieties of Bromeliads that customers will like This includes batches 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 below some very colorful Neorogelia and Vriesea that we just got in. And, we’re putting our 6 inch sized plants on sale - see first 7 photos below. Be aware that we have larger plants available as well.

REGULAR PRICE 6 INCH COLORFUL BROMELIADS $55

TEN DAY SPECIAL 6 INCH SIZE $47.50

                            MONDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2024

GERMINATING PALM SEEDS:

DO YOU HAVE BAD PALM SEEDS?
WHICH SEEDS TO PICK?
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A SEED IS NOT GOOD?
THE FLOAT TEST
THE PINCH TEST
CUT THE SEED OPEN
ALWAYS CLEAN OFF THE FRUIT

Many people love to germinate palm seeds and make their plants. But, there are a few things you need to now right from the beginning if you want to successfully germinate.

RULES TO FOLLOW:

1. Get fresh seeds. Right off the tree is best.
2. Pick seeds that are mature, often colorful. Most common colors are red, orange, yellow, brown or black. Immature, green seeds germinate poorly. Don't pick or collect seeds that are green!
3. Remove the fruit from the seeds until you have a clean, often tan colored inner seed. Fruit can contain chemicals that retard germination.
4. Pinch test seeds. Take the picked seeds (with or without fruit) and squeeze hard between two fingers. They should never collapse. Any seed that collapses between your fingers is no good.
5. Float Test the seeds. Cleaned palm seeds almost always sink in water. Floaters are almost always bad.   Inner cavities of rot within the seed make them float.
6. Cut open a few seeds. The inner seed should be white or light tan, solid and without signs of rot. And, you definitely do not want to see inner cavities. Inner cavities 99% of the time means the seed is bad.
7. Remove all outer fruit before germinating. Some experts feel that this outer fruit later has growth inhibitors. Even fruit that is not a bright color or is dry or scaly must be removed. This outer layer may be brown and hard but needs removal - see photos below.
8. Always soak the cleaned seeds in pure water, especially if you had seeds shipped to you. This rehydrates them. If seeds are right off a tree and the fruit is moist and fresh, soaking is not necessary. But, they would still be cleaned of any fruit.

Photos here show seeds with fruit, the float test with floaters and sinkers, seeds that failed the pinch test, seeds with hard outer layers that still have to have this layer removed and a few seeds cut open showing inner cavities (a bad sign). For techniques on germination, see our article on Palm Seed Germination at this website.

Chambeyronia seeds with red fruit
Jubaea chilensis fruit, ripe
Cleaning fruit off Jubaea chilensis

Butia capitata seeds with fresh, ripe and yellow fruit
Livistona saribus seeds with blue fruit
Green seeds Chamaedorea tepejilote

Green seeds, not ready to pick
Bad palm seed, collapsed with pinch test
Bad seed, all collapsed with pinch test

You must remove the primative hard fruit from this Pelagodoxa henryanaseed
Dry, scaly coat of Metroxylon amicarum must be removed
Same with these Attalea sp. seeds

Float test: Note floating seeds- no good
Float test - Astrocaryum seeds floating
Float Test: Note good seeds sink to bottom

Cavity in bad Astrocaryum mexicanum seeds
Cavity in Astrocaryum mexicanum
Cavity in bad Gastrococos crispa seeds

Totally cleaned Jubaea seeds
Good seed cut open - firm inner tissue throughout
Results of proper seed care and germination

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS
SUPER BLUE SO AFRICAN CYCAD

VARIOUS SIZES AVAILABLE
LOVES SUN ALONG THE COAST
ONE OF MOST POPULAR CYCADS AROUND!

By far, the most popular rare cycad we sell is Encephalartos horridus. I don't know if it's the gnarly, spiny leaflets that thrills people. Or, the smaller size. Or, the intense blue color. But, somehow people love this plant and we can hardly keep them in stock. It is slow growing, has prominent barbs on the edge of the leaflets and has a small crown width - usually five feet or less. A two foot trunk would be about it's maximum caudex height. It can sucker. Along the coast it likes full sun - in the desert, a few hours. Cold hardiness is about 22 degrees F. Shown here are a 5g, 25g and some band sized seedlings. The last two pictures are of garden plants. Of note, because of this species popularity, we often run out on certain sizes. You might want to check out an almost identical species, Encephalartos trispinosus.  Because of its popularity, sometimes we do sell out of this species.

ARENGA MICRANTHA
LARGE SUCKERING PINNATE PALM FROM INDIA THAT TOLERATES SIGNIFICANT COLD

GREEN LEAVES WITH SILVER BACKS
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND – PROBABLY ONE OF FEW ON THE MARKET
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON AN OLD AND LARGE 25 GALLON WE HAVE LEFT

This morning I'm showing you an impossible to find suckering palm from northern India, Tibet and surrounding areas. Quite remarkably, its native habitat is at elevations of 5000 to 7500 feet. As you'd suspect, it tolerates temperatures way below freezing, probably into the upper teens F. I don't really know for sure as of yet. But, it's felt to be the most cold hardy of the genus Arenga.  It's not a small Arenga.  It can get up to 20 feet with trunks about 8 inches (mature) in diameter. Like other species of the genus, the trunks are hairy and a bit shaggy. Leaves are large and silver colored on their underside. It is a part day sun or filtered light species.

Shown here is a decades old 25 gallon nursery plant. It was grown from seeds that we got about 15 years ago. Yes, they are slow growing. I have this one specimen and maybe one other. It is a huge plant for its container. The habitat photo by is by T. Spanner. The last photo of a domestic plant is by Eric CFPACS.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $650
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE PRICE $595

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. 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.

TALL INTERIOR QUALITY KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

ELEGANT, GREEN LEAVES, THINNER TRUNKS
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL AND GORGEOUS 7 & SQUAT 15G SIZE

Our major focus with the Howea forsteriana has been historically dealing with their usage in landscape. But, this species - The Kentia Palm - is also an excellent house plant. We get calls about obtaining them for hotel lobbies, restaurants, and upscale business offices. Inside the home or facility they tolerate adequate light but don't demand being in front of a window. Leaves are elegant, dark green and have a gentle arch. Trunks are thin. The squat 15g are interior quality with stretched upward leaves. This is what interior designers seek. These are too tall for mail order. They are in squat 7 & 15g pots are 8 feet tall in their pots. Almost all (both sizes) are multiples with two to three plants per pot. To re-emphasize, these are "interior quality" - i.e., good for hotel lobbies and banks - not standard nursery quality. Unfortunately, this means they are more expensive than standard Kentia Palms. Sorry, but I don't have any good photos of this palm in an interior application.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 7 & 15 GALLON INTEROR QUALITY MULTIPLES $395
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 7 & 15 GALLON INTERIOR QUALITY MULTPLES $345

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

NATURALLY A SINGLE TRUNK PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 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. Shown here are some 15 gallon singles that we’re putting on sale. They have about 2 feet of trunk and are at least 8 years old. In the garden, some feel they are more attractive than the triples and really show off their petite size and soft appearance. Limited numbers available. BTW, we do have 15 gallon triples that are cheaper than the singles but are not as old or tall.

REGULAR PRICE OF OLDER 15 GALLON SINGLES $250
TEN DAY SPECIASL 15 GALLON $215

Shipping for mail order would be expensive because of the plant size.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

GREEN LEAVES – STATELY TRUNK AND CROWN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

By popular demand I have put this great palm on special. This is the largest of the King Palm family. It got its name "maxima" by the flower size, but most have found it to be an aggressive grower, have a larger trunk and get taller than the other species of King Palms. It does have silver on the underside of the leaves. The crown shaft is sort of a yellow, sometimes blue color. It is a quick growing pinnate palm native to Australia. It's rare to see them available and also hard to find good photos of this species. The plants I'm putting on special are the 15 gallon size, mostly singles but some multiples. It tolerates full coastal sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties F. Another interesting thing is that sometimes they’ll throw a new red leaf as shown in one photo below.

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

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

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

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

In the mid-1980's I began to grow some of the very cool palms from new Caledonia. By 1995 I was totally into it and this led to my arranging the fantastic International Palm Society Biennial trip to New Caledonia that happened during my tenure as President in the year 2000. I just didn't know of a better place for a bunch of palm enthusiasts to go and see some of the best palms in the world. This species, Burretiokential hapala, is one of those palms.

It is a crown shafted, single trun pinnate palm with a rather thin trunk of about eight inches that gets to a height of approximately 25 to 30 feet. It has an intriguing brown color to the stems and crown shaft area. It does not have the stripes you'd see with the Burretiokentia vieilllardii. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F, or perhaps a bit lower. So, it's comparable to a King Palm. If you can grow a King, you can grow this species. One of the keys to culture is not letting the ground it's in go dry. This species, like Chambeyronia, responds to water.

Shown here are the band size I'm putting on special. I'd recommend morning sun, a few hours of mid day sun, or bright filtered light. It's a great species to grow.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SIZE $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $225

Note that we have two other sizes of this species below.

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE $75

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL $55

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 THREE OR FIVE 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 is from Hawaii and reaches a medium height of 25 feet. Leaves are green. They have white tomentum (hairs) on the leaf stem and trunk. I’d estimate the trunk diameter at about eight inches by my experience. It becomes clean as old leaf bases fall off. 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 GOOD SIZE THREE OR FIVE GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THREE GALLON $115

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ARCHING LEAVES – MEDIUM HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON 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 5 gallon plants on sale that are about 5 years old. They are getting chunky and nicely sized. These can be mail ordered. Culture includes full sun and good draining soil. Cold hardiness is into the teens F. 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 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $120

CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS VULCANO
SUPER RARE & HARD TO FIND DWARF & COLD HARDY FAN PALM

USUALLY UNDER SIX FEET TALL MATURE - BLUE TO GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

Chamaerops humilis is not, by iteself, a rare palm species. But, the super small variety is hard to find and tends to cost much more than the standard form. The main items that make Vulcano different are it's very small palmate leaves, the absence of significant spines on the leaf stems and its small mature size. For decades I've been aware of the diversity in appearance of Chamaerops humilis. There have always been plants in gardens that are quite tall - up to twenty feet. In contrast, there have always been super dwarf forms around. And, leaf color has been variably seen as green, blue or something in-between. By report in Northern Africa, there are indigenous varieties that are very small. About a decade ago we started to see offerings of this "vulcano" variety. Interestingly, if you Google this species, almost all websites found on this species belong to people that wish to sell the plants to you. This makes you wonder if it's more of a promotional broadcast to sell plants as opposed to a "new species". But, most growers do call the super small variety "Chamaedrops humilis variety vulcano". Enough said. This variety is super cold hardy to about 15 degrees or colder. It wants full sun. We're putting compact five gallon on sale. .

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $120

The mature plant photos are c/o MG at the PalmCentre in the UK and nl.pinterest.com unknown author.

COPERNICIA HOSPITA
THE BLUE CUBAN WAX PALM

EXTREMELY RARE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM
STUNNING BLUE SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This difficult to find and beautiful blue fan palm is native to Cuba. Mature trees carry a large number of blue, circular and pleated and flat leaves. The trunk holds on to old leaf bases for a while but eventually is smooth with about a 12 inch diameter. Many feel that this, along with other Copernicia, are some of the most beautiful of all fan palms. Expect a mature height of 20 to 25 feet. It wants full sun and is cold tolerant to at least a freeze. We're putting our one gallon plants on special. Their age is approaching 3 years. I’d highly recommend getting one as they are near impossible to find. Easy to mail order.

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

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA
CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM
WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

PLANTS SHOWN HERE FROM DOMESTIC SEEDS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This clumping medium sized palm is native to Madagascar. It has previously been called "Dypsis species white petiole". It was formally described by Don Hodel about fifteen years ago. It is most closely related to Dypsis baronii and known for its prominently white crown shafts. Leaves are drooping with rather fine leaflets. Trunks average about two inches diameter. Plant height is a maximum of approximately fifteen feet. It can be grown in full coastal sun but should be allowed to grow up and into the sun. So, starting in bright filtered light is best. Exact cold hardiness is uncertain but most likely in the mid-twenties F. range. I am putting one gallons on a Ten Day Special. These are from domestic seeds.

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

Mention this Special for your discount at the time of purchase. These can easily be mail ordered. The last three garden photos are by AL PACSOA

SABAL ETONIA
SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

GETS SIX TO EIGHT FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This small fan palm is native to almost all areas of Florida. It is different than Sabal palmetto in that it is smaller. Although not quite as small as the Sabal louisiana below, it rarely gets to a height of about eight feet. Leaves are green and the trunk is a bit stout. It tolerates full sun or part day sun. It is difficult to find. In the fifth photo, it is the band plant that the staff is holding in his left hand (right hand is Sabal louisiana, an even smaller species). Cold hardiness is at least 15 degrees F. or a bit lower. Mature palm photo by TS - RPS.

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

SABAL LOUISIANA
THE LOUISIANA PALMETTO PALM

SUPER SMALL, SUPER COLD HARDY FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This dwarf fan palm is touted as being the smallest variety of Sabal. It is a variety of Sabal minor that has been found in the wild in Louisiana and adjacent states on either side. It has blue-green leaves with a mature height of six feet. It is also super cold hardy with reports of it going a bit below zero F. As it is an understory palm in habitat, one would anticipate it'd do well in strong filtered light or perhaps half day sun. In the 5th photo it is the band palm in the staff's right hand. On the left is the Sabal etonia. Both are nicely sized. The last photo is c/o TS at RPS. This is a difficult species to find.

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

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES

Shown below is our band size plants of the desirable blue South African cycad, Encephalartos trispinosus. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus. It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form. It is anticipated that these plants, like their parents, with have prominently prickly and lobed leaflets. These will want full sun along the coast and are cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. These 5 gallon plants can be shipped. Caudex size on these is about 2-3 inches. After acclimation, one can plant them directly into the ground in spring to summer, or wait another year when they are larger. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH ABOUT 2 - 3 INCH CAUDEX $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5G PLANTS WITH 2-3 INCH CAUDEXES $275

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
GOOD STARTER SIZE FOR CYCAD ENTHUSIAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL AFFORDABLE 5 GALLON PLANTS

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $160

The third row of photos shows other Nursery E. lehmannii. The 4th row shows garden specimens.

DIOON MEJIAE
AN ATTRACTIVE MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

SOFT EMERGING NEW LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZE OLDER 2 GALLON

For many people, Dioon mejiae is one of their favorite cycads. It doesn't get too large, it has a very attractive crown of leaves, and newly emerging leaves are soft, fuzzy and so inviting. They are almost like a baby rabbit's foot.

Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, this species is similar to Dioon spinulosum. But, unlike the spinulosum, leaflets do not have the spines on the leaflet edges. And, the leaflets appear slightly different shaped. Leaves are four to six feet long, trunks typically under five feet although old habitat plants have trunks over twenty feet, and new leaves emerge vertically. Although they are soft at emergence, they eventually become straight and flat with firm leaflets.. Seeds of this species are large and tan in color.

I've found this cycad does best in part day sun or strong filtered light. Right on the coast, some grow it in full sun. But, I've found this creates more of a lime colored green cycad. For this reason, I prefer filtered light. It likes good draining soil and will tolerate temperatures into the low 20's F. Shown her are some larger nursery plants as well as garden specimens. We have all sizes of this species for sale and are putting oversized 2 gallon on sale. This size has caudexes about 4 inches in diameter with an age of about ten years.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OVERSIZED 2 GALLON $345
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE OVERSIZED 2 GALLON $280

Easy to mail order, weather permitting.

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 15 GALLON CYCAD $650

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

HANGING WHITE FLOWERS - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 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 containerized plants shown below are our 15 gallon size which are pm sale right now.

REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $195
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE 15 GALLON SIZE $170

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount.

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

HANGING WHITE FLOWERS - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $95
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $80

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount.

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM VAR GIGANTEUM
VARIEGATED GIANT LEOPARD LIGULARIA

YELLOW POLKADOTS ON GREEN LEAVES
LARGE, LILY-LIKE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL HARD TO FIND 2 & 5 GALLON PLANTS

For years we've been selling the regular Ligularia but just got in a small number of the giant Leopard form. This species has larger green leaves with yellow splotches. It is native to Japan. Plant height mature is about 2 feet. If they get dry, the leaves will droop but respond quickly to water. Blossoms are yellow in the Fall. You have to keep snails away from them. They'll take full or part sun along the coast and want filtered light far inland. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or lower. Ok for zone 7. This variegated variety of Ligularia is difficult to find. Five gallon size is shown below.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $120
SALE PRICE 5 GALLON $85

(Note: Limited availability both sizes)

Remember: Mention this Special at the time of purchase. These can be mail ordered in a larger box.

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 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 $115
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON $85

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

DICHORISANDRA THYRIFLORA
THE BLUE GINGER - HARD TO FIND

FIVE TO SIX FEET TALL – BLUE BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE

This is actually not a true Ginger at all. It is native to all areas of the new world including the U.S. It produces actual blue flowers. We have a limited number of two gallon plants that we’re putting on special. This is a starter size. This species wants filtered light in a warmer coastal area. In fact, some along the coast succeed with several hours of morning sun. They are late blooming compared to almost all other “Gingers”. They tend to blossom in fall. In somewhat colder regions, they may need protection from a freeze. They do sucker and canes are thin. Expect mature height at about five feet. This plant is not for full, hot sun. They need average water – backing off when it’s cold. These are rare to see for sale and we're offering fairly tall divisions of 7 gallon plants that typically blossom in late summer or fall. We are low on supplies, but if we run out we'll try to get more for customers.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEVEN GALLON AS SHOWN $120

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing.

SATURDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2024

ASTROCARYUM MEXICANUM
SINGLE TRUNK SPINY PALM

VERY RARE PALM TO FIND
SPINES ON TRUNKS AND STEMS

Astrocaryum is a genus of spiny palms that are native to areas extending from Mexico, down through Central America and into some Caribbean Islands. Some are single trunk while others sucker. Astrocaryum mexicanum is remarkable because it doesn't get too tall and is probably the only species of the genus that can be grown in Southern California. Trunks, leaf stalks, flower stalks and even the seed clusters can be spiny. Leaves are green with some silver color to their undersides. The last row of pictures here shows how leaves are silver underneath and the entire plant can appear a silver-green. It is very attractive and tropical appearing and almost impossible to find at a nursery. When you get one, I'd recommend growing it in filtered light. Mature height is typically under ten feet. The first specimen shown has about ten feet of spiny trunk and would be considered very large for a garden. The second plant is the last tow is more typical of what you might see in a garden. We occasionally have small plants for sale when we can get seeds to germinate. But, they sell quickly and availability is sporadic. Cold tolerance is probably just below a freeze.

PHOTOS OF ASSORTED CYCADS AROUND THE NURSERY

LOTS OF SPECIES
LOTS OF SIZES - SMALL TO BIG
ALMOST ALL SHIPPABLE
LARGEST CAN BE DELIVERED

The purpose of this post is to show the diversity of species and sizes of cycads we offer at Jungle Music. Recently we've taken an assortment of photos of plants in stock. We offer about 175 species or varieties of cycads for sale. And, these are in sizes from seedlings to massive fifty to one hundred year old plants. We literally over ten thousand cycads to choose from.

All can be shipped or delivered to anywhere within the U.S. Included are small mature species as well as species that get very large over time. And, species both for sun or shade. Some will even tolerate a good amount of cold weather. We can guide you on your selection. But, trust that we have the plants that can add these rare and endangered cycads to your garden or collection. We've been told we have one of the most complete and diverse offering of rare cycads anywhere in the United States.

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

FROM FIVE TO FIFTEEN FEET OF TRUNK
SINGLES AND MULTIPLES
SALE PRICE THESE SPECIMEN PALMS

For several decades we've worked with an associate grower who offers old specimen Kentia Palms. Starting in the late 1980's, these were field grown here in Encinitas, CA. Over time, many have been dug and put into boxes. Usually this is into 36 inch box sizes - rarely into 24 inch boxes. Some are still in the growing fields. Even if dug from the grower's and moved to your garden for immediate planting, most do just fine. And, these have been sun grown only getting shade from adjacent Kentias.

Kentia palms dig quite easily. The ones shown in boxes below were typically dug three to four years ago. Several hundred trees are available. All need heavy equipment to lift and handle - and a flatbed truck for delivery (at least 25 feet long). Delivery can be arranged as needed. Call or email us for more information. Random photos below were taken recently of plants available. Be aware that this supply of huge Kentias will run out soon. Limited numbers remain, mostly multiples, as of today.

SPECIAL PRICE THESE LARGE KENTIAS - $145 PER TRUNK FOOT

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A "MULTIPLE"
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G 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. One 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 outside is into the mid-twenties F. It needs filtered light, even when tall. We have singles and some multiples in our 15 gallon size which we are putting on sale. They are very nice and really too big for mail order. For the latter folks, get our 5 gallon size.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL $235

Just mention this Special for your discount.

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. This size is shown in the first six photos below. The 7th photo is as 25 gallon size which we also have.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $225

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

VARIEGATED RHAPIS EXCELSA
EXOTIC - TEND TO BE SMALL, MINIATURE PALMS

DON'T LIKE TOO MUCH NITROGEN
LIMITED SUPPLIES AVAILABLE - NEVER INEXPENSIVE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON ANY VARIEGATED RHAPIS WE HAVE

This is another post to remind readers that we still offer a good supply of the highly coveted variegated Rhapis excelsa. Known as the "Gems of the Orient", these striking plants typically have yellow or white variegation on green leaves. Most plants at mature size are three to six feet. There are many exotic varieties - most popular in Japan where affluent collectors compete to obtain the most striking plants. Propagation is by divisions only. So, one must mother plants for divisions so you'd have a plant to sell.

The plant leaflet photos below are an assortment of our Nursery plants. The variegation consists of very narrow bands of yellow on green. They are sort of hard to see here. On any given leaflets there are lots of these narrow, subtle stripes. Sizes available are 5 & 15 gallon and maybe a few larger.

Contact us if you are interested in getting one. BTW, these are never inexpensive plants. And, they are all different. The variegation seems to be different from leaf to leaf on all varieties. Prices on our 5g start at about $150 and the 15g at $450 or more. IMPORTANT: These variegated Rhapis essentially want no fertilizer. Fertilizer tends to drown out the variegation with nitrogen. As we have an injector system on all our plants, it’s very difficult to “starve” these plants. You’ll probably be better at growing them than us as you can easily avoid giving them fertilizer.

A 15 gallon plant is shown in the first six photos with close-ups of the variegation on some leaves. Following are photographs of plants we still have at the Nursery or have sold from the Nursery.

TEN DAY SPECIAL: 15% OFF REGULAR PRICE ON ANY VARIEGATED RHAPIS THAT'S FOR SALE AND IN STOCK

KING PALM
ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA

MEDIUM TO TALL, FULL OR PART DAY SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SINGLES, DOUBLES OR TRIPLES – SUN GROWN

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 plants below on Special are fairly tall triple 15 gallon plants. These plants have seen some coastal sun and should be ready to plant in most areas. We have a limited number available.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON TRIPLES $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON $160

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

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
BLUE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

A DEFINITE STATEMENT PALM
THIS SPECIES WANTS SUN AND HEAT!
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY NICE 15G PLANTS

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 40 feet tall in many decades. 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. Shown below are our 15 gallon sized plants that we’re putting on special. They are sun acclimated and ready to plant.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 115 GALLON $215

Remember: Mention this Special for this price. Of note we also carry the "Green Bismarckia" but the one on sale today is the prominent blue variety.

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS
TRUE TRUNK-LESS, DWARF FORM

NEVER GETS OVER SIX FEET TALL
SHADE PALM - QUITE COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Previously I discussed the trunking form of this species. What I'm showing today is the true dwarf form that never forms a trunk and never gets over six feet tall. It is native to Mexico. It grows in filtered light but can tolerate some sun along the coast. Compared to the trunking form, you'll note the leaflets are darker green and wider. Blossoms often protrude above the leaves when it's in flower. Cold hardiness is the upper teens F. It grows great in cooler areas like the SF Bay area. We have only a few 5g (shown first four photos below)which we're putting on sale. We have very few left.

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

SABAL BLACKBURNIANA
LARGE AND TALL FAN PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN FAN PALM WITH STOUT TRUNK
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. Photos of garden plants in the last row are by Justen Dobbs and Wikipedia.

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

COCCOTHRINAX ARGENTEA
MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

SMALL TRUNK - SILVER BACK TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This medium size and very attractive fan palm is native to areas of Florida, Mexico and into the Caribbean. It has a blue green leaf color with more prominent silver on the underside of the leaf. Taxonomists seem recently to be lumping together Coccothrinax argentea and argentata. Mature height is rarely to twenty feet. Leaves are about three to four feet across and prominently divided into segments. As this species grows, fibrous material falls off the trunk to give a cleaner and more smooth surface. It likes heat and sun. It might also do well in desert areas. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. We are putting our 5 gallon plants on sale. Very limited numbers apply. This species is ideal for people who want a thin trunked and different fan palm that doesn’t take up much room and tolerates full hot sun. Note that, in a pot, it is a very slow growing species. The 5 gallon size are about six years old.

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

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

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

NEVER OVER SIX FEET TALL - GREEN FAN PALM LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON PLANTS

This dwarf palm native to the southern states of the U.S. is sought after because of its small size and extreme cold hardiness. It can take temperatures into the mid-teens F. and rarely gets over six feet tall. It is often grown in full sun but tolerates part sun or strong filtered light. Enthusiasts like it because of its small size. Blossoms commonly shoot above the green fan leaves and produce black small seeds. We’re putting 2 gallon plants on sale presently. These are big for their pots. Easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE $65

Just mention this blog special to get this great deal. This and all sales above apply to mail orders or nursery visits.

GAUSSIA GOMEZ-POMPAE
BIGGER AND TALLER THAN GAUSIA MAYA

PINNATE LEAVES, NO CROWN SHAFT
VERY RARE - NEW TO CULTIVATION
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND 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. This is the first time I've offered it for sale. The bands on sale are huge for their pots and need repotting. Best would be into a 5 gallon pot. They are over three feet tall in their pots.

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

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII
LARGER GREEN CYCAD FROM SO AFRICA

CYCAS TAITUNGENSIS
THE EMPEROR CYCAD

A VERY COLD HARDY CYCAD WITH ORANGE FUZZ AT TOP OF CAUDEX
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY LARGE SIZED 20 GALLON SPECIMEN

Cycas taitungensis is a species of cycad from China and Taiwan. It used to be known as Cycas taiwaniana. In fact, some reference books around still refer to it by this name. It is a medium to large cycad with trunk diameter of twelve to eighteen inches and height of ten feet. It is known as the Emperor Cycad. It is similar to a Sago Palm but with some noted differences. The leaves are longer and wider than the C. revoluta. They also tend to be flatter. The color is deep green. Also, growth rate is much faster and cold hardiness is better than the Sago. It is not unusual for this species to throw two or three sets of leaves a year. In the crown area, the tomentum is a very prominent orange color, a good clue as to the species. I think it's a bit more tropical and lush appearing than the Sago Palm. There are reports of this species easily tolerating mid-teen F. temperatures. Also, it likes full sun except in desert areas. We’re putting a nice 20 gallon plant on sale that should cone soon. The caudex is 8 inches wide and 14 inches tall. For someone in a cold area, this is perhaps one of the first cycads you should consider.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 20 GALLON SPECIMEN $1125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $950

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE, BLUE-GREEN & GREEN VARIETIES
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - BLUE OR GREEN OR IN-BETWEEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD THIS SPECIES - BLUE LEAVES

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 below are first the blue form followed by a blue-green plant and finally the green form. To get the blue color this species will want full sun or an ample amount of sun. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good.

This first E. arenarius shown below is in a 35 gallon container and has a caudex that is 15 inches wide and 15 inches tall. It came from a private collection and has an age of about 30 years. Its leaves are fairly blue in color. At this moment I am not certain of the sex. It's too big for standard mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 35 GALLON BLUE CONING PLANT $3700
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $3250

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE & GREEN VARIETIES
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - BLUE OR GREEN OR IN-BETWEEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL BLUE-GREEN FORM THIS CYCAD

The plant below is in a 36 inch box. Age 50 years. Caudex 24 inches wide, 26 inches tall. It is near full mature size. Sex uncertain although it's coned in the past. Leaf color is blue-green. It is shown in the first five photos. It is too big for mail order but can be delivered.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 36 INCH BOX MATURE CYCAD $6100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 36 INCH BOX CYCAD $5200

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE & GREEN VARIETIES
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - BLUE OR GREEN OR IN-BETWEEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL GREEN LEAF FORM THIS SPECIES

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

This Encephalartos arenarius is in a 15 gallon pot with a cuadex size that is 8.5 inches with no vertical height. Age is about 8 or 9 years from germination. It should cone soon. Leaf color is green.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD IS $1400
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 15 GALLON $1150

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

PHLEBODIUM SPECIES
FURRY RHIZOMES THAT CRAWL

NORMALLY AN EPIPHYTIC PLANT IN THE WILD
TOLERATE COASTAL SUN OR FILTERED LIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 10 GALLON SIZE

Phlebodium is a small genus of epiphytic ferns that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They, in the wild, live in trees. But, they can be grown in the ground or in containers. Most tolerate near total full sun along the coast and also filtered light. On the species we’re dealing with here, it gets to heights of about two to three feet and is rhizomatous in nature. Furry small feet crawl the ground and every foot or so launch an upright green leaf. It is not a difficult plant to contain in the garden. It easily tolerates temperatures into the mid-twenties F. Leaf color is green with a hint of blue, but not as prominent as the Blue Star Fern. It can be used as a ground cover.

REGULAR PRICE 10 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE THESE HUGE 10 GALLON $105

NEORGELIA MEDUSA
INNER LEAVES PROMINENTLY RED
FILTERED LIGHT SPECIES

TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE, FULL 6 INCH PLANTS

This species is a hybrid that has its origins in Brazil. It is a low profile cluster Bromeliad with a mature height of about 12 inches. Inner leaves are pronounced with their red and dark colors with older leaves being purple or green. Like other Bromeliads, it likes water in its cup. This is not a full sun plant and can be grown indoors with adequate indirect light.

REGULAR PRICE 6 INCH $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 6 INCH $50

AECHMEA SPECIES
BRANCHING YELLOW BLOSSOM

GROWN IN FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON

This suckering Aechmea species has been growing in our full sun. These Bromeliads are in one gallon pots and many are suckering. The blossoms are huge with yellow flowers and pink stems. The foliage is a silver-purple. These are easy to grow and cold hardy into the mid to upper twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE / SPECIES $55

CLIVIA MINIATA
FLOWERS IN EARLY SPRING - ORANGE VARIETY
FILTERED LIGHT PLANT - EASY TO GROW

TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE CLUSSTERING ONE GALLON PLANTS

Previously I've discussed this great companion garden plant for filtered light. We have available some very nice 1 gallon plants that already blossomed this year - see photos below. For a one gallon, they are very full, sometimes with several plants in the pot. I'm putting them on special. The blossoms last for about 3 weeks. These can be mail ordered. Limited numbers. Note: they bloom in early spring and are not in flower right now but will blossom come later winter into spring.

REGULAR PRICE THSE CLUSTERED (MORE THAN ONE PLANT) ONE GALLON $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $40

THURSDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2024

RAVENEA GLAUCA
A GREAT MEDIUM SIZED PALM SO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MEDIIUM MATURE HEIGHT

ONE GALLON PLANTS OFFERED BELOW

This is a medium sized palm that I would consider to be among the "top twenty" palm species for Southern California. About two decades ago, Ravenea rivularis, the Majesty Palm, was introduced as the future "best palm" for Southern California. Because of its large size, failure to always look good, immense appetite for fertilizer and water and often yellowing tendency, the Majesty has since fallen out of favor. This much smaller version of the Majesty, Ravenea glauca, is now the hot plant to get. And, it lives up to its reputation. It gets to a height of twenty, perhaps twenty-five feet, has a thin trunk of typically four inches and doesn't seem subject to the maladies of the common Majesty. Along the coast it loves full sun. And, if given normal doses of fertilizer, it doesn't yellow. Few customers complain about this species. Of note, there is another dwarf Ravenea, R. hildebrandtii, but the Ravenea glauca is much easier to grow.

Shown here are several nursery plants and some domestic and habitat specimens. We have limited supplies available that change over time. This is because of lack of seed availability. Cold tolerance is into the mid to low 20's F., sun tolerance is full along the coast. Hot, inland areas would require part sun or strong filtered light. Growth rate is quick and this species is easy to grow. Shown below is a 15 gallon Nursery plant which we no longer have available. But, below, we offer some juvenile plants in one gallon size in limited numbers.


Photo from Palmpedia		Photo from Archive Website

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI
EASY TO GROW - ABSOLUTES NO SPINES ANYWHERE
IF YOU HAVE THE TIME, THE TALLEST CYCAD IN THE WORLD

There might be a bit of argument over which cycad species has the tallest trunk. But, most would agree that it would be Lepidozamia hopei. There are specimens with trunks over 60 feet tall! This is taller than most palm trees! Such plants may be a few millennia old, but they do exist. In a lifetime, one might expect a plant with ten feet of trunk in our locality. This, like Lepidozamia peroffskyanna, the other species of this genus, is a cycad without spines or thorns on the petioles or leaves. One can brush leaves across the face without any scratches or pain.

The main differences between these two species of Lepidozamia are:
1. L. hopei has wider leaflets, Peroffskyanna leaflets are half the width of hopei.
2. L. hopei gets a taller trunk. Peroffskyanna trunks are rarely over twenty feet.
3. L. hopei comes from a more tropical location in northern Queensland. L. peroffskyanna habitat extends south all the way to New South Whales in Australia. Thus, L. peroffskyanna may be somewhat more cold hardy.

I am discussing this species because of its many attributes. It does gret in the garden and can take coastal sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid to low 20's F. Nursery plants are shown as well as a few garden specimens. I've also included a photo of a female cone. We have a fairly good supply of this species presently. But, be aware that in the near future this species may not be available as availability of seeds has been restricted and plants are scarce. For most localities, part day sun or filtered light is recommended.

RHAPIS HUMILIS
RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM
FOUR LARGE SPECIMEN PLANTS AVAILABLE

LARGEST SPECIMENS YOU'LL SEE FOR SALE - IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
GET TO OVER 20 FEET AND TAKE COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEVERAL MATURE TALL PLANTS!

Rhapis humilis is a tall, suckering and thin trunked fan palm. It is a type of "Lady Palm" and this species is one of the most sought after. This is because it's a great growing species, has strong canes that don't bend over and gets significantly tall for the genus - tallest of the Rhapis genus. It does sucker and produces canes averaging one inch or a bit bigger in diameter. Leaves hold up to twenty leaflets that are narrow, a bit droopy, dark green and come to a point at their ends. The more common Rhapis excelsa leaflets come to a blunt tip at the end of the leaflets. The amazing thing about this species is that it attains such tall heights. I've seen specimens that have reached twenty-four feet! Compare this to the average height of a R. excelsa at six to eight. Finally, the Rhapis humilis is known to tolerate full sun along the coast.

Plants like we're showing here are near impossible to find. We have several plants which are each about fifteen feet tall in their pots. These plants are shown in the four rows of photos below. Be aware that, in California, there are only large garden specimens growing in full sun and with heights of over 20 feet. These are called the “California Rhapis humilis” and all plants sold come from divisions of existing plants. This is a dioecious species and there’s only known to be male plants. So, if someone tells you they grew them from seeds, you know they are not this true Rhapis humilis – more likely R. multifida which doesn’t take sun well and only gets to heights under ten feet. These 25 gallon specimens shown below would be perfect for an upscale garden or interior usage application. All, of course, are from divisions from a mature established plant. Most have three to five canes coming but will fill in over time. We presently have no smaller plants for sale. The garden photo is by FM at the LAA.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE RARE 25 GALLON $1100

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

MEDIUM SIZE -THINNER TRUNK THAN CANARY
FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

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 here are our 15 gallon size which we are putting on sale.

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

Remember to mention this Special for this discount. The isolated palm in the last row is from Balboa Park, San Diego.

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

GETS TALLER THAN P. CORONATA - BEING GROWN BY COLLECTORS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

It's been a few years since we've offered this rare single trunk Pinanga from the island of Java, Indonesia. A different thing about this species is that it is single trunk. Juvenile plants have solid, simple leaves as shown in the photos. But, over time, they become pinnate leaves as seen on the larger garden specimen. The mature trunk is thin and ringed. Leaves are six feet long or more - green in color. The thing about this species is that no one has it! Shown are the 15g plants we're putting on Special. It wants filtered light and is cold hardy down to about a freeze.

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

GAUSSIA MAYA
A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA

CAN SEE SWOLLEN BASE WHEN YOUNG
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE AND OLD 15 GALLON

In the "old days", this species was known as Opsiandra maya. It is a single trunk pinnate palm that can be grown in Southern CA. It has the interesting habit of getting a very swollen base, especially when planted in the ground from a smaller plant. Interestingly enough, this swollen base to the trunk abruptly disappears with age. You'll note this bulge in the photos below. This species tends to hold a limited number of leaves, about five to seven usually.

Along the coast it takes full sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. The trunk diameter is about six to perhaps maximum eight inches. I've grown it in part day sun, which it loved. However, the trunk will often curve to seek more sun (see photo bottom row). Some grow it in full sun with success. The plants on special are very nice 15g with fat bases. I am showing several below.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $240

This size can be mail ordered. But, remember to mention this Blog Only Special for your discount.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

RARE PINNATE PALM FROM PUERTO RICO
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

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 15g 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.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $225

Remember: Mention this Special for this price!

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

BEST GROWING SPECIES OF THE GENUS
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL MULTIPLES 15 GALLON SIZE

When one considers the species Laccospadix australasica, he has to realize that there are different forms depending on native habitats and localities. There are also single trunk and suckering forms. The one for sale here is the single trunk mountain form. I feel it's the best subspecies one can purchase. It doesn't throw the new red leaf although occasionally you see a bit of bronze in the new leaf (as shown below). This variety of the L. australasica is fairly easy to grow in our area. I can’t predict if your plant will sucker or not - but I suspect it'll be single trunk like the seed bearing parent. The seeds for these plants today came from a local flowering tree here in Encinitas. This variety has thinner leaves that are dull green in color, trunks about six inches thick and reaches a height of 20 feet or a bit more. It sort of looks like a Kentia Palm. I'd recommend morning sun, strong filtered light or perhaps several hours of daily sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. As shown below, sometimes we’ll plant more than one to a pot. This is the case with the 15 gallon size on Special.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

Note: The two mother plants we collected seeds on have succumbed to gophers. So, our days of offering this species are near an end. We have extremely limited numbers available. Mention this Special for your discount.

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

EASY TO GROW
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5G

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 5G $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5G $125

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

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE 5 GALLON POT SIZE

This medium to tall fan palm is native to southeast Asia. It can get to heights of thirty-five feet or more. It is an interesting palm that is easy to grow and has a very ornamental leaf with deep divisions of the segments. Its leaf segments almost make a complete circle. Leaf color is green. The spines on the petioles tend to be dark in color and dramatic, usually the thing most people remember most about this species. Another interesting thing is that the seed fruit is blue in color as shown below. It is a sun species and cold hardy into the mid to low-twenties. The 5g on sale are nicely sized. We also have 15 gallon plants available. Shipping is possible. The last photo is by John Volk.

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

LIVISTONA LANGINOSA
THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

TALL, THINNER TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 G SIZE

This single trunk fan palm is native to northeastern Australia. It has previously been referred to as the Cape River Livistona. Formal description was first done by John Dowe in 1998 - followed by other revisions. It gets to heights above thirty feet with a trunk diameter of 10 to 18 inches. In habitat it tolerates hot and arid conditions. It is a full sun species with cold hardiness to at least the low 20's F.

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

Just mention this Blog Special for your discount. The first habitat photo is c/o Darrel Oconnor Palmpedia and the second by John Dowe c/o Palm Specialist Group

SATAKENTIA LIUKIUENSIS
THE SATAKENTIA PALM

GORGEOUS SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM
FOR BETTER GROWING AREAS IN SOUTHERN CA
FIRST OFFERING IN YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125 ( limited numbers )

Description below

Common Names:

Satakentia Palm

Locality:

Ryukyu Islands, Japan (Southern Japan)

Cold Hardiness:

Probably about 32º F.

Trunk Type:

Thin trunk, nice dark crown shaft, beautiful crown.

Leaf Type:

Pinnate, about 10 feet long, ornamental.

Suckering/Solitary:

Solitary

Maintenance:

Difficult in cooler areas. Easily grown in subtropical and tropical areas.

Speed of growth:

Medium

Height:

To about 30 feet.

Soil requirements:

Rich, well draining.

Sun requirements:

Full sun when larger, probably filtered when seedling.

General Description:

One of the more beautiful palms in the world. It would be on most people's top 30 species. It is graceful, elegant, tropical appearing and rare. If you're warm enough, it's worth trying to grow. Very sought after.

RAVENEA GLAUCA
GREAT MADAGASCAR PALM - MEDIUM SIZED THIN TRUNK

LIMITED SUPPLY - AVAILABILITY OF RAVENEAS IS ALMOST GONE!
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE LEAD ARTICLE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 1G $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $65 (very limited numbers)

BRAHEA ARMATA
THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM
BLUE HESPER PALM

VERY BLUE COLORED LEAVES – VERY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON STARTER 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. This species is also very drought tolerant. The plants we’re putting on special should turn blue with age and full sun. This size on sale is shown in the first six photos, are about 2 perhaps 3 years old with three or four strap leaves. Within a few more leaves they'll become a classic palmate leaf. These would be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $55

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.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

BIGGER, FASTER GROWING, NO BROWNING OF LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND SIZE PLANTS

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
It has a blue crown shaft
It has a super thick trunk

The band size plants are about 3-4 years old and huge – about 2 feet tall and need to be planted or repotted into 5g pots.

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE BANDS $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE HUGE BANDS $55

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

SABAL BRAZORIENSIS
DWARF FAN PALM NATIVE TO TEXAS
NATURAL HYBRID BETWEEN TWO SABAL SPECIES

VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

Sabal brazoriensis is a naturally occurring dwarf hybrid fan palm that was discovered in Brazoria County, Texas. It is a cross between Sabal minor (a small dwarf species) and Sabal palmetto. Identifying this hybrid puzzled taxonomists until genetic studies found that (in the long ago past) these two species hybridized. It's location presently is known only to occur in Brazoria County. Leaves are green and very large for its height. Mature heights range from ten to twenty feet. It is extremely slow growing - so it'll be short for quite a while. Leaves are very costopalmate - as opposed to other species. Trunks are thick. We germinated and are growing some of this sought after species. It is touted to be super cold hardy although I cannot give an accurate number for you. Some say it'll take close to zero degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE THESE RARE BAND SIZED PLANTS $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $60

The photo of the garden specimen is by Brian F. Austin at PalmTalk.

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA

VERY SOUGHT AFTER BY ENTHUSIASTS
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE - UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

This species is endemic to the Waterberg range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Their habitat is dry and arid. They grow on steep rocky slops, grasslands and savanna. It is a small to medium sized species. Leaf length generally does not exceed a meter and stems can get about four meters high. Of the Transvaal (previous province within South Africa north of the Vaal River) species, this is the most common. That being said, this species is still exceptionally rare and almost extinct in the wild.

The leaves on this species can vary from a blue/green color, to a powdery silver and in some cases be an aquamarine. Leaflets twist almost perpendicular to the petiole, giving them a 'stacking' appearance (like blinds). In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in the full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.
The seedlings on special are 18 month old with two leaves. We rarely put them on special.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $95

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

ZAMIA AMBLYPHYLLIDIA
DWARF GREEN CYCAD

GOOD LOW PROFILE CYCAD
AGES OVER 10 YEARS - MANY CONING!
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE PLANTS

This dwarf species of Zamia is from Puerto Rico and surrounding Caribbean areas. It is a small cycad with a caudex of six inches. It suckers, forming clumps. Its leaves are about 3 feet long, arching downwards and the leaflets are small. The petioles are unarmed. It likes filtered light and tolerates temperatures into the upper twenties F. It prefers partial sun or strong filtered light. But, it can be grown in sun along our coastal areas here. It is an ideal cycad species where one wants plants to stay small. It's perfect for planting next to a walkway. We’re putting our citrus pot plant on Special. Caudex sizes are 3 to 5 inches. Most are clustering plants with cones. Easy to mail order. Remember to mention this Special. Citrus pot shown first 6 photos.

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $295

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE & GREEN VARIETIES
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - BLUE OR GREEN OR IN-BETWEEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

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 of this species are both blue and green forms, but this plant below is the blue type - especially when in full sun. To get this color it will want full sun or an ample amount of sun. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good.

The size we’re putting on special are younger 5 gallon with caudexes of about an inch. They can continue growing in these pots for about three years. This batch should have blue-green leaves.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $165
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE 5 GALLON $147.50

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

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. If this plant is too big for you, we also should have a few 5 and 15g plants.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON $485
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS TREE $400

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZED, LUSH TROPICAL COMPANION PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

Alocasia sumo is a hybrid species - a cross between A. portora and "purple cloak". The cold hardiness comes from the portora parentage. This is a medium sized hybrid with 3 to 4 foot long leaves that are diamond shaped with a purple hue to the underside of the leaves. Leaves are a lesser purple-green and point upwards. There are prominent veins on the leaves. Plant height should be about 6 to 8 feet. It is reported that this species is a "7b" zone species which means it should tolerate a freeze. Obviously, it'd look best in summer. We'd recommend filtered light or limited sun although some are having good results with full sun near the beach. The juvenile plants on sale are in one gallon pots. They are being grown in an un-heated greenhouse. They are ready to be repotted into a 5 gallon pot. Mail order possible, weather permitting.

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

Note, that if you want larger, we have nice 5 gallons and large 15g. The 15tg size are shown below in the last two photos. I’d offer a special price on these sizes as well.

AECHMEA BLANCHETIANA
LARGER TYPE OF COLORFUL BROMELIAD

TOLERATES FULL SUN - FAIRLY COLD HARDY
DIFFICULT TO LOCATE - LEAF COLOR YELLOW, GREEN, RED OR ORANGE
SPECIAL ON RED & ORANGE ADE COLORED 5 GALLON SIZE

This is a great Bromeliad for Southern California - or for many areas in the country where severe cold is not seen. Native to eastern Brazil, they get heights of three to four feet and tolerate full sun easily here along our coast. Cold hardiness is into the mid to upper twenties F. I prefer the colorful forms although green is also seen. The problem is that they are hard to find. All the ones we sell come from private gardens. As they sucker and multiply, garden enthusiasts sometimes find they are getting too large. So, we buy them from these folks. They are rarely if ever available through commercial lines. The ones on Special are the yellow and a lighter red variety. In the sun the yellow pick up some orange color and are called “orange ade”. These are a fantastic full sun companion plant. The 5 gallon are good size and we’re putting both colors on sale. Remember that this species of large Bromeliad are never cheap. The last two garden photos are of the "orange ade" variety.

REGULAR PRICE NICE SIZE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL BOTH COLORS 5 GALLON $95

PHILODENDRON McCOLLEYS FINALE
RED NEW LEAVES - ROSETTE PLANT
FILTERED LIGHT IN THE GARDEN OR HOUSEPLANT

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON

This is a hybrid Philodendron that has scarlet-red emergent new leaves that eventually become a shiny green. With this said, in the containers we have plants with six or seven leaves where all leaves are still red. But, eventually old leaves will be green. This is not a climbing species. It can be grown in a container as a houseplant or in the garden. It wants filtered light and is cold hardy down to about a freeze or a bit below. The last photo is by Pinterest UK, unknown author.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $40

BRAZILIAN RED CLOAK
MEGASKEPASMA ERYTHROCHLAMYS

MEDIUM SIZED BUSH / TREE WITH PROMINENT RED BLOSSOMS
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND FOR SALE
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 $45

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.

TUESDAY, 2 JANUARY, 2024

RECYCLE YOUR USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS

AND OLD CARDBOARD BOXES / NEWSPAPERS

ECOLOGICAL AND HELPS OUR NURSERY
DISCOUNT ON PURCHASES OR NURSERY CREDIT ON CONTAINERS

I'd like to remind plant enthusiasts to recycle their plastic containers. We will take them and give you a credit toward any purchase at the nursery - 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. We'll put them to good use. We've been doing this for decades and think it's the right thing to do for the environment. We are especially looking for larger pots, 5g and bigger. We accept any pot sizes, bands to large containers or boxes. We especially seek the larger containers.

So, don't give them to the garbage man for your local landfill. Nursery pots are "forever" and don't dissolve in the landfills. So, recycle them! The fourth photo below shows all containers from a band to a 24 inch box, left to right. If we are closed, just leave them in front of our gates with your name and phone number.

And, if they are sitting around waiting to go in the trash, drop off you used and soon to be discarded cardboard boxes and newspapers. We load customer purchases into them and thus they are recycled from a usage standpoint. We also recycle old newspapers. Donating these means we purchase less new paper for packing plant and this is conservational.

Thank you for doing this. It's the right thimg to do.

5 gallon	15 gallon	25 gallon
All containers in a row

POTTING UP A NEW PALM SEEDLING
PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING TECHNIQUE -
VEITCHIA SEEDLINGS

If you follow the techniques given in the article above, you will end up having seedlings that will need repotting into a growing container. Shown here are some vigorous Veitchia seedlings that were germinated in a flat. Flats are not our favorite for germinating (are not deep containers) but, for conservation of space, was what we used for these seeds. You can see in the first two photos that these are well developed with about two or three leaves. We prefer to have several leaves before we repot seedlings.

Photographs three to five show the seedlings after they've been removed from the germinating flat. Note the compact and nice roots on the seedlings. You must be careful when removing each seedling to protect the roots. Cutting or damaging the roots can lead to damping off after removal.

The last photo shows the seedling after being repotted into a one gallon. Sometimes we put seedlings into our band containers ( 3 x 3 x 9 inches), but Veitchias typically are large, strong seedlings and respond better in a larger pot. Of course, after potting up seedlings, water immediately and put them into filtered light. Over time, you can give them more sun exposure.

I hope this helps you have successful growing of your small new palms.

CYCAS RUMPHII
FAIRLY RARE, MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD
REASONABLY COLD HARDY

This species of Cycas is most likely a complex of somewhat different appearing plants depending on where the native habitat is located. Its distribution spreads through the Philippines, Indonesia and New Guinea. This is also a tall species with trunks over thirty feet tall. Trunks are thin, under a foot, and can branch above the ground. Leaves are up to eight feet long and wooly when emergent. Petioles are armed and leaf color is green when mature. Leaves are also flat in cross section.

Characteristic of this species are the wide and glossy green leaflets and rather wide leaves. Shown here is a nice 15g plant demonstrating the appearance of this species. Also shown are garden specimens and lastly a smaller nursery plant. This species likes filtered light and perhaps full sun along the coast. It is a good grower with cold tolerance in the mid to low 20's F. range. Our nursery plants appear untouched by a freeze. Shown in an older 15 gallon plant with trunk.

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSIS
RARE NEW CALEDONIAN PALM

NARROW TRUNK & WHITE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 25G PLANTS

Back in the year 2000, I was the President of the International Palm Society. I set up the 1998 Biennial in Thailand at Nong Nook Gardens. I arranged with the Palm Society of New Caledonia to have to 2000 Biennial in their country. The palms of New Caledonia are some of the most exciting and prettiest palms of the world. This gave my son Jesse and I a great opportunity to see the New Caledonian palms in the wild.

About 45 minutes out of Noumea (the capitol) is Mount Koghi. This is the home habitat for Burretiokentia koghiensis. It has a thin to medium trunk, a white crown shaft and gets to about 25 feet tall. It's very beautiful and does great in Southern California. Most grow it in part day sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. (sort of like a King Palm with tolerance of cold). Shown here are plants that we germinated about 10 years ago. They are finally really nice, old 25g plants. You'll not see locally grown plants of this species and size around at all. And, never on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 25G $650
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G $575

We only have a few of these, so don't dally. It's a fabulous addition to any garden. Mention this Special.

WALLICHIA DISTICHA
FISHTAIL APPEARING SINGLE TRUNK PALM THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND

ALL LEAVES IN ONE PLANE
A VERY INTERESTING AND PECULIAR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL LIMITED NUMBER 15 GALLON

This unusual palm that has all of its leaves in a single plane. That is to say from the front, it is a fairly large, "Caryota-appearing" palm tree. But, looking from the side, it is narrow and you can hardly see it. The dictionary definition of "distichous" is: "Arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of an axis: distichous leaves. " In this case, the trunk of the palm is the axis.

This species is native to the Himalaya Mountains in Asia, spreading from northern India across to northern Thailand. There it grows at altitudes of up to 4000 feet. Because of it's heritage and as you might guess, it does have some cold hardiness and can easily be grown in many areas of Southern California. It tolerates temperatures down to about the mid to upper twenties F. It prefers full sun. Mature height is about 30 feet. Usually this species is single trunk, but in the wild suckering specimens are found. This is not to confuse it with another suckering species, Wallichia densiflora, which is always a clustering species.

Wallichia could be confused with Arenga and Caryota, both of which are also from the same part of the world. All have leaflets that have jagged or toothed apical ends as shown here. All also go through a flowering process that begins at the upper trunk and works its way down the trunk over time. And, all have stems that die after suckering. When there is only one stem (as with this species), the tree will die after it flowers. Seeds of Wallichia disticha are very small as shown here. The back sides of Wallichia and Arenga leaflets are silver whereas Caryotas are green on the back side. This helps in identifying the genus. Trunks of Wallichia disticha are also covered with dense brown fibers as shown here.

We have very limited numbers of this species for sale. I'm showing below as 5 gallon and 15 gallon plant as well as seeds (very small) of this species. For someone who likes different species, this one is for you. And, we do still have a few available. As mentioned, these are near impossible to find for sale.

TEN DAY SPECIAL OUR FEW 15 GALLON SIZE $265

SYNECANTHUS FIBROSA
THE JELLYBEAN PALM

A FEW 20 YEAR OLD PLANTS FOR SALE
YOU WON'T FIND THESE ELSEWHERE
TEN DAY DISCOUNT ON A FEW 15 GALLON PLANTS

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to various areas of Central America. It has a thin ringed trunk with leaves that are about five feet long. Leaflets are wide with irregular leaflets width and spacing. Color is green. Flowers protrude away from the stem with attractive yellow seeds. It is a filtered light species. There is another suckering species in this genus, S. warscewiczianus. Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze or a bit less. Mature height is about twelve to fifteen feet. The plants we have on sale are super old (20 to 25 years) and are shown below in the first six photos. I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll not find comparable plants anywhere in the western U.S. I don’t normally have these for sale (wanted to keep them) so they are not listed in my availability list and I’m now selling the last ones on a Ten Day Special price. The plants on sale are shown in the first two rows of photos. The third row of photos is of palms now sold but were flowering size. The last photo is a fruting mature palm c/o Palmpedia.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON THIS SIZE THIS SPECIES $295

SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLA
MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

A SEED PRODUCING PARENT OF THE BEAUTIFUL COCONUT QUEEN!
SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

This single trunk species is from Brazil and never gets very tall. Usually they are never over twenty feet in height. A most prominent feature of this species are the retained leaf bases as shown below. It is super slow growing and, when mature, makes sherbet orange fruits of good size. It is unusual for a Syagrus because it has modified small spines (more like saw edge prominences) of the leaf stem. If you cross this plant with pollen from a Queen Palm you’ll get one of the best looking palms ever - The Coconut Queen Palm. This latter hybrid never gets very tall and really resembles a Coconut Palm. We’re putting 15 gallon size of S. schizophylla on sale. We only have a few. Want to be the next palm hybridizer? You better get one of these.

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

RHOPALOSTYLIS BAUERI
NORFOLK ISLAND PALM

SINGLE TRUNK - CROWN SHAFTED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Rhopalostylis baueri, the Norfolk Island Palm, is native to two locations. Norfolk Island (an Australian island) is the home of the classic Rhopalostylis baueri but there is also a population in Kermadec Islands, a New Zealand territory. The population of Rhopalostylis baueri on Norfolk Island is near the elevated center of the island, rare elsewhere. In this locality, it is threatened by rodents that eat the seeds and young seedlings. In the Kermadec location, this species is found on Raoul Island. It is more plentiful there because there have been efforts to eliminate the rat population. In my experience, this species does best in less than full sun along the coast. Half day morning sun is about perfect. It has a cold tolerance into the low 20's F. and is being grown in the SF Bay area. Anticipate a height typically of about 25 feet mature. Shown below are our 15 gallon plants but we should have small as well. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia.

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

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
BEAUTIFUL GREEN CROWN SHAFTED PALM

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

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

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

The 8th photo below is by Cloudforest.com website.

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 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 5 gallon size on Special and nicely sized for their containers. These are easy to mail order, They are about ready to plant in the ground after acclimation.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase

TRITHRINAX ACANTHACOMA
AKA TRITHIRNAX BRASILIENSIS
SPINY TRUNK - MEDIUM HEIGHT FAN PALM

EASILY TOLERATES TEMPERATURES INTO THE TEENS F.
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G 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. These plants are easy to ship.

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

Remember: Mention this Special when you purchase. The 5 gallon on sale are shown in the first four pictures below.

RAVENEA SAMBIRANENSIS
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

WHEN MATURE, LANDSCAPE SIZED SPECIMEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON PLANTS

This species of Ravenea is from both the west and eastern sides of the Island of Madagascar. It was named after a river on the island. It is a large and elegant pinnate palm with heights reportedly up to one hundred feet. Trunk diameter is one foot. It grows at elevations from sea level to six thousand feet in both dry and moist native habitats. When younger, this species has flat erect leaves that go straight upwards. However, with age, this species produces leaves that are keeled and curve downwards at the ends. When mature the overall crown is hemispherical with the leaves in the upper portion of the circle. Because of its large size, this plant should be considered a major landscape item and not a companion plant. Photos below show how large this palm is when mature.

I have a limited number of five gallon plants on sale. They should be grown in an area where they can work their way from strong filtered light into full sun. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. They like moisture but need good draining soil. My thanks to TS at RPS for the photos below.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $135

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL
FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL

NOT AVAILABLE FOR YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE 2 GALLON SIZE

Caryota urens is a tall single trunk monocarpic palm species native to Asia. It is fast growing and can get to a height of 70 feet. It is definitely a canopy-forming palm species. Leaves a green and leaflets are premorse (jagged at their ends). Some people love the grandeur of these palms. Trunks are tan, ringed and about 16 inches diameter on average. It will get taller and more quickly get there than almost any other palm in your garden. They want full sun and, especially if inland, plenty of water. Because they are monocarpic (flower and then die), one needs a plant that is near death to get seeds. This occurs rarely. We were able to germinate seeds from such a plant. They are presently in 2 gallon pots (on Special) to give their roots a chance to take offer and promote growth. I’ve not had this species available for about six to eight years. They are on their second leaf. Of note, there’s been a high demand for this species because of its scarcity and non-availability. I wish I had larger to offer but we just don’t.

REGULAR PRICE THIS HARD TO FIND PALM IN 2 GALLON SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE 2 GALLON $65

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 1 GALLON SIZE

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 5g size (first 4 photos below) which we're putting on a Ten Day Special. These are nicely sized for their pots and either single or multiple (more than one per pot). We also have other sizes. These one gallons are about two feet tall in their pots and can be male ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $55

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

CHAMAEDOREA FRONDOSA
SUPER RARE UNDERSTORY DWARF PALM

SINGLE STEM - BIFID COMPLETE LEAVES
A TRULY UNUSUAL COLLECTOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This is a rare and almost never available single trunk dwarf palm with a mature height of two feet. Its trunk is very narrow and leaves are plicated (ridged) as shown below. It is an understory palm and wants filtered light. It is native to mountain cloud forests in Honduras. It has a cold tolerance in the mid to upper twenties F. and has been successfully grown by enthusiasts in So California. We may be one of the only nurseries around offering this species. You want to give it ample water and to not let it go dry. It is a dioecious species so you'll need several to get both sexes if you want to produce seeds. We're offering one gallon on sale and have very limited numbers. It can be mail ordered. Our 1 gallon are shown in the first seven photos followed ay older 5 gallon plants. Because of it's rarity, I don't have any garden photos that are better than our 5 gallon photos. Mail order should be easy, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SUPER RARE ONE GALLON SIZE $80

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SEEDLINGS

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 band size and are seedlings. Easy to ship. We may have larger plants available.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. The garden specimen photos are c/o a late friend Al Bredeson. I'm also showing a prior Nursery stock 25 gallon.

LICUALA SPINOSA
SUCKERING FILTERED LIGHT FAN PALM

EXOTIC WHEN WELL GROWN
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

FACTS ABOUT LICUALA SPINOSA

Common Names:	Spiny Licuala palm, Mangrove Fan Palm
ID:	2181
Locality:	Southeast Asia
Cold Hardiness:	26Âº F.
Trunk Type:	This palm has slender trunks (about an inch); crown is brown and fibrous.
Leaf Type:	Fan leaf, the petiole (leafstalk) is heavily armed with spines.
Suckering/Solitary:	Suckering (multiple trunks).
Maintenance:	Is a great palm for those who have some experience growing palms. Normal watering needs.
Speed of growth:	Slow
Height:	Approximately 8 feet
Soil requirements:	Rich soil with good drainage.
Sun requirements:	Shade or filtered light.
General Description:	This is a very nice palm for a true enthusiast. It can be a bit fickle but it is worth a try if you live in a warmer area.
Further Data:	If you like this palm see Rhapis excelsa, Licuala ramsayi, Licuala radula, Licuala elegans and Sabal mauritiiformis.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $52.50
(Note: these are a simply ship for mail order)

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS SPECIES $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $70

Below I'm showing photos of a large specimen at the nursery

CYCAD HYBRID - CYCAS REVOLUTA X DEBAOENSIS
INTERESTING AND FAIRLY COLD HARDY HYBRID

TAKES PART DAY SUN
NEVER TOO TALL - VERY RARE CROSS
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE PLANTS

With the introduction of the very rare Cycas debaoensis, it was just a matter of time before this cross was done. It's between the Sago Palm (seed bearer with this cross) and the aforementioned debaoensis. It is an interesting hybrid with bifurcation of the leaflets or leaf stems. See photos below. I'd recommend growing it in part day sun. Cold tolerance should be into the upper teens F. This hybrid has only been recently offered for sale. I'm showing in the 3rd row of photos one picture of the C. revoluta followed by two of the C. debaoensis.

I anticipate it'll be a small to medium sized mature plants. It's a great alternative to using the common Cycas revoluta. Leaf color will be green and there will be some spines of the leaf stems. Sorry, but there are no reputable photos of this hybrid in a mature size available at this time. I'm showing our five gallon size below. Caudex size is about two to three inches. I can't show a mature plant for you as I know of none around.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLONS $185

These would be easy to mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of green South African cycad is a medium sized mature plant with trunks up to about five feet. They are un-branched and have green leaves that are about five feet long. The leaves are straight and leaflets point toward the end of the leaf. In the wild stands in the Natal area of RSA, there are only about a hundred plants remaining. Shown here in the first two rows of photos is our 5 gallon size we're putting on Special. These plants have caudexes of 2 to 3 inches. The third row of photos show a huge boxed specimen at our nursery. The last row shows domestic plants and a close up of the leaflets. This size can be mail ordered. In our area, this is a full sun plant with a cold hardiness into the low 20's F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $155

Remember, mention this Special when you order. We, of course, have other sizes of this species for sale.

MACROZAMIA COMMUNIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD FROM EASTERN AUSTRALIA

GREAT COOL WEATHER CYCAD FOR MAN AREAS
TEN DAY SPECIAL DECADES OLD 25G SPECIMEN CYCAD

In contrast to Macrozamia riedlei, this species is from the opposite eastern coast of Australia in the New South Whales district. There is has a wide distribution extending south to more cool areas. Trunks are rather thick and can be up to six or so feet tall. Leaves are green with fine pointed leaflets and a leaf length of about six feet. To get a nice mature specimen takes 30 years or more. I'd estimate the cold hardiness to be down to about 20 degrees F. or a bit colder. It prefers full sun in most areas. On special is a 20 to 25 years old specimen in a 25g pot and a caudex 12 inches wide and 12 inches tall. It is shown in the first six photos. The eighth photo is c/o plantsystematics.org website.nn

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON SPECIMEN $1900
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1500

SILVER BRAKE FERN
PTERIS CRETICA

TWO COLORED LEAVES
LIKES FILTERED LIGHT - NOT TOO TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The hallmark of this fern are the green and white leaflets. There are various varieties of this species. On some the lighter color is a white, others sort of yellow and also some with silver inner portions of the leaflets. Leaves come from crawling rhizomes and are about 12 to 18 inches long. This species like ample moisture, filtered light and is cold tolerance to a bit below a freeze. We are offering 5 gallons on sale.

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

We might also have some one gallons available.

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA
BRAZILIAN CANDLES
RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE!

AND, BLOSSOMS ALL YEAR LONG!
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

In the past I introduced you to this interesting and super rare plant from Brazil. This species in unique because it grows in the shade, never gets over about eight feet tall, blossoms in the shade and never stops blossoming. Yes, in the dead of winter you'll see red blossoms. And, these trees are prolific. When mature, these trees will have twenty to thirty blossoms year-round. This species is an open appearing plant with foliage and blossoms at the ends of its small trunks. Blossom size is two to three inches in length. Pictures here show them quite well. This species is also very difficult to find. The plants on sale are starter plants. But, grow them on. It’s well worth it.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $40

Just mention this Blog Only Special for your discount when you purchase. Of note, small plants should blossom by spring but it’ll take five years or more to get an overhead wide tree. Previous larger plants at the nursery shown below as well.

ENSETE VENTICOSUM "MAURELII"
THE RED BANANA

LARGE SINGLE TRUNK TROPICAL PLANT
RED COLOR TO FOLIAGE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE AND FIFTEEN GALLON GALLON SIZES

On sale are nice one gallon plants of the Red Banana, Ensete ventricosum mauerlii. This is a quick growing tropical plant that can get to ten to fifteen feet tall and grows in full coastal sun. Leaves are green with prominent red to both the dorsal and ventral sides. Trunks are at least 18 inches thick and leaves are fleshy and soft - typical of bananas and Ensete. It does not be edible fruit. Cold hardiness is down to about a freeze. Colder weather damages the leaves in winter. This is a fast growing plant but typically only lives for 5 to 7 years before flowering and dying. The garden photo is by Linda Cochran. We're putting our nice 15g on Special as well as juvenile 1 gallon (first and second row of photos). The 1 gallon should be easy to mail order. You'll note that the larger 15g plants show the red leaves a lot more.

REGULAR PRICE FIFTEEN GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $175

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $40

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
PINK BLOSSOM

REEDSTEM TYPE TERRESTRIAL ORCHID
HARD TO FIND PINK-PURPLE COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

The family of Epidendron Orchids are loaded with species/varieties of lots of different colors. These include pink, purple, orange, red, white and yellow. We have an assortment of blossom colors in one to five gallon pots. Shown is a 5 gallon with pink flowers. All sizes and colors are on sale. All are easy to grow. These plants have reed-like stems, most of which will blossom in summer. Leaves are thick and small and plants can be divided in the future to easily add to other areas of the garden. They'll take coastal full sun or strong filtered light. Some sun is needed for flowering. You can plant these right in the soil. They are cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F. BTW, other than the orange blossoming type, call the other colors are difficult to find. You’ll love them in your garden or in a pot. Once again, we'd give a discount on any size or color of these. Shown is a 5 gallon pink. Trust that they are a definite pink although the photos show an orange-pink.

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

The pink 5g are in the first two rows of photos. The last row is of smaller purple.

END OF OLDER POSTS FULL VERSION FOR JANUARY, 2024
BUT THERE'S EARLIER POSTS FROM DECEMBER - CLICK BELOW

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

  All major credit cards accepted

Visitors in past ten years shown in small blue counting box above. About 14 million people since 1997.

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

Exotic Anthurium species	Livistona concinna	Pseudophoenix sargentii
Monstera deliciosa	Astrocaryum mexicana	Coccorthrinax crinita leaf
Ceratoz.europohyllidia leaf	Bismarckia nobilis	Pentagonia macrophylla
Licuala grandis leaf	Microcycas calocoma	Satakentia liukiensis
Coccothrinax species	Coccothrinax crinita trunk	Cryosophila williamsonii
Hyphanae dichotoma	Roystonea species	Kerriodoxa elegans
Licuala grandis	Delonix floribunda	Phoenix loureiroi var. loureiroi
Alcantarea imperialis	Cycas ophiolitica	Cycas thouarsii
Livistona marie	Heliconia blossom	Base of Pandanus species
Fruit of Pandanus species	Pachypodium lameri	Leaf Imprint in Concrete Step

ARCHONTOPHOENIX ALEXANDRAE RARE TYPE KING PALM
CARYOTA GIGAS KING KONG FISHTAIL PALM
CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI THE BLOND FLAME THROWER PALM
RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA SHAVING BRUSH PALM
JUBAEA CHILENSIS CHILEAN WINE PALM

Chambeyronia seeds with red fruit	Jubaea chilensis fruit, ripe	Cleaning fruit off Jubaea chilensis
Butia capitata seeds with fresh, ripe and yellow fruit	Livistona saribus seeds with blue fruit	Green seeds Chamaedorea tepejilote
Green seeds, not ready to pick	Bad palm seed, collapsed with pinch test	Bad seed, all collapsed with pinch test
You must remove the primative hard fruit from this Pelagodoxa henryanaseed	Dry, scaly coat of Metroxylon amicarum must be removed	Same with these Attalea sp. seeds
Float test: Note floating seeds- no good	Float test - Astrocaryum seeds floating	Float Test: Note good seeds sink to bottom
Cavity in bad Astrocaryum mexicanum seeds	Cavity in Astrocaryum mexicanum	Cavity in bad Gastrococos crispa seeds
Totally cleaned Jubaea seeds	Good seed cut open - firm inner tissue throughout	Results of proper seed care and germination

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

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

THE PERFECT COMPANION PLANT

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

KAHILI GINGER HEDYCHIUM GARDNERIANUM

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DIOON EDULE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

EXOTIC FERNS

COMMON TO RARE & UNUSUAL FERNS FOR SALE - MOST LIKE SHADE, SOME LIKE COASTAL SUN SPECIES BELOW OFTEN AVAILABLE AT NURSERY IF WE DON'T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT, WE CAN PROBABLY ORDER THEM

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

PHOTOS OF ASSORTED TROPICAL PLANTS FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN - MIAMI, FL

HOWEA BELMOREANA THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM

BRAHEA BRANDEGEEI A TALL, QUICK GROWING BRAHEA

SABAL PALMETTO THE PALMETTO PALM

ROYSTONEA OLERACEA THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

EPIDENDRON ORCHID VARIOUS COLORS AVAILABLE - PINK – BLOSSOMS SHOWN HERE

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

LIVISTONA SARIBUS LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

DYPSIS PEMBANA SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA" THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DIOON EDULE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

THE MOOSEHORN FERN PLATYCERUM SUPERBUM

HIBISCUS MIDNIGHT RED BLOSSOM

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM THE CAT PALM

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

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

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DIOON MEROLAE SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

MAIDENHAIR FERN GENUS ADIANTUM

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

CHAMAEDOREA BENZIEI RARE SINGLE TRUNK CHAMAEDOREA LIKE C. RADICALIS ON STEROIDS!

PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS TALL PALM WITH BLUE-GREEN LEAVES

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

BRAHEA NITIDA FLAT GREEN LEAF - NATIVE TO MEXICO

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS MUCHII BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

SABAL ETONIA SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM VAR GIGANTEUM VARIEGATED GIANT LEOPARD LIGULARIA

PHOTOS OF ASSORTED CYCADS AROUND THE NURSERY

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS HOWEA FORSTERIANA

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

SABAL MINOR THE DWARF PALMETTO

AECHMEA SPECIES BRANCHING YELLOW BLOSSOM

CLIVIA MINIATA FLOWERS IN EARLY SPRING - ORANGE VARIETY FILTERED LIGHT PLANT - EASY TO GROW

PHOENIX RUPICOLA THE CLIFF DATE PALM

PINANGA JAVANA SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

PRESTOEA MONTANA AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS
PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM
ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

KAHILI GINGER
HEDYCHIUM GARDNERIANUM

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA
THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

COMMON TO RARE & UNUSUAL FERNS FOR SALE -
MOST LIKE SHADE, SOME LIKE COASTAL SUN
SPECIES BELOW OFTEN AVAILABLE AT NURSERY
IF WE DON'T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT, WE CAN PROBABLY ORDER THEM

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

PHOTOS OF ASSORTED TROPICAL PLANTS
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN - MIAMI, FL

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM

BRAHEA BRANDEGEEI
A TALL, QUICK GROWING BRAHEA

SABAL PALMETTO
THE PALMETTO PALM

ROYSTONEA OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS KISAMBO
EXOTIC CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA
BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

TILLANDSIA CLUSTERS
MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA
BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
VARIOUS COLORS AVAILABLE - PINK – BLOSSOMS SHOWN HERE

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERUM SUPERBUM

HIBISCUS MIDNIGHT
RED BLOSSOM

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK

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

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

MAIDENHAIR FERN
GENUS ADIANTUM

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

CHAMAEDOREA BENZIEI
RARE SINGLE TRUNK CHAMAEDOREA
LIKE C. RADICALIS ON STEROIDS!

PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS
TALL PALM WITH BLUE-GREEN LEAVES

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA
FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

BRAHEA NITIDA
FLAT GREEN LEAF - NATIVE TO MEXICO

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS MUCHII
BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA
CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM
WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

SABAL ETONIA
SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM VAR GIGANTEUM
VARIEGATED GIANT LEOPARD LIGULARIA

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

AECHMEA SPECIES
BRANCHING YELLOW BLOSSOM

CLIVIA MINIATA
FLOWERS IN EARLY SPRING - ORANGE VARIETY
FILTERED LIGHT PLANT - EASY TO GROW

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

LIVISTONA LANGINOSA
THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA

ZAMIA AMBLYPHYLLIDIA
DWARF GREEN CYCAD