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SALE ON BUNDLE OF SMALL CYCADS
MIX AND MATCH
BAND OR ONE GALLON SIZE
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FRIDAY, 28 JUNE, 2024

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.

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELE
RARE, ELEGANT, THIN TRUNK PALM

UPRIGHT LEAVES
FROM NEW CALEDONIA

Shown here is a gorgeous example of one of the more beautiful of the New Caledonian palms. Cyphophoenix nucele is from Lifou Island, gets to a height of twenty-five to thirty feet and takes strong filtered light or part day sun in most coastal areas. It has a thin trunk with lots of silver color. Leaves tend to but upright as opposed to C. elegans where the leaves are more arched. The last three pictures are from the late Mardi Darian's garden in Vista, CA. You'll notice how healthy it looks in strong filtered light. The nursery plant shown is a 15g but we also have 5g plants. I'd estimate the cold tolerance into the mid to upper twenties F. Very limited numbers are available. This plant can be shipped or delivered if needed. It was grown from seed and is about eight years old.

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI
THE SOUTH AMERICAN "COCONUT PALM"

TALL SUN PALM – SUPER ATTRACTIVE
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED 15 GALLON

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 as described below.

Parajubaeas are all from South America. About twenty-five 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. These are super hard to find nowadays.
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. It is best to start them in strong filtered light. Germination of seeds is difficult and demands a "long thermometer" with hot days and cold nights. The 8^th photo below is by Gaston Torres and the last photo by PlantAPalm website.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 15 GALLON $350
SALE PRICE THSE 15 GALLON $295 - SUPPLY LIMITED

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

BRAHEA NITIDA
NEAR COMPLETELY CIRCULAR FLAT GREEN LEAF
NATIVE TO MEXICO

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

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

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

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

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

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

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

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

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

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 OR 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 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 5g size. We may have both larger and smaller size.

REGULAR PRICE 3 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $125

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

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

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

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

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

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

PTYCHOSPERMA SALOMONENSE
QUICK GROWING, CROWN SHAFTED

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

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

faster growing
taller
has wider leaflets
has larger leaves

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

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

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

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 $135
DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

COCCOTHRINAX ARGENTATA
MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

SMALL TRUNK - SILVER BACK TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This smaller and very cute 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. Mature height is rarely to twenty feet. Leaves are about three to four feet across and prominently divided into segments. 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 2 gallon plants on sale. This species is ideal for people who want shorter but attractive sun tolerant palms. But, particularly in pots, it is slow growing.

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

Just mention this Blog Special when you purchase for your discount. BTW, I mentioned this species is slow growing. The plant shown is five years old.

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. The one gallon on special are good sized for thier pots and should be repotted soon.

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

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. The one gallon plants are shown in the first five photos below. The 6th photo shows a 15g Nursery plant that is no longer available.

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

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

ROYSTONEA OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

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

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

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

Easy to mail order.

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ARCHING LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE SEEDLING SIZE

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

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

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA
VERY SOUGHT AFTER BY ENTHUSIAST

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 24 month old with two to three leaves. We rarely put them on special. They are shown in the first three photos. The 4th photo is our 15 gallon plants.

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

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

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON PLANTS

This small to medium sized exotic cycad is from southwestern China. Only in the past 20 years has this species been available in the U.S. It has green upright leaves and can develop a trunk about three feet tall. Leaves are green and leaflets narrow and shiny. Sometimes you’ll see the leaflets twisted on their axis. It comes from elevations of 1000 to 1500 feet or more and has potential to have reasonable cold hardiness, at least into the mid and possibly low 20’s F. The crown width is about eight feet across with leaf lengths of three to five feet. At the nursery it seems to grow quite well. We’re putting nice one gallon plants on special. The 7^th photo, by George Yao at PACSOA, shows a plant in full sun although growers may get away with part day sun as well. Caudex size is 1-2 inches.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON PLANTS $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE ONE GALLON $115

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

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.

ENCEPHALARTOS LAURENTIANUS
THE GIANT KWANGO CYCAD
SPECTACULAR CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO GALLON PLANTS AS SHOWN $325 –
ALMOST SOLD OUT THIS SPECIES!

DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA
THE TASMANIAN TREE FERN

FAIRLY COLD HARDY, THINNER TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5G SIZE

This typically single trunk tree fern is native to Southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It is much slower growing than the Australian Tree Fern above and has a mature height typically of 8 to 10 feet although they can get even taller. Trunks are a similar diameter to the Australian Tree Fern. Of note, apparently the lower trunk is filled with old, decaying trunk material and new roots grow through this material to get water and nutrition. Cuttings of the top of the trunk can be re-established and root out. This plant likes a bit of sun or filtered light and also loves water. Cold tolerance is 25 degrees F. or lower. The 5g on sale here are very nice as shown.

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

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount.

BRAZILIAN RED CLOAK
MEGASKEPASMA ERYTHROCHLAMYS

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

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 & 1.5 GALLON $49.50

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

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE, 2024

HOW DOES ONE TELL IF HIS PALM IS DEAD?

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

MARK THE NEW SPEAR!

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

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.

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

LARGEST SPECIMENS YOU'LL SEE FOR SALE
GET TO OVER 20 FEET AND TAKE COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON - HUGE 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 four plants which are each about fifteen feet tall in their pots. These four 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 (shown below in today's Blog) 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. See photos of containerized plants below. We do have a few with as lesser numbers of canes that are a bit less expensive. And, yes, because of its rarity and difficulty in finding the "real thing", this species is expensive. The garden photo is by FM at the LAA. These oldest/largest divisions were taken from forty year old specimens and have taken ten years to establish as you see them now. On note, we have some 25 gallon with less canes that cost about $400 less.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SPECIMENS AS SHOWN BELOW $1750

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 $220

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 twelve years old in a 25g pot. If we ever run out of this species, C. glaucifolia is very similar and has the same growing requirements.

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
ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS

15 GALLON ON TEN DAY SPECIAL

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 THESE 15 GALLON $150

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

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

This pinnate New World species is another favorite of mine. There are multiple species of Roystonea. The most common and sought after species is the Cuban Royal, Roystonea regia. Compared to the South American Royal Palm, Roystonea regia's leaves hang down past (lower than) the midway point of the crown. Roystonea oleracea's leaves stop at the "half moon" point and don't hang down near the trunk.

Royal Palms love heat and sun. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. They are fast growers. We have a pretty good supply available of assorted sizes. Note how the base of the well grown Royal Palm is quite swollen and fat. On up the trunk there is variable swelling present. The plants I'm putting on special today are an easily shipped size of 5 gallon but would take a tall box. They are about 6 to 8 feet tall in their pots.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase. Note: All the garden photos below were taken in Southern California. Yes, they grow easily in many areas here.

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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $125

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

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 1 GALLON $115

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

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SMALLER TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

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

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

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

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

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

Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

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

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.

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND 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 palm with a rather thin trunk of about eight inches that gets to a height of approximately 25 to 30 feet. I 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 less. 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. The one larger nursery plant below is a nice 25 gallon. I'd recommend morning sun, a few hours of mid day sun, or bright filtered light. It's a great species to grow and mail order is easy within the U.S. .

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

Remember: Mention this Special for you discount.

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 SIZED SEEDLING $55

ZAMIA FURFURACEA
THE CARDBOARD CYCAD
COMPACT GREEN DWARF CYCAD WITH NO SPINES

TEN DAY SPECIAL MATURE 30 YEAR OLD CYCAD

This popular dwarf cycad is from Mexico and rarely gets over four feet tall. Mature, thihs species typically reaches a height of three to four feet. Plants do cluster and form low profile clumps. Stems can get typically to about 12 inches although taller stems are seen in the wild. Leaves are almost always under 36 inches long with a plant height rarely over about five feet. Leaflets are wide, short and have no spines or armor. This is a very user-friendly plant. It tolerates full sun along the coast and needs filtered light in the desert. Cold hardiness is into the low 20's F, perhaps a bit lower.

We're offering here a mature specimen cycad with many heads of leaves. It has five or maybe six individual caudexes. Each caudex is an estimated 4 inches. It’s holding about 30 leaves.

REGULAR PRICE THIS MATURE CLUSTERING CYCAD $1095
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $795

You must mention this Blog only special when purchasing to get this price. BTW, I'd estimate that this plant will be the size of the 8th photo below in several years.

DIOON CALIFANOI
MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

KEELED, ARCHING LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE

There is some type of seductive quality to this rare species of Dioon. I think it's because of the compact, rigid, keeled and curved leaves. At times they are a bit bizarre appearing - but 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 low 20's F. The ten year old plant below is in a 15 gallon pot with a caudex of 3.5 inches.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 7 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 3.5 INCHES $625
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 7 GALLON $515

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase. This size is easy to mail order.

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

ALOCASIA WENTII
SEMI-DWARF TROPICAL ELEPHANT EAR PLANT

PURPLE UNDERSIDE TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD 7 GALLON PLANTS

This is a species of Elephant Ear Alocasia. Some feel it comes from the island of New Guinea but others feel that it is a hybrid of unknown origin. The reason I mention it is because it is known to be quite cold hardy, perhaps even adaptable to growing zone 7B. It is a small plant, typically under 3 feet. The dorsal side of the leaves are green while the underside is purple-black. It prefers to stay dry in the winter and likes filtered light. It is a nice companion plant for any garden. Shown below are 7 gallon plants that are on Special.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON THIS SPECIES $165
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE $135

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase.

ALOCASIA WENTII
SEMI-DWARF TROPICAL ELEPHANT EAR PLANT

PURPLE UNDERSIDE TO LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

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.

TWO VARIEGATED HIBISCUS
ONE WITH RED FLOWERS, ONE WITH YELLOW

FORM SMALL BUSHES OR TREES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE & FIVE GALLON PLANTS

Below I am showing you two different variegated Hibiscus.

1. Variegated Hibiscus cooperi - first five photos - red flower
2. Variegated Hibiscus tileaceus hamoe - photos 6 through 8 - yellow flower

All of our Hibiscus have been propagated from cuttings off a mother tree. Some have several plants per pot. As most of you know, Hibiscus make a bush or small tree. Plants are being grown from temperate to tropical localities. Leaves are typically green with finely serrated edges. The two plants on sale are more rare variegated forms but still have the colorful blossoms. All need adequate sunlight. They do not like severe cold weather. Cold makes the flower buds drop off. Keep them damp but not soggy.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON, EITHER TYPE $40
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 OR 5 GALLON, EITHER TYPE $85

These can be mail ordered but are sort of fragile for traveling and no guarantees can be for perfect condition arrival. Note, we are running out of both of these species.

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

AVAILABILITY CHANGES WEEKLY
SPECIAL ON THESE GORGEOUS PLANTS

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

REGULAR PRICE THESE 3 GALLON VARIETIES OF HAWAIIAN TI $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON TI'S $47.50

MONDAY, 24 JUNE, 2024

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM
ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS

MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM WITH HAIRY TRUNK

To get an overhead canopy of leaves may take one about ten years. Mature, they get to a height of 20 feet or more. 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.

We have available a good number of very large 24 inch box or 25 gallon size with six to eight feet of trunk - photos to follow on a future Blog post. Leaves are overhead in the pot and the trunks are thick and healthy. We are going to repot these into 30 inch boxes shortly if they don't sell.

INTERESTING CYCAD PHOTOS
SPECIES, GARDENS, CHARACTERISTICS

ASSORTED GENERA - RANDOM ORDER
MANY AVAILABLE AT NURSERY

This is a presentation of random cycad photos of interest. Shown are Nursery, garden and habitat photos with some close up pictures to show plant characteristics. I'm hoping you'll find this presentation fun and help stimulate your recognition of some of the species. I'll try in the future to do a follow up of this type of post.

Ceratozamia hildae	Ceratozamia species - new red leaf	Encephalartos princeps, blue leaf
Ceratozamia robusta	Cycas bifida	Dioon califanoi habitat
Assorted Cycads in Garden	Assorted Cycads in Garden - Vista, CA	Ceratozamia mexicana new leaf
Dioon spinulosum	Dioon mejiae	Dioon merolae
Ceratozamia miquelliana	Mature Ceratozamia species	Cycas circinalis
Ceratozamia robusta female cone	Cycas bifida leaf closeup	Encephalartos natalensis
Encephalartos arenarius leaflets	Encephalartos natalensis	Encephalartos ferox red female cone
Zamia standleyi	Zamia splendens	Encephalartos longifolius blunt tip leaflet
Encephalartos paucidentatus leaf	Encephalartos villosus male cones	Encephalartos longifolius
Zamia skinneri RM	Cycas panzhihuaensis	Cycas curranii

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 15 GALLON SIZE

We have available some nice 15g 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. We are putting our 15g size on special - shown in first six photos. This size is about seven years old. Yes, they are slow growing! We only have a few left this size.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for this discount.

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 $225

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

TRITHRINAX ACANTHICOMA
AKA TRITHRINAX BRASILIENSIS

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

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

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

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

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

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

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

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

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.

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA
THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SEVERAL PLANTS PER POT
LOOK BEST IN GROUPS
TEN DAY SPECIAL SINGLE 5 GALLON SIZE

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

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

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

SERENOA REPENS
SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

SUCKERING, SEMI-DWARF FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY, SUN LOVING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This suckering fan palm is native to the southeastern gulf states of the U.S. and some adjacent island areas. Native habitats even extend up into the Carolinas. It gets to a mature height of six to eight feet. It loves sun and heat. Leaf color varies from blue to green or somewhere in-between. The plants on sale today are in 5 gallon pots but not overly large. We do have larger, but on this batch are offering a very good price. It is slow growing and has smaller sized leaves. It forms a clump over time. The plants on special are about four years old. Of note, young plants never show blue - but these plants are just showing it. Cold hardiness is into the upper teens F. The last row of photos show plants in gardens or habitat.

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

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

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

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

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

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.

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.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF KING PALM

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

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

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMIS
SINGLE TRUNK, DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM

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

This species has a native distribution that spreads from Southern Mexico down throughout Central America. There are some minor differences in plants from the various areas. Chamaedorea geonomiformis is single trunk and has a simple, bifed leaf as shown here. It's mature height ranges from two feet up to about five feet tall. When trying to identify this species, particularly look at the leaf size, shape, length and width. You'll note that the leaves of this species are longer than they are wide. Compare this to C. ernesti-agusti below that has very wide leaflets. Leaf color is green. Vertical growth is slow. We only have a few of these for sale. I'd estimate cold hardiness into the upper teens perhaps but most assuredly to the mid-twenties. These plants were grown from seeds from Don Hodel’s personal plants. This species does not like direct sun.

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

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

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. This size can be mail ordered.

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

SUCKERING UNDERSTORY PALM - MEDIUM HEIGHT
EASY TO GROW - A GREAT INTERIOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

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 diameer 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 lower 20's F.

Below I'm showing in the first six photos our starter plants in band size. But, they are not small. Most are 18 to 24 inches tall. Some have started to sucker. We do have larger sizes available. The bands would be easy to mail order. BTW, this species is fairly difficult to find. The 8th photo is c/o TS at RPS.

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

ENCEPHALARTOS LATIFRONS
GREEN TO BLUE-GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD
ONE OF THE MOST RARE CYCADS IN THE WORLD

JUST IN - LIMITED NUMBER 5 GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is endemic to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There are a number of very small and scattered plants in two populations in habitat. This species is on the verge of extinction, decreasing populations can be linked to poaching, agriculture and farming. The climate is hot and dry, rarely freezes and gets very little rain during summer months (the "wet" season). Plants grow in rocky soil and hills, in grasslands and amongst dry scrub brush vegetation. This is a medium sized plant. Leaves can range in size from a meter to a meter and a half depending on cultivar. Stems tend can reach approximately three meters (ancient plant, this is a VERY slow growing species). This species name comes from the Latin words meaning "broad leafed".

E. latifrons is exceptionally rare and has been on the brink of extinction for well over a century. It has green or blue green leaves. There are two distinct cultivars of this plant, "Trappes Valley" and " green hills". Between the two types, the Trappes Valley form is more sought after. It has wide leaflets with prominent lobes (a modified spine) which stack heavily. The leaves also tend to be a bit shorter with a bit more curl (though curl can vary between plants). The green hills variety has smaller leaflets which are spread further apart. The leaves are longer and tend to have a more dull color. Between the two types, the green hills cultivar is a better grower, but isn't nearly as attractive. E. latifrons tend to be dark green on the top of the leaflet and a lighter green (yellow green or blue green) below. Also, they have prominent veining on the bottom side of the leaflet as well. Leaflet are thick and sturdy, with prominent spines. The petioles are armed as well, making this a fairly sharp species. In coastal and inland areas, this plant wants to be in full sun. In desert areas, partial sun or filtered light is ideal. This plant need a soil that drains well.

From a plant enthusiast’s point of view, this is one of the most difficult cycads to obtain in all countries. And, they are always expensive. We got in a limited number of these for sale – all from domestic seed by an experienced grower. They are about four years old and we’re putting them on special. Caudex size is about an inch. Most have three leaves. This size can be mail ordered with the U.S. When these sell out it may be several years before we have them again.

REGULAR PRICE THESE JUVENILE 5 GALLON THIS SPECIES $495
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLON AS DESCRIBED $400

MACROZAMIA MACDONNELLII
EXTREMELY RARE AND SOUGHT AFTER SUN-LOVING CYCAD

BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD WITH FULL HEAD OF LEAVES
JUST AVAILABLE - A FEW JUVENILE PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE JUVENILE PLANTS

This is another super rare and sought after species of cycad. Macrozamia macdonnellii is from the Northern Territory, Australia where it's natural habitat tends to be dry and rugged. It is often seen in gullies in the local landscape. It is a medium sized cycad with blue or blue-green leaves with fine leaflets. Leaf lenth can be up to a few meters long. Trunks tend to be stout. It wants full sun except perhaps in desert areas. Cold hardiness should be down to about 20 degrees F. Seeds are essentially non-available except from a domestic collector who has both sexes. We just got in two such juvenile plants from such a collector. They'll be gone quickly. We haven't had this species for sale for several years. The two plants we have are in one gallon pots and are shippable. We only have this species available in any size every few years.

TEN DAY SPECIAL SUPER RARE ONE GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS AS SHOWN $225

CYCAS THOUARSII
MEDIUM SIZED - SOFT GREEN LEAVES
FAST GROWING, EXOTIC APPEARING

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT

The first six photos here show a plant I'm putting on special. This is a very nice 15gallon plant with a caudex that is approximately 5 x 18 inches and probably an age of about 12 to 15 years. It came from a collection of container grown plant that were outdoors in Orange County, CA. Below the plant for sale are garden photos. This species is native to Madagascar, the eastern coast of Africa and the Comoro Islands. It is a 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. This species trunks are about eight to ten inches thick with leaves 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.

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 nice 5g plants and larger. Shipping possible but it'd take a very tall box.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $650

Remember: Mention this special for this great price!

ENCEPHALARTOS DYERIANUS
EXTREMELY RARE & HARD TO FIND SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

NATIVE TO THE TRANSVAAL DISTRICT
TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT SIZE WITH ABOUT 2 INCH CAUDEX

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. On Special and shown below are citrus pot sized plants with 1.5 to 2 inch caudexes. We have a petty nice supply of them. Age is about 6 years. They were grown from domestic seed and pollinated by a very knowledgeable enthusiast. Most have four leaves. The first six photos below show what these plants look like. They are definitely starting to show nice blue color. We may also have other sizes availble. The last row of photos show some garden specimens.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 1.5 TO 2 INCH CAUDEXES $600

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZED PLANT THIS SIZE $425

ENCEPHALARTOS NUBIMONTANUS
SUPER RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZED PLANT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX

This extemely rare blue cycad is endemic to the Limpopo province, South Africa. The species is almost gone in the wild, populations are small and scattered. It is among the species located in the Transvaal region of South Africa, and is highly sought after. 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. Leaf color is blue to blue-grey. The leaflets and petioles are mildly armed and can be almost completely unarmed in some cases. Compared to the similar E. lehmannii, the princeps leaflets face into the central leaf crown whereas lehmannii face upwards toward the sky. This cycad 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. 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. We are offering our citrus pot sized plants with 2 inch caudexes on special. They have caudexes of 2 inches. The last row of photos shows mature plants of this species. These plants can easily be shipped. We may also have older and larger plants available. Finally, I want to emphasizxe that this is an extremely rare and sought after species.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT SIZED PLANTS WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $600
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $375

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH 2.5 INCH CAUDEX

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 5 gallon sized plants with caudexes of 2.5 inches. We also have some in 5g and citrus pot in 3 to 4 inches. Most will have either blue or blue green leaves. (from blue parents) but need age and sun to show the blue. These are easy to mail order, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH 2.5 INCH CAUDEX $425
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 2.5 INCHES $300

Remember that we do have larger plants available, even for mail order.

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

VARIETY THAT CHIQUITA UTILIZES FOR MARKET FRUIT
TEN DAY SPECIAL NEAR FRUITING SIZE 15 GALLON

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 $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $165

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.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $35

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $65

BLACK ROSE, STARBURST AND OTHERS
AEONIUM ARBOREUM

BLACK-RED , VARIEGATED AND GREEN VARIETIES
SMALL AND EASY TO GROW
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS

Country or area of origin: Canary Islands
Mature height: In ground, typically 2 to 3 feet
Sun Requirements:  Sun in coastal areas
Cold Tolerance:  To mid-20's F.
Water Requirements:  Water conserving
Rate of Growth:  Fast growing in ground
Sizes Available: 1g, 2g and 5g - varies
Regular Prices:  5 gallon size as shown $75
Size shown:  5 gallon

Comments: This dwarf succulent is best known for its short plump and colorful leaves. It loves sun and is easy to grow. Over time plants will have forking trunks with tons of leaves. It's easy color for the garden without getting too big. Shown are a black variety, a variegated green one and a chameleon-like species that varies from green to gold. Our availability varies, but we try to always have a nice assortment in stock. These are easy to mail order

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G AEONIUMS $75

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY, 21 JUNE, 2024

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX
THE NEEDLE PALM
THE WORLD'S MOST COLD HARDY PALM!

In the past I've tried to show you a good assortment of very cold hardy palm species. This particular species, the Needle Palm, is without doubt, the most cold hardy of them all. It can tolerate temperatures below zero degrees F. People have been able to grow this species (sometimes with cold protection) in "non-palm growing" areas such as Utah, New Mexico, Ohio, New York, etc. It is not a tall species, typically getting to about eight feet. It is a fan palm, it suckers freely and in many areas tolerates full sun. It is known as the "Needle Palm" because of the presence of fairly long black "neele-like" spines randomly directed on the trunk. I like it the most when it's grown in strong filtered light or part day sun because the leaves are a darker green. Photos below show a "Rhapis-looking" leaf with a dark, olive green appearance. It is native to southeast United States. We typically have available an assortment of sizes from seedlings and 5g plants and sometimes 15g plants - but this varies over time. Sometimes we sell out. This is a slow growing species and for me to make a nice 15g takes about 8 years. Seeds are produced on very short flower stocks, so collecting seeds means you have to carefully reach in between needles to get your harvest.

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

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

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

BECCARIOPHOENIX MADAGASCARENSIS
AKA "BECCARIOPHOENIX NO-WINDOWS""

LARGER PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS RARELY SEEN 20 GALLON SIZE

It was not too long ago when Beccariophoenix was felt to be a monotypic genus with only one species. Now it is recognized that there are three different species:

Beccariophoenix species "windows", presently called Beccariophoenix fenestralis.
Beccriophoenix madagascarensis, previously known as "Beccariophoenix no windows"
Beccariophoenix alfredii, a more recently named species that is the number one species of this genus that we sell.

All three are single trunk, medium to large plants from Madagascar. Along the coast, all can take full sun. Estimated cold hardiness is into the mid and perhaps lower 20's F. The species we're putting on special is a 20 gallon specimen of the "No-Windows" variety, B. madagascarensis. You'll not see these around hardly at all in Southern California. This plant is older and in the pinnate stage of it's development. Contrast this with the "windows" form (fenestralis) which has small leaf openings, similar to small window panes, in the leaf - between the leaflets. With time these disappear and it becomes a pinnate palm. The 20 gallon on special is very nicely sized and at least 12 years old. It is too heavy for standard UPS shipping.

REGULAR PRICE 20 GALLON THIS RARE PALM $695
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 20 GALLON SPECIMEN $595

The garden photos are of a palm that's not fully mature yet in San Diego, CA

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.

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

GREEN LEAVES WITH SILVER BACKS
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON THE FEW 15 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 15 gallon nursery plant. These were grown from seeds that we got over ten years ago. Yes, they are slow growing. A habitat photo by T. Spanner is also shown. For those of you in colder areas, this is a great palm. We only have a few left for sale. Mail order possible in a large box.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $325
TEN DAY SPECIAL OUR LAST FEW PLANTS $275

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

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

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

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

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

DON'T LIKE TOO MUCH NITROGEN
LIMITED SUPPLIES AVAILABLE - 5 & 15 GALLON
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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.

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.

TEN DAY SPECIAL: 15% OFF ANY VARIEGATED RHAPIS IN STOCK

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

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

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

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

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

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

DYPSIS BARONII
IDEAL RARE SUCKERING MADAGASCAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – TOLERATES SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 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 5g 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 5 GALLO $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $120

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX
THE NEEDLE PALM

WORLD'S MOST COLD HARDY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE LEAD ARTICLE TODAY'S POST

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

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

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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 5 GALLON $125

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

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 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.

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.

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

GORGEOUS CROWN SHAFT - VERY ELEGANT MATURE PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND SIZE

Of the Shaving Brush Palm family, this is the hardest one to find. And, many think it's the prettiest and most desirable species. Some consider it to be a variety of R. baueri. We like to consider it a species. Native to Raoul Island, an island well off the eastern side of New Zealand, this species has a medium sized trunk and reaches a height of twenty five feet. The crown shaft is gorgeous but not as swollen as R. sapida. I have some customers who report the crown shaft being a purple color. On younger plants, the leaf stems are red colored as shown here. Cold tolerance is the low 20's F. It will take coastal sun or consider morning sun or strong filtered light inland. The band size are four to five years old and absolutey huge for their pots - needing repotting or putting into the garden.

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

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



5g size

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS
SUPER BLUE SO AFRICAN CYCAD

MOST POPULAR CYCAD - LOVES SUN ALONG THE COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE 5 GALLON PLANTS

By far, the most popular rare cycad we sell is Encephalartos horridus. It is native to the Natal district of South Africa. 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. Surprisingly, this is a hard species to find. We’re offering 5 gallon plants with caudex size of 1 to 2 inches. Most have four leaves or more. All were grown from domestic seeds. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON PLANTS WITH ABOUT FOUR TO FIVE LEAVES $295
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLON AS DESCRIBED ABOVE $250

ENCEPHALARTOS INOPINUS
UNBELIEABLY DIFFICULT CYCAD TO FIND – THIN FALCATE LEAFLETS

SUN CYCAD IN MOST AREAS - OFTEN BLUE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TREE POT SIZED SEEDLINGS

Encephalartos inopinus is endemic to the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The climate is hot and dry. E. inopinus grows primarily in precipitous rock (rocky soil, rocky outcroppings, cliffs, etc.) which often have a high dolomite content. The habitat consists of thick dry brush and drought tolerant species. This is a small to medium sized species. Leaves can grow between a meter to a meter and a half. Stems can reach a height of over four meters over the centuries. This species will make basal suckers, but does so sparingly. This plant has beautiful falcate (sickle shaped) leaflets, which can vary in color. They can be green, blue/green or a powdery blue. E. inopinus is unarmed and is not sharp. This species is a moderate to slow grower. It is difficult to establish from offsets, unlike many South African Encephalartos. It is uncommon to see this species in person, even amongst enthusiasts of cycads, and is quite difficult to get. Both the male and female cones are whitish green with a bluish hew.

In coastal and inland areas, this species wants to be in sun. For desert areas, partial sun or filtered light is ideal. This species wants to be in a very porous mix/soil. If they are too wet, they will be very likely to rot. This is a gorgeous plant and should be placed where it can be seen. I would put them toward the front of a planting for maximum "viewing pleasure". Also, it is near impossible to find for sale. We just got in a few seedlings in tree pots. They have one leaf. These are on Special and I can't say when we'll have them available again. They can be mail ordered within the U.S. Of note, leaflets at this size are almost always green but over time and in sun, many become blue plants.

TEN DAY SPECIAL TREE POT SIZED SEEDLINGS $195

ENCEPHALARTOS GIANT CUPIDUS
SUPER BLUE AND UNBELIEABLY RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND FOR SALE
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT JUVENILE PLANT

This cycad is endemic to the Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve in South Africa in the Tranvaal area. It is confined to two populations within this locale. This species has a range of habitats in which it grows. It can be found in open grasslands, along the borders of wet forests, in rocky slopes and rocky outcroppings and cliffs. This species can be found in climates ranging from hot/arid to semi-wet. Normally, this is a small species. Leaves of E. cupidus can reach a meter in length, but rarely do. Stems are small and are partially to completely subterranean. Ancient plants have less than a meter of trunk. The “giant” cupidus is a larger cycad than the regular cupidus. This species is known for their small populations and rarity. It is about as rare as it gets. Leasf color ranges from blue/green to powdery silver leaves. This is an armed species and is fairly sharp. In terms of culture, in coastal and inland areas this plant wants to be in full sun. In desert areas, partial sun is adequate. This species need soil that drains well. The plant shown is the only one we have. It’s in a citrus pot and has a caudex of 1.75 inches. We almost never can offer this very desirable species and presently only have this one plant.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CITRUS POT CYCAD $385

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 $275

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.

AUSTRALIAN TREE FERN
CYATHEA COOPERI

FAST GROWING, CAN GET TALLER
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY LARGE 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 very tall 15 gallon on sale. This size is shown in the first six photos. These plants are more like a boxed size specimen tree. The 8th photo below is by Plantlust Website and the last picture is by TS at RPS.

REGULAR PRICE THESE TALL 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 15 GALLON $200

LIGULARIA TUSSILANGINEA - AKA FARUGIUM TUSSILANGINEA
LILY-LIKE, FLAT GREEN LEAVES

YELLOW BLOSSOMS IN FALL
TAKES SUN - LIKES WATER
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE FULL FIVE GALLON

This is an interesting plant we propagate ourselves from seeds of existing plants. They form small clusters of shiny green leaf plants that don't get over 18 inches. 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. 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. Below you’ll see our 5 gallon size that we’re putting on Special. These can be mail ordered.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, 19 JUNE, 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.

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.

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS
TWO NICE SIZED PLANTS FOR SALE

GREEN TO BLUE GREEN LEAVES
LOVES SUN - RE-CURVED LEAVES
GORGEOUS WHEN MATURE

Encephalartos longifolius is from the Eastern Cape region of the Republic of South Africa. It is among the favorite species of all cycad enthusiasts. Leaf color varies from a dark green to brilliant blue - and everything in-between. The plants shown here both have caudexes about 8 inches. This is a full sun species along the coast with a cold hardiness of 22 degrees F. These plants will develop into medium sized mature cycads over the years with potential for trunk in a lifetime of at least five feet. We have a whole assortment of sizes available from sale - both larger and smaller.

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE REGULAR LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 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 ten 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 $800
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALES PRICE 25 GALLON SIZE $695

Important: Note, limited supply available.

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 SALE PRICE THIS SPECIMEN $695

SYNECANTHUS FIBROSA
THE JELLYBEAN PALM
OPPORTUNITY TO GET OLD MATURE SIZE PALM

A FEW 20 YEAR OLD PLANTS FOR SALE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 15G (ONLY HAVE #2 OF THEM) $395
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THIS SIZE $340

VEITCHIA ARECINA
EXOTIC MEDIUM TO TALL PINNATE SUN PALM

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

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

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

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

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

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.

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

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 $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $85

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

FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

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

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

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

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

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL - DIFFICULT TO FIND
REASONABLY COLD HARDY TALL BIPINNAT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE ONE GALLON PLANTS

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. 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. Expect a life span of about 15 years. It wants full coastal sun. It is taller than Caryota gigas and has shorter leaves and a thinner trunk. We’re putting nice one gallon juvenile plants on sale. Easy to mail order.

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

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

FULL HOT SUN - EXTREMELY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE 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 one gallon plants. They can be shipped for mail order customers. We also have other sizes available. These one gallons are easy to ship. The eighth photo below is by TS at RPS.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL FULL BAND SIZED 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. Along our coast it will take part day sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning sun inland. The plants on special have four to five leaves and are 3 -4 year old seedlings in band containers. We do larger sizes available. I cannot tell you whether the plants we have (from seed) are the single or suckering type.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. The 8th & 9th photos of a garden plant is c/o late friend Al Bredeson.

DYPSIS ARENARUM
THE SAND PALM

SIMILAR TO DYPSIS LUTESCENS
BUT 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. Note, our band size are larger presently than shown below.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $57.50

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI
VERY ATTRACTIVE DWARF SHADE PALM

TYPICALLY NOT OVER 3 FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Over our 45 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 are young plants in bands and are small but all that's around right now.

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

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 CERINUS
DWARF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES

VERY SMALL CYCAD
GRAY-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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. Thi 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 one inch caudex. We do have an assortment of other sizes available. Our 5g are easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS SIZE SIZE $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $155

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

DIOON MEJIAE
AN ATTRACTIVE MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

SOFT EMERGING NEW LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZED 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 THIS SIZE 2 GALLON OLDER PLANTS $285

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS – THE GREEN VARIETY
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - GREEN WITH POSSIBLE HINTS OF BLUE
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15 GALLON PLANT

Encephalartos arenarius is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This species is 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. With an older mature specimen you'll often find three to five feet of trunk and and overall height of six to ten feet. 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 most likely the green variety. In sun, it may show some blue color. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good. The plant shown here is in a 15 gallon container. Caudex size is 3.5 inches. This plant can be mail ordered if needed. If this plant sells, we do have other 15g of similar size at the same End of Summer Sale discount.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 15 GALLON $575
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $525

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

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR SUN

GOOD OFFERING OF 15 GALLON PLANTS
LOVES SUN AND HEAT ALONG THE COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

Shown below is a 15 gallon plant on Special. It has a caudex of 7 inches. We have other that are a bit smaller and less expensive - as well as larger. Most are sun ready. .

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON WITH A 7 INCH CAUDEX $1120
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT SHOWN $975.

This size can possibly be mail ordered. This caudex size price applies to plants that do not have vertical trunk height. The plant on sale is shown in the first six photos below.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZES & AFFORDABLE 5 GALLON PLANTS

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

Shown below are E. lehmannii that are in 5 gallon pots. They have 4 to 6 leaves with caudexes 2 to 2.5 inches. Within a year they’d like to be repotted into larger containers or into the ground. This size is easy to mail order. We have about ten available this size.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $255

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 $650

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA
A "USER FRIENDLY" LARGE GREEN CYCAD

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

SEE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

BIRDSNEST FERN - ASPLENIUM NIDUS
EXOTIC UNDERSTORY FERN

LONG SHINY GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

It's been a while since I've presented this customer favorite - the Birdsnest Fern, Asplenium nidus. They are an ideal understory plant for the garden floor but can also be grown inside the home or in a patio area. Leaves are green and shiny. They want filtered light and ample water. Like most ferns, you don't want them to go dry. A large specimen plant could have a crown spread of six or seven feet. You have to keep snails away from them. The plants on special are nice 5 gallon plants. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 5 GALLON PLANTS $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $70

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this discount when you purchase. The very nice photos below are by mysarawak Travelogue and HawaiianForest.com

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

BLUE STAR FERN
PHLEBODIUM AUREUM

AN EPIPHYTIC (GROWS IN TREES) FERN
BLUE COLORED LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This fern actually grows in trees in assorted areas of Central America, some Caribbean Islands and South America. Because it is epiphytic, it doesn't need to be kept mucky wet all the time. But, you shouldn't let it go dry either. Mature height and width is about two feet. Leaves are flat, blue in color with wide leaflets as shown. This species also has somewhat furry feet. It wants filtered light.

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

TASMANIAN TREE FERN
DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

SLOW GROWING TREE FERN
WILL GET TO A MEDIUM HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of Tree Fern is native to various localities in Eastern Australia. It doesn't get as tall as the Australian Tree Fern above and is much slower growing. Trunk diameter is a bit smaller as well. Mature height domestically is usually 10 to 15 feet although specimens in the wild are much taller. Leaves are green, four to six feet long and the trunk has old attached and furry leaf bases that gradually fall off. This species like strong filtered light of part day sun. It enjoys ample water and is cold hardy into the 20's F. We're putting nice 5 gallon plants on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $85
SALES PRICE THIS SIZE $70

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

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

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
RARELY SEEN NEAR BLACK FOLIAGE VARIETY

CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA "FLORICA"
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE GORGEOUS PLANTS

Cordyline Hawaiian Ti plants are a great way to add color to the garden. They easily acclimate to filtered light growing conditions in our area but can be solely acclimated to coastal sun. Most don't get much over six feet tall. They have thin trunks and can take a freeze with some damage. Severe cold will kill them. Leaf color varies from pastels to reds to green and black. We've found that the darker leaf varieties, especial read, do better in our area.

Shown here are a rarely seen variety called “Florica”. They have red (or pink) and green leaves. They are just gorgeous plants with very wide leaves. They’d do well with bright filtered light and may tolerate some sun along the coast. Our choice of these Cordyline Ti plants changes every week or two. We just got is about a two dozen of these beauties. We’re putting them on sale.

REGULAR PRICE THIS VARIETY HAWAIIAN TI $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE TI PLANTS $47.50

Be aware that our varieties of these Ti Plants sell out quickly

MONDAY, 17 JUNE, 2024

COLOR IN THE GARDEN
THINGS ANYONE CAN DO

PHOTO TOUR OF A LOCAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
IDEAS FOR ADDING COLORFUL COMPANION PLANTS

Several years ago I visited Sherman Botanical Garden in Corona Del Mar, CA. I wanted to show photos from that visit thinking perhaps it would give some of you ideas on adding color to the garden. This city is a small coastal community near Laguna Beach. What I really enjoy about this garden is their usage of colorful and tropical companion plants. The garden is meticulously maintained and very attractive. I thought I'd show some photos of some of the garden's colorful plants. Included are Bromeliads, Anthurium, Begonias, Camelia, Ligularia, Cyclamen, Violets Alocasia and many other types of plants. All were being grown outdoors, some in sun and others in filtered light.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

SO, WHAT IS IT?
ARE THEY EVER ON SALE?
YES, 10 DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

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? See below. We're putting 25 gallon on sale.

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

REGULAR PRICE 25G $495 (singles)
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G $425

Remember: mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase! This size is too large for common carriers and would need delivery or your picking it up.

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 $1400 AS SHOWN BELOW
WE DO HAVE LARGER & FULLER PLANTS - BUT A BIT MORE EXPENSIVE

SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLA
MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

A SEED PRODUCING PARENT OF THE BEAUTIFUL COCONUT QUEEN!
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 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. They are quite large for their pots. Want to be the next palm hybridizer? You better get one of these.

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

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 $195

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
OUTSIDE IN THE GARDEN OR AS A HOUSEPLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 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 7 gallon plants (shown first five photos below) which we're putting on sale. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE $165

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
NEW CALEDONIAN PALM

THINNER TRUNK, MEDIUM HEIGHT
NICE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This is a medium height, single trunk, crown shafted palm from New Caledonia. There is grows on mountainous slopes. Of the genus, perhaps this species is the easiest for us to grow here in California. It is very sought after and most of the garden photos below are from California. Along the coast, I'd recommend giving this species half day morning sun, a few hours of sun or strong filtered light. Cold hardiness is into the mid to upper twenties F.

In my experience, mature height is usually about 30 feet but it can get a bit taller. Trunks in shade are green, prominently ringed and medium diameter. Leaves are green and pinnate. This size can be mail ordered.

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

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

DYPSIS LANCEOLATA
NATIVE TO COMORO ISLANDS
USUALLY A SUCKERING PALM

DESIRABLE PALM FROM THE COMOROS
TEN DAY SPECIAL FULL 5 GALLON SIZE

This suckering palm species from the Comoro Islands near Madagascar is ideal for filtered light. It produces stems about three inches in diameter and typically gets to a height of about fifteen feet in many years. It usually does sucker but, in my experience, has a limited number of trunks. Sometimes plants remain single trunk. The crown shaft areas of large plants often shown an assortment of colors including silver, brown and green. Leaflets are wide and leaves are a bit keeled. It has prominent rings on the trunk. Shown here are 15 gallon plants on special. We do have other sizes not on sale. Figure cold tolerance is into the mid to upper 20's F. These plants can be mail ordered in a large box and there are very limited numbers available.

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

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM

ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

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.

We’re putting a very shippable 5g size on special.

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

Remember to mention this Special at the time or purchase.

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI
THE BLONDE FLAMETHROWER PALM

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

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

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

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

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

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.

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON 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 – five gallon size. They are about 5-6 years old. Rhapis excelsa is native to Asia and typically doesn't get much over 8 feet tall in a pot or in the ground. Each leaf is composed mature of six to ten leaflets that have jagged ends and are green in color. 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 5 gallon size can be easily shipped' It's slow growing and a dwarf species. The 5g plants we have are presently bigger than shown here.

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

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PALMS
SIZE ON SALE EASY TO SHIP
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE ONE GALLON PLANTS

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1G $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $60

Important: Mention this Blog Only Offering for this price when you purchase. One gallon shown in first 4 photos.

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS
BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY

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

This South American suckering fan palm comes from Argentina and Uruguay. From these locations, you might suspect it could have quite a bit of cold hardiness, and this is the case with not only this species of Trithrinax, but of the genus as a whole. Availability of seeds of this species has been sparse to nonexistent. And, as a young plant, it is quite slow growing. Consequently, to get a good sized container plant can take a decade or more. This is a perfect selection for someone who lives in an interior area with lots of heat.

Overall height of this species is up to twenty feet. Multiple stems are produced, but usually the number is just several. Leaves are small, typically about two feet wide. The segments of the leaves are pointed and sharp. Trunks retain old leaf bases but, like Washingtonia, eventually fall off. This is a drought tolerant species and can take temperatures well into the 100's F. and cold tolerance is into the teens. Of note, most specimens I've seen are blue. The one gallon on sale are shown in the first 5 photos. The last two photos show a mature plant that is blue-green in color, probably due to the fact that it's not getting full sun.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL OUR ONE GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS $65

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

CHAMAEDOREA ADSCENDENS
SUPER RARE UNDERSTORY PALM WITH SATIN SHEEN TO LEAFLETS

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.

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!

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROX
SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

ZAMIA FISCHERI
AKA ZAMIA VASQUEZII

DWARF GREEN MEXICAN CYCAD
CONES AT A SMALL SIZE - NEVER OVER 3 TO FOUR FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT SIZE
This is small Mexican cycad with stems typically under one foot tall in size and leaves green in color and up to three feet long, sometimes shorter. It usually holds about five or so leaves, sometimes more. It is a variable species and leaflets can be lanceolate or wedge shaped. Leaflets are quite thin in texture and have soft spines on the margins. Overall, this species has a "fern-like" appearance and would not be considered spiny. The names "vasquezii" replaced the more commonly known name of "fischeri" in the past fifteen years or so.

The two plants shown here in the first two rows below are eight to ten years old. One is a female in cone (illustrated). Most have caudexes of 2 to 3 inches. I am also showing (last row) two super robust garden specimens.

REGULAR PRICE CIT POT THIS SPECIES $325
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $275

Remember: Mention this Special for your discounted price!

ENCEPHALARTOS HILDEBRANDTII
LARGE SIZED GREEN CYCAD

UPRIGHT LEAVES – GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT CYCADS

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

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

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 LONGIFOLIUS
BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD WITH GREEN TO BLUE LEAVES

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LOVES SUN - RE-CURVED LEAVES

TEN DAY SPECIAL SPECIMEN 15 GALLON WITH FAIRLY LARGE CAUDEX

Encephalartos longifolius is from the Eastern Cape region of the Republic of South Africa. It is among the favorite species of this genus for almost all cycad enthusiasts. Leaf color varies from a dark green to brilliant blue - and everything in-between. The plant on Special is in a 15 gallon pot and has a caudex diameter of 7.5 inches. It is a shippable size. We predict its leaves will end up being blue-green. This is a full sun species along the coast with a cold hardiness of 22 degrees F. This plant will develop into a medium sized mature cycad over the years with potential for trunk in a lifetime of at least five feet. We have other sizes available for sale - both larger and smaller. The last row of photos shows garden plants of this species that have blue to green leaves. Most of our sizes can be mail ordered or delivered.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 15 GALLON WITH CAUDEX SIZE 7.5 INCHES $1200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD AS DESCRIBED $975

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

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

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

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON, CAUDEX 5 INCHES $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15G CYCAD $650

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

PHILODENDRON XANADU
EXOTIC COMPANION PLANT

TOLERATES SOME COASTAL SUN
BIG AND FULL 5G PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

This Philodendron is actually a hybrid that was commercial created. It is known for its smaller size with small to medium leaves, deep cuts into individual leaves and compact overall form. It is very attractive and is not a climbing plant. We've had this variety before but typically in small sizes. We just got in a few very nice 5g. They will take some degree of coastal sun. Inland area growers should put this in strong filtered light. Cold tolerance is into the upper 20's F.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

Just mention this Special when you purchase for this price. The last photo is c/o subtropical.co.nz

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.

TILLANDSIA SPECIES WITH VIOLET BLUE FLOWERS
CLUSTERS IN BLOSSOM IN SPRINGTIME
POSSIBLY TILLANDSIA MALLEMONTII

A TYPE OF AIR PLANT - JUST COMING INTO BLOSSOM
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES OF CLUSTERS

As I've mentioned before, I'm not a Tillandsia expert. But, I could not pass when a private collector offered me several clumps of a blue-gray Tillandsia in full blossom. The blossoms are a violet-blue (photos make them appear a bit pink - which they are not). I was told by the collector that the blossom every spring to summer with lots of flowers. The clumps are composed of ten to fifteen plants. In other words, rather than getting a single little plant you are getting a ten year old cluster with many plants. I did my research and think these re probably Tillandsia mallemontii. They'd like sun or part sun and to be watered at least weekly. They can be mounted to a tree limb, post or a fence. These would be easy to mail order. We have small to medium clusters as well as large clusters on sale. The larger clusters contain 15 to 20 plants. As I post this most have blossoms coming on right now. We also have good sized clusters of a different species with blue blossoms and wider leaves.

TEN DAY SPECIAL SMALL-MEDIUM CLUSTERS $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE CLUSTERS $95

AECHMEA SPECIES
TEN INCH LONG YELLOW & ORANGE BLOSSOMS

GROWN IN FULL COASTAL SUN - MASSIVE 5 GALLON CLUMP
FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS AN IMMEDIATE "SHOW"
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT

This suckering Aechmea species has been growing in our full sun. It has been growing outdoors for years and receives good sun. It's in a 5 gallon pot and is a massive clumpt of at least ten different plants. The blossoms are large as shown with colors of yellow and orange. Leaves are green, mildly armed. If you like such large specimen Bromeliads, we have an assortment of older plants with multliple heads and blossoms. They are landscape ready. The garden photos in the third row of photos below show how you can used Bromeliads in the garden. Remember to water all Bromeliads from above with a hose (or any overhead spraying device) as this type of plant cannot absorbe water or nutrition from its roots.

REGULAR PRICE THIS MASSIVE 5 GALLON CLUSTER $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $245

FRIDAY, 14 JUNE, 2024

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

COMPARISON WITH CARYOTA URENS

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

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

Presently we have a limited supply of smaller plants of this species. Occasionally we get in 25 gallon or boxed sizes. Nursery & garden photos shown here are only of Caryota gigas.

CERATOZAMIA MIQUELIANA
AN EXTREMELY RARE MEXICAN CYCAD

WIDER GREEN TO BLUE-GREEN LEAFLETS
SMALL TO MEDIUM MATURE SIZE
SPECTACULAR FILTERED LIGHT GARDEN CYCAD

We are pleased to show you a great example of this species. Shown below is a recently acquired 20 gallon specimen that is a female in cone. It has a classical appearance (described below) and came from a private collection. The plant I’m showing has already sold. But, I thought you’d like to see it. Ceratozamia miquelianana is a small to medium sized cycad species from the Veracruz area of Mexico. It is best known for its wide leaflets and attractive, tropical appearance. Also, newly emerging leaves are a powder blue-green color. The caudex is usually not more than 8 inches across; height can be up to three feet but is typically much shorter. Leaves are three to five feet long, Leaflets are wide for the genus, sometimes over 2.5 inches wide but more typically a bit less than this. This is a filtered light species and usually gets yellow-green in full sun. Thus, it is best to grow it in filtered light. Cold tolerance is into the mid to low 20's F. This species is difficult to find, especially with any size. We sold this plant the same day it arrived.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

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

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

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

Mention this Special for your discount.

TALL INTERIOR QUALITY KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

ELEGANT, GREEN LEAVES, THINNER TRUNKS
GREAT INSIDE THE HOUSE OR IN THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL SQUAT 15G SIZED MULTIPLES

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 5g as shown below are interior quality with stretched upward leaves. Heights of this size is about six feet in the pot. This is a size that folks want for inside their homes. Or, they can be planted into the garden in filtered light. These are not ideal for shipping because of their heights. I'd recommend 5g size for mail order. Almost all are multiples with two to three plants per pot. Sorry, but I don't have any good photos of this palm in an interior application but will show a few garden specimens. Note that, inside the home in a pot, it's rare to see them get much taller than 12 to 14 feet in many years. Limited supply.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL INTERIOR QUALITY SQUAT 15G $325

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSIS
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA

WHITE TO BROWN-GREEN CROWN SHAFT
MEDIUM TO TALL HEIGHT MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZED 15 GALLON

This is fairly tall, 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 below is a 15g plant as well as a mature specimens from the wild. Our 15 gallon plants are really oversized for their pots. They are too tall for mail order but we should have smaller, shippable sizes available. The 8th photo is 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 15 GALLON $245

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 PRICE THIS SIZE $220

Remember: Mention this Special for this price!

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.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 & 15 GALLON SIZE
SEE SPECIES DESCRIPTION ABOVE

We have a limited number of 7 and 15g plants that are also on Special. See photos below.

REGULAR PRICE 7 & 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SIZES $215

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 $115

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

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHI PALM

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

You don't see this species offered that often. It is native to the Sonora and Sinaloa areas of Mexico. It has green costo-palmate leaves that are divided. Trunk diameter is a pleasant 12 inches with a rough surface. Mature height is ten to twenty feet. Regarding culture, it is not quite as cold hardy as other Brahea species like armata, clara and decumbens. I'd suspect it may go down to the lower 20’s or perhaps upper teens F. It does best in full sun. We just got in a limited number of nice 5g plants which we’re putting on special. They are easy to ship.

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

You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you purchase. The 8th photo is by Dennis Valdez of he No Cal Palm Society.

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

FULL CROWN OF GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 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. This is a very rare species to find. Mature plant photos below are by Palmpedia, TS at RPS and Paul Craft - PalmNut.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL AND "ELEGANT" NEW CALEDONIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

Remember to mention this Special to get this price. Limited numbers available. The 2g size is shown in the first five photos. The last photo is of a 5 gallon plant which we also have available. For garden photo, see above.

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 $60

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 $65

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 $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE $65

Note that we have two other sizes of this species below

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
THE CHILEAN WINE PALM
FAT TRUNK - BUT SLOW GROWING

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED PLANTS

The sought after species, Jubaea chilensis, gets the fattest trunk of all palms (up to 4 feet wide), gets to a typical mature height of over 30 feet, wants full sun and is slow growing. Cold tolerance is about 16 degrees F. The band size on sale are about three years old. They have three to four juvenile leaves. This species is very slow growing and puts on trunk girth before getting taller. We do have larger sizes for sale. These would be easy and affordable to ship. Our band size is shown in the first four photos.

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

But, mention this Blog Special for this discount

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
BLUE QUERETERO VARIETY

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

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

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

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

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT AS SHOWN

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

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

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

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

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.

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

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZED, LUSH TROPICAL COMPANION PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE 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 and shown in the first two rows of photos - follwed by larger Nursery plants. These one gallon are ready to be repotted into a 5 gallon pot. Mail order possible, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $45

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.

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

HANGING WHITE FLOWERS
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 nursery plants below are our 15g size which I'm putting on special.

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

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount.

RABITTS FOOT FERN
DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

DWARF FERN - ABOUT 18 INCHES TALL
CREEPS ON GROUND WITH FURRY FEET
ALSO - MAKES A GREAT BASKET FERN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This popular fern is known for its furry rhizomes which make new plants and can form near sphere of leaves when grown in a basket. Or, you can grow it in the garden where it'll crawl the garden floor. It is native to Fiji. Leaves come off the rhizomes and are about 12 to 16 inches long. Their color is green. They are easy to propagate by cutting and rooting one of the rhizomes with a few leaves. They prefer filtered light and are cold hardy into the twenties F. Many people grow this fern indoors. We're offering full 5 gallons on special. The 7th & 8th photos show this fern being grown in a basket - where it does quite well..

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

This size easy to mail order.

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

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA
RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE!

DWARF TREE THAT BLOSSOMS CONTINUALLY
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. A garden plant will have twenty to thirty blossoms. 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. I’m offering starter plants in one gallon pots on special. They are a good growing plant but, remember, never get very big.

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

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

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 THIS SIZE $125

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

WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE, 2024

BROMELIADS IN THE LANDSCAPE
VERSATILE, EASY TO GROW COMPANION PLANTS

VAST ASSORTMENT TO SELECT FROM

Bromeliads are a type of plant, typically small in size, that are simple to grow and make great companion plants in the garden. They are very versatile and, because most species grow epiphytically, can be used on poles, posts, fences, mounted to trees or simply grown in the ground among other plants. Almost all species blossom once a year and the blossoms are long lived. Blossoms appear in almost every color imaginable, anything from the rainbow. Plants propagate by basal suckers and only really need care once a year when old plants are removed from the cluster.

Photographs here show plants that are attached to posts, mounted in trees and are used in water features. There are some species that can get up to five or six feet tall and are quite spectacular. If one wishes, he can just put the bromeliad, with it's container, right into the ground. Some species tolerate full sun and many love filtered light and blossom well in such light.

Although we are not a "bromeliad only" nursery, we typically have a great supply of the most desirable types available for sale. We emphasize beauty and color in our Bromeliads rather than rarity. We consider one of our specialties our ability to offer a great selection of interesting and colorful companion plants.

TO SEE COMPLETE PRESENTATION ON BROMELIADS AT THE NURSERY, CLICK HERE

ASSORTED BROMELIADS
NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY TO OUR NURSERY

FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
MANY SUN & SHADE VARIETIES

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

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST OF ALL THE BAMBOO PALMS

EASY TO GROW - A GREAT INTERIOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON OLDER & HUGE 25 GALLON SIZE AT OUR NURSERY

In my post from a few days ago I showed a plant of this species in a 25g pot. I'm showing an even bigger one today. This suckering palm species is native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of about four types of "Bamboo Palms" and is probably either the best or in a stiff competition with Chamaedorea hooperiana. This species gets to a mature height of twelve to sixteen feet, has strong 1 inch to 1.5 inch trunks which are green in color with prominent rings, and about three to four foot long leaves. It is an upright grower and does clump. It doesn't run. It takes filtered light or morning sun along the coast. I've even heard of some growing it in full sun although I'd not recommend it. It is a good growing species. Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F.

Below I'm showing in the first six photos the 25g size followed by two garden photos of mature trees. This 25g plant is 12 to 14 feet tall in the pot. 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. We are very limited on our 25 gallon size - shown in photos below one through six. This species is an easy to grow and great palm.

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

DYPSIS LUTESCENS
THE ARECA PALM

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

This is an attractive, suckering, thin trunked palm species is from Madagascar or surrounding areas. The number one reason people buy this species is "to hide something". By this, I mean they want to hide a neighbor, an ugly next door structure, an unsightly fence, the side of a garage, etc. This is an ideal species for this purpose as it suckers and is fairly dense. You can't see through it well. Mature height averages 14 feet in California. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. Trunk diameter is about 3 inches. It'll take full sun along the coast and far inland areas must give it only morning or filtered sun. These 15g quite tall for their pots - about 8 feet height in the containers. We have limited numbers available. Areca Palms have been difficult to find lately and in short supply. These will most likely be gone quickly, especially the larger plants. This size shown in the first two rows of photos. These are too tall for mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THESE TALL 15G SIZE $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE TALL 15 GALLON $300

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 triples (three plants per container). Note that these multiples cost no more than the singles we offer. 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.

DYPSIS BARONII
RARE MADAGASCAR PALM

SUCKERING PINNATE PALM WITH THIN TRUNKS
MEDIUM HIEGHT MATURE
PART SUN OR GOOD FILTERED LIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Dypsis baronii is a super attractive, suckering palm from Madagascar. It gets to a height of about 15 feet. It prefers filtered light or a bit of sun - but not full sun. Colder tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. Trunk diameters are about two to three inches. This species, especial when young, is known for having red-toned colors on the leaf stems and trunk. The plants on special are in 15 gallon pots and looking nice. We also have smaller plants for sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $235

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.

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.

VEITCHIA WININ
NATIVE ONLY TO VANUATU

SINGLE TRUNK, CROWN SHAFTED
TALL PALM WHEN MATURE
SUPER RARE, HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE 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 our 5 gallon size on sale. They've done well with our temperatures down to about 32 degrees F.

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

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

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX
THE NEEDLE PALM

WORLD'S MOST COLD HARDY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

There is no doubt in my mind that this species is the most cold tolerant of any palm species. It is native to the southeastern United States with native habitats stretching from South Carolina down to northern Florida and into Alabama and Mississippi. There are reports of this species tolerating below zero degrees F. Now, this doesn't mean that you can grow it in Michigan. But, in areas that see significant cold such as North Carolina, central Texas or even New Mexico, this species might work for you.

It is a suckering fan palm and known as the "Needle Palm" because it forms dark colored, protuberant needles on the trunk. The fourth picture below shows small needles forming on the trunk. The first five photos show the 3g on sale. In sun the color is a silver green with more silver underneath. In shade the color gets dark green, reminiscent of a Rhapis Palm. Trunks are usually under three feet tall and four to six inches thick. But, because the leaves come upwards, the overall height of the plant can be six to seven feet or taller. They can get a bit bushy. This is a very slow growing species. The plants on sale are not quite up to size so we're offering a very nice price on them.

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

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

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.

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

NATURALLY A SINGLE TRUNK PALM
SALE ON TRIPLE PLANTS IN 5 GALLON SIZE

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

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

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

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 $80
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $70

WODYETIA BIFURCATA
THE FOXTAIL PALM

THIN TRUNK, FLUFFY GREEN LEAVES
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – FULL COASTAL SUN
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, usually 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. The one gallons on sale are easy to mail order.

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

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

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

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

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZED MULTIPLES $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SEEDLINGS $55

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
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 SIZE PALMS $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $60

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

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

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

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

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

Remember: These can be mail ordered.

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 AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION & MATURE PHOTOS, SEE ABOVE

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.

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.

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 $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 2 INCHES $375

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

CYCAS REVOLUTA - THE SAGO PALM
MOST POPULAR CYCAD IN THE WORLD

MEDIUM THICK TRUNK - GREEN LEAVES
EASY TO GROW IN MOST AREAS - TOLERATES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD AND LARGE 15 GALLON PLANTS
QUITE A FEW TO SELECT FROM

Cycas revoluta, the common "Sago Palm", is native to areas of Japan and China. It is an extremely easy to grow cycad that requires little maintenance. It is also slow growing with fifty year old specimens attaining a trunk height of five feet or a bit more. Leaves are green as shown below, typically five feet long on older plants and have barbs on the stems. Leaflets are "revolute" - cupped on the underside. Stems can be twelve to sixteen feet thick in decades. Male and female cones are quite different, as with all species of this genus. Male cones look like a corn cob without the kernels. Females are a scrambled clump of "tan leaflets" without any emerging structure. You need both sexes to get viable seeds. I'd estimate that there are well over a million plants of this species in gardens worldwide. It tolerates full sun in coastal areas but not in desert climates (where it needs sun protection). Cold tolerance is perhaps as low as 16 degrees F - certainly into the high teens. It can also be grown as a houseplant when smaller and is ideal for a patio plant.

We have a reasonable assortment of 15gallon sized plants that came from a private garden. We were told that they were at least 20 years old. Some are larger than others. The 15g plant shown below has a caudex that is about 12 inches tall or so. The height of the trunk shows you these ages. These are sun grown outdoors. We're putting this size on Ten Day Special. These plants were dug and potted up over two years ago. All are sturdy and healthy cycads.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SAGOS AS SHOWN $695
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $500 (ALMOST 30% OFF)

PINSTRIPE GINGER
DWARF GINGER WITH WHITE ON GREEN STRIPED LEAVES

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

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

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

BRACHYCHITON RUPESTRIS
INTERESTING THICK TRUNK TROPICAL TREE

SNAKESKIN TEXTURED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 25 GALLON TREE

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS TREE $400

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 $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL $45
Mention this special for your Discount.

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.

ASSORTED PHILODENDRON SPECIES
A VARIETY OF "SPECIES" AVAILABLE - MOST CLIMB, SOME DON'T
MOST LIKE FILTERED LIGHT
MULTIPLE SPECIES TO CHOOSE FROM

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON ALL IN STOCK PHILODENDRON 5 GALLON SIZE

Aroid collectors have been visiting our nursery frequently, many looking for unusual types or species of Philodendron. Most of our plants have come from unknown species obtained with trades from botanical or private gardens. Most are un-named species, often wild collected. Most of our Philodendron com from a cutting of the mother plant. We grow them until they form a nice, sellable plant. Most are climbing species (go up a trunk, fencepost or structure) although some are rosette type of plants. Most like filtered light although a few tolerate full coastal sun. We're putting all of our 5 gallon Philodendron on a Ten Day Special. Most are just called "species" as we don't know the botanical names. These can be mail ordered but it can get expensive because of the leaf size. For such orders, consider smaller plants which we also sell. Below I'm showing you an assortment (but not all) of the 5g we presently have.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON PHILODENDRON $115
TEN DAY SPECIAL PHILODENDRON 5 GALLON SIZE $95

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA"
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

WHITE PETAL, PURPLE CENTERS
LARGE TALL 15G PLANTS ON SPECIAL

This climbing vine is native to Australia and will trellis up a fence or pole or climb up the trunk of a tree. This variety is hard to find and has large, white, trumpet shaped flowers that have a deep purple-red throat. There are other color varieties including pure white which we also can offer. It grows in the shade or sun but flowers better with sun. It is very cold hardy with reports of it surviving temperatures into the teens F. These 15g plants are huge for their pots and climbing up a pole. Plant heights in the pot is about 8 feet. Remember, this is a vining plant that will climb a fence, free trunk, pole or almost anything. The 7th photo is c/o gopixpic.com website.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $145

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

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PURE WHITE PETALS
LARGE TALL 15G PLANTS ON SPECIAL

SEE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

This climbing vine is identical to the "rosea" variety above but has pure white flowers. It's easy to grow.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $145

Just mention this Blog Special to get this discount at the time of purchase. The last photo is by Jimmy Turner on Twitter.

MONDAY, 10 JUNE, 2024

A PAST CHRISTMAS DAY - PALM & TROPICAL PLANT EXCURSION

AROUND SAN DIEGO, CA
UNUSUAL SPECIES - TREES IN FLOWER
LOTS OF DIFFERENT PALMS

Several years ago my wife and I were sort of bored come mid-Christmas day. No family visitors - All by ourselves. So, off we went to do one of our favorite things. That is - driving around looking for unusual plant species. We do this from time to time. Our local Royal poinciana has been forming mature seed pods, so that was a great starting point. From there we went to Balboa Park to photograph some nice palms. Then, area by area we worked our way to Mission Bay Park near San Diego Bay. I'm sharing some photos of great species that may interest you. I particular focused on Brahea edulis (which does super well here) and a stand of Livistona decipiens (decora) in fruit, both of which are very close to Mission Bay. Also included are some nice succulent trees and some flowering trees still with blossoms in December. I've even included a few nice palm species. All in alphabetical order. This is just meant to be a photographic presentation with no plant descriptions.

Archontophoenix purpurea, Balboa Park	Bauhinia variegata in blossom	Bauhinia variegata in blossom
Brachychiton rupestrisut	Brachychiton rupestris	Brahea armata juvenile
Brahea edulis, fruiting	Brahea edulis, fruiting	Brahea edulis, close up of rough trunk
Caryota gigas, not mature size	Caryota gigas	Coryline fruiticosa in full sun
Crinum amabile - Queen Emma Lily	Crinum amabile - Queen Emma Lily	Dasylirion longissimum
Dracena draco	Dracena draco fruit	Dracena draco
Dypsis lutescens Balboa Park S.D.	Howea forsteriana triple	Hibiscus in December flower
Hibiscus in December flower	Hyphanae species	Jubaea chilensis
Jubaea chilensis	Livistona decipiesn - decora	Livistona decipiesn - decora
Livistona decipiesn - decora	Livistona decipiens	Livistona decipiesn - decora
Papaya with December fruit	Papaya with December fruit	Phoenix reclinata
Phoenix reclinata	Sabal aplmetto	Sabal palmetto
Staghorn Fern in tree	Staghorn Fern in tree	Trithrinax acanthicoma
Trithrinax acanthicoma	Trithrinax acanthicoma	Tropical Garden JW
Veitchia species	Veitchia species	Veitchia species
Washingtonia robusta, old and tall along street	Washingtonia robusta telephoto from 2 miles	Mitzi, my wife, a great palm spotter, next to a Jubaea chilensis

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.

PRITCHARDIA SPECIMEN PALMS FOR SALE
MEDIUM SIZED HAWAIIAN FAN PALM

GREEN LEAVES - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE 25G SIZE

This popular type of fan palm native to Hawaii is easy to grow and typically, over many years, will get to a height of about twenty feet. We are growing at least five or six species that have gotten huge in 25 gallon pots. Leaves are usually green but there is a blue-leafed form. Trunk diameter is about 8 to 10 inches. Leaves are palmate with a bit of wave in the cross section.

Along the coast they'll take full sun. Inland areas should try morning sun or strong filtered light. Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F. Some of the 25g we have shown here is about 12 feet tall in the pot and at least 12 years old. I’d estimate some of them are the size of a 36 inch boxed plant. They are all too big for mail orders but could be delivered. We have limited numbers available. The first four photos show one of these beauties and the other photos are garden pictures.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON THIS HUGE SIZE $595
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 25 GALLON $500

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase.

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 a 15 gallon plant as some mature trees. For someone who likes different species, this one is for you. But, I doubt you'll find it elsewhere.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $265

BRAHEA SPECIES "SUPER SILVER"
NICE 15 GALLON PLANTS

BLUE WITH THINNER TRUNK THAT B. ARMATA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

Shown here is a 15 gallon plant of a Brahea species from Mexico that is presently known as "Brahea species Super Silver". Undoubtedly someone will describe it in the near future. Seeds have been available only twice. These plants are from the first batch that came along. It is a blue plant but doesn't show the blue until older. It wants full hot sun and would be perfect for the desert. I suspect the cold tolerance is similar to Brahea armata, about 15 degrees F. But, compared to the later, this species trunk is much thinner and it is faster growing. But, the blue color is just as intense. Shown here is the 7g size which we're putting on Special. The palm shown below is the size we're putting this size on sale. Limited numbers. Mature plant photo below c/o RPS. Also note this is a single trunk species but the plant shown below is a "double".

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

Remember: Mention this Special to get your Blog Only discount. We are almost sold out of this species!

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

NATURALLY A SINGLE TRUNK PALM
TEN DAY SALE ON SINGLE TRUNK PLANTS IN 15 GALLON SIZE

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 15 GALLON SINGLES $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

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

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM SPECIES FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND
GREAT PALM FOR THE GARDEN OR INSIDE THE HOME
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. This 5 gallon size can be mail ordered. This species can be grown as a house plant.

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

CHAMAEDOREA SCHIPPII
AN ALMOST UNKNOWN AND NEVER AVAILABLE SPECIES

UNDERSTORY PINNATE SUCKERING PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Taxonomically, this species of Chamaedorea is an accepted species. When I got started in palms about 44 years ago, you could occasionally find one available but you really had to seek it out. Then they disappeared from the market. I have a friend with a mature matched and sexed pair of them who set seeds last year. I haven't this species for sale for at least 20 years. No one has them. We're offering them in a small size and have very few available.

This is a suckering green leaf understory species of Chamaedorea. They get a mature height of twelve to fourteen feet and have an appearance similar to C. costaricana. But, the leaves are longer and the trunks are thicker. Trunks remain vertical and don't usually lean. This species has historically been used to make some of the more interesting Chamaedorea hybrids including the famous "Irving Cantor" cross. They were chosen for hybridization because of their strong vertical trunks. Cold tolerance is into the twenties F. We’re putting our 5 gallon size on sale. Note on the closeup photo of the base of trunk how thick it is. This is much thicker than costaricana.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS RARE PALM IN 5 GALLON SIZE $135

Remember: Limited numbers and mention this Blog Only Special to get this price. The 9th photo is c/o Wikipedia Commons

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

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

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 15g 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. We are putting our 5g size on special - shown in first six photos. This size is about five to six years old. Yes, they are slow growing! We only have a few left this size.

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

Remember: Mention this Special for this discount.

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 $65

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PALMS
SIZE ON SALE EASY TO SHIP
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE ONE GALLON PLANTS

Rhapis excelsa is native to Asia and typically doesn't get much over 6 to 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 plants on special here are 3 to 4 year old one gallon plants. This is a very easy size to ship. Of course, we have many other larger sizes available and variegated forms as well.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1G $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

Important: Mention this Blog Only Offering for this price when you purchase. One gallon shown in first 4 photos.

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 $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $52.50

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!

LIVISTONA DECIPIENS - AKA LIVISTONA DECORA
THIN TRUNK AUSTRALIAN FAN PALM

COLD HARDY, FAST GROWING, DROOPING LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

Palm enthusiasts love this rapid growing palm known as the Ribbon Palm from Australia. It has this common name because the leaflets are dependent like “hanging ribbons”. For it's height of thirty to forty feet, it has a very thin trunk and leaflets are green in color and narrow for the genus. Leaf stems, like on most Livistona, are armed. It is a very attractive fan palm that many can grow easily. Cold hardiness is about 18 degrees F. It likes full sun. We're putting three to four year old seedlings on sale below. Most have about five to six leaves are are in need or repotting - getting too big for their pots.

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

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND 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 band size on special are healthy and near ready for repotting. These are easy to mail order.

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

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

DIOON SPINULOSUM
A CUSTOMER FAVORITE CYCAD

FILTERED LIGHT IN GARDEN OR INSIDE THE HOME
GREEN LEAVES, ELEGANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE ONE GALLON PLANTS - EASY TO SHIP

This species of a green cycad can be grown in the garden or as an interior palm. 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. But, such heights would require several centuries to occur. 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 - but domestically often thinner. 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. At the nursery we usually have a good selection of this species from small to large. We’re putting a nice and huge, old one gallon on sale.. Age is about 8 years. Average caudex size on these one gallon is about 4 inches. They are shown in the first two rows of photos with larger garden plants in the third row. Easy and affordable to ship.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OVERSIZED ONE GALLON PLANTS $180
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE ONE GALLON $135
This size can be easily shipped via UPS mail order.

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

GRAY-GREEN LEAFLETS - COASTAL FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT 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. The citrus pot size on Sale today are a good size for mail order and for acclimating into your garden. They are far from a seedling plant. Caudex size is 2 to 3 inches and age is about seven years. If you want larger or smaller, we do have both. I hope that you like this cycad; it's one of my favorites. For upscale landscaping, nothing beats it.

REGULAR PRICE CIT POT WITH 2-3 INCH CAUDEX $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE WITH 2-3 INCH CAUDEX $240

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
LEAVES ON THESE PLANS WILL BE GREEN OR BUE GREEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE CITRUS POT SIZED PLANTS

This species of cycad is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape. It will be 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 blue color (bearing a likeness to E. horridus). I think the plants on sale today will be green or blue green in the sun as they mature. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good. You could expect to have a nice garden sized plant from the size on sale today in about size on today in five or so years. Caudex size is about 2-3 inches. These plants would be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES $330
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES $265

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

ENCEPHALARTOS WHITELOCKII
LARGER CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD WITH LONG UPRIGHT LEAVES

FAST GROWING - EXTREMELY POPULAR AND SOUGHT AFTER CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

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 5 gallon size with caudexes of about 4 inches. If a given plant is more or less than 4 inch caudex size, sale price would be adjusted. We have other sizes as well, both larger and possibly smaller. The third row of photos shows garden plants and the last row shows other Nursery 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 as sun-tolerant as many of the South African species. Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH 4 INCH CAUDEX $700
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH 4 INCH CAUDEX $600

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 or larger. 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.

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. These can be mail ordered, but it takes a huge box and therefore is not cheap to mail.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE STAGHORN $100

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.

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

LUSH & TROPICAL - WILL TAKE COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE 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.

Mature plant height should be about 6 to 8. 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. The plants on sale are in five gallon pots. This size is shown in the first six photos below. The last row of photos is our 15 gallon size. They are being grown in an un-heated greenhouse.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80

These can be shipped by mail order, weather permitting and would require a large shipping box. I don't have a garden picture.

BILBERGIA HALLELUHAY
SPOTTED SUN TOLERANT BROMELIAD

PINK HANGING BLOSSOMS - SPOTTED LEAVES
SPECIAL 5G CLUSTERS

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

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON CLUMPS $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $70

FRIDAY, 7 JUNE, 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.

CYCAD SEEDLINGS - LOTS OF THEM
GROWN IN BAND CONTAINERS

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

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

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

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

EMAIL US FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY

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 PRICE THESE SPECIMENS $695

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.

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 $230

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

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

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

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

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount.

PRITCHARDIA SPECIES
OLD AND HUGE 15G PLANTS

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

Pritchardia 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.

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

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

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

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

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.

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.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

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

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

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

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

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

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

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

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

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

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
PROBABLY A VARIETY OF A. ALEXANDRAE
SWOLLEN BASE OF TRUNK

STEP OFFS AT THE GROWTH RINGS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Archontophoenix Beatricae has always been a bit of a problem for taxonomists - whether it's truly a species or a variety. Some feel it's a variety of A. alexandrae. I won't get into that argument here. But, the plants shown below came from seed from a A. beatricae. Note the very swollen trunk base. It flairs out. It is also known to have notches or "step offs" at the growth rings. I don't have a good photo close up of the latter. These plants need to be repotted or go into the ground. They can take coastal sun. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. The 5g size singles are on sale but we may have a few multiples we'd offer at the same price.

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

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

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 $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $57.50
(Note: these are a simply ship for mail order)

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.

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

YES, SEEDLINGS OF THE REAL THING!
STRONG STARTER PLANTS
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.

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

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

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

Shown here is a citrus pot sized plant that has a caudex of 2.75 inches. 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 $510
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $430

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 $75

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 $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $175

ALOCASIA LOW RIDER
TRUE DWARF GREEN HYBRID

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

This dwarf Alocasia is a hybrid of Alocasia portora - which is much taller and larger than this hybrid. Mature height of this plant is typically 18 inches. Leaf stems are striped as you can see on the photo. Leaf color is green. This plant tolerates partial or perhaps full sun along the coast or limited sun / strong filtered light in interior areas. It is fairly cold hardy and winters over in zone 7B and above. We're putting one gallon on sale - shown in the first four photos below. Following are our 5 gallon size. Sorry, but I have no photos of mature garden plants.

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

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 $52.50

Remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount

WEDNESDAY, 5 JUNE, 2024

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII
THE SPINDLE PALM

PHOTOS OF SUPER OLD TREES

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

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

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

LARGER BLUE ENCEPHALARTOS
ALL CONING SIZED SPECIMENS
SHOWING SIX DIFFERENT PLANTS

Two days ago we did a walk around to photograph some larger blue Encephalartos. All plants shown are coning sized, some presently in cone. All have been locally grown. Blue Encephalartos like sun and are cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. Any of these plants can be delivered or shipped although 36 inch boxed plants are difficult. We certainly have smaller and more affordable plants of these species.

Encephalartos arenarius 36 inch box 22 x 30 inches, 6, 2 & 2 inch pups

Encephalartos horridus 24 in box 11 x 12.5 tall

Encephalartos horridus 25g probably female 10 inches

Encephalartos lehmannii 25g 12 inches

Encephalartos trispinosus male 35 gallon 12 x 21 inches ceramic pot

Encephalartsos trispinosus 25g 11 wide x 11 inches tall 5 inch pup

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 $435
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $225

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

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 15 GALLON SIZE

We have available some nice 15g 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. We are putting our 15g size on special - shown in first six photos. This size is about six years old. The last photo shows the blue-silver trunk on a specimen in my own garden. Important - they are slow growing!

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

The 15 gallon size is shown in the first six photos. Of note, we do have smaller sizes available.

BRAHEA DECUMBENS
DWARF, BLUE, SUCKERING SUN FAN PALM
VERY LIMITED SUPPLY OF THIS NEAR-IMPOSSBLE TO FIND SPECIES

TEN DAY SPECIAL – 15 GALLON PLANTS

This easy to grow Mexican fan palm hardly ever gets over five feet tall. In the sun, it gets super blue, suckers and doesn't have a large footprint in the garden. Surprisingly, when young, plants are green in color. But, outdoors in the sun, I guarantee that they'll turn blue. Leaves are small compared to other Braheas. It is rare and, unfortunately, very slow growing. I am showing here two well grown and old 15 gallon plants which we have in stock. They are quite old for their containers. This species will take sun in all areas and does not like shade. It does well in desert areas. Cold tolerance is about 17 to 18 degrees. These plants are at least 8 or more year old. We’re putting them on Special. Be aware that this is a very slow growing special. These two palms are suitable to put right into your garden as they’ve been largely acclimated to our sun. Shipping is possible on these two plants.

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

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 $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $220

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

SERENOA REPENS
SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

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

This pinnate New World species is another favorite of mine. There are multiple species of Roystonea. The most common and sought after species is the Cuban Royal, Roystonea regia. Compared to the South American Royal Palm, Roystonea regia's leaves hang down past (lower than) the midway point of the crown. Roystonea oleracea's leaves stop at the "half moon" point and don't hang down near the trunk.

Royal Palms love heat and sun. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. They are fast growers. We have a pretty good supply available of assorted sizes. Note how the base of the well grown Royal Palm is quite swollen and fat. On up the trunk there is variable swelling present. The plants I'm putting on special today are an easily shipped size of 5 gallon but would take a tall box. They are about 6 to 8 feet tall in their pots.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase. Note: All the garden photos below were taken in Southern California. Yes, they grow easily in many areas here.

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

TRUNK IS SMOOTH AND LIGHT COLORED
SUPER COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This is one of my favorite Sabal species and I’m sure it may become one of yours as well. 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 quite thick, smooth and a light tan to gray color. Trunks can be up to 30 inches in diameter. They are almost like a concrete pillar. Leaf color is blue-green. Growth rate is good and it likes full, hot sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-teens F. The size we’re putting on sale is 5 gallon. These can be mail ordered.

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

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

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

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE BELMORE SENTRY PALM / CURLY PALM

THE "OTHER TYPE OF KENTIA"
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This species of single trunk, "non-crown shafted" pinnate palm is native to medium elevations on Lord Howe Island. At one time is was possible to import seeds of this desirable palm along with Hedyscepe and Lepidorrhachis. Because of conservation laws, the island can no longer legally export seeds or seedlings. This has created a shortage of the more rare species from this locality.

Howea belmoreana is different from the Howea forsteriana (classic Kentia Palm) as it has curved leaves and an umbrella-shaped crown. It also might be a bit more cold hardy. It prefers filtered light or a little sun inland and can take more sun right on the coast. Cold tolerance is about 24 degrees F. Growth rate, like the Kentia, is slow. The bands shown on special here are well established and a piece of cake to ship within the U.S. And, they are presently one to two leaves further along than shown here.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL $52.50

Remember: Mention this special for your discount when you purchase. Easy to mail order.

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.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SUPER RARE BAND SEEDLINGS $65

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII
LARGER GREEN CYCAD FROM SO AFRICA

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

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

We are offering seedlings in the band size on special. They are 3 years old and have 4 to 5 leaves. These are easy to ship within the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE SEEDLING $65

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZES & AFFORDABLE 5 GALLON PLANTS

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. Cold hardiness is about 21 to 22 degrees F. In the desert only give it a few hours sun. Next to Encephalartos horridus, this is the second most popular cycad we grow.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $255

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

FAST GROWING – TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY NICE 25 GALLON PLANT

This versatile green cycad is a mainstay of every cycad collection. There's not a cycad enthusiast who's not growing this species. It is native to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. There it is found in various regions with differences in plant appearance from area to area. Thus, there are probably about six varieties of this species, all a bit different. So, when you see an Encephalartos natalensis in a garden, it may look a bit different than the next one you see. Trunks get up to twenty feet in a century or two. Leaves are five to eight feet long, straight or minimally arched, and more compact in bright sun. Growth rate is medium to fast. I'd consider this a medium to large species. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The plant on special is in a 25 gallon container and has a caudex that is 12 inches wide and a similar height. We have a few others of similar size in this collection.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1150

CYCAS REVOLUTA - THE SAGO PALM
MOST POPULAR CYCAD IN THE WORLD

MEDIUM THICK TRUNK - GREEN LEAVES
EASY TO GROW IN MOST AREAS - TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ASSORTED LARGE 15 & 25 GALLON PLANTS

Cycas revoluta, the common "Sago Palm", is native to areas of Japan and China. It is an extremely easy to grow cycad that requires little maintenance. It is also slow growing with fifty year old specimens attaining a trunk height of five feet or a bit more. Leaves are green as shown below, typically five feet long on older plants and have barbs on the stems. Leafles are "revolute" - cupped on the underside. Stems can be twelve to sixteen feet thick in decades. Male and female cones are quite different, as with all species of this genus. Male cones look like a corn cob without the kernels. Females are a scrambled clump of "tan leaflets" without any emerging structure. You need both sexes to get viable seeds. I'd estimate that there are well over a million plants of this species in gardens worldwide. It tolerates full sun in coastal areas but not in desert climates (where it needs sun protection). Cold tolerance is perhaps as low as 16 degrees F - certainly into the high teens. It can also be grown as a houseplant when smaller and is ideal for a patio plant.

We have a reasonable assortment of 15g and 25g plants that came from a private garden. We were told that they were at least 25 years old. Some are larger than others. The 15g are in the first two rows of photos below and the larger 25g follow. The smaller 15g have a caudex of about ten inches and the tallest (oldest) 25g have thick caudexes with about 18 inches vertical height. These are sun grown outdoors. We're putting this species on Ten Day Special. These plants were dug and potted up over two years ago. All are sturdy and healthy cycads.

These are very large for their containers and quite old. Many are too big for mail order. Some are in our growing grounds so, if you are interested, it'd save time to call us first.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $475
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE $675

THE SILVER FERN
PTERIS ARGYRAEA

INTERESTING SILVER ON GREEN ON THE LEAF TOP
MEDIUM SIZED FERN
CLUMPING - USUALLY THREE TO FOUR FEET
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANT

This is a most interesting "variegated" fern from India. Originally I thought this was a tree fern from New Zealand, but that is not the case. This species does not get overhead, clumps and likes filtered light. It wants ample water during the growing season. People who see this plant very much like it. It makes a nice filtered light companion plant. These can be shipped.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $65

Remember: Mention this Special at the time of purchase.

THE TASSEL FERN
POLYSTICHUM POLYBLEPHARUM

INTERESTING AND DIFFERENT DWARF FERN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This dwarf evergreen fern is native to Japan and Taiwan. Surprisingly, it has a great deal of cold hardiness. It has been reported that it will grow in areas as cold as Zone 5! For us in Southern CA, this means there's no risk of frost damage. This fern gets two feet tall and two feet wide. The leaves curve down as shown. They can be used as a ground cover. But, they are not for full sun. A bit of sun or filtered light is preferred.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65

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.

HIBISCUS HULA GIRL
YELLOW BLOSSOM WITH RED THROAT

FULL SUN ALONG THE COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL SUMMER FLOWERING THREE 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 not been a problem since that time. So, we are growing some cool varieties presently. Most are from cuttings from collections of desirable plants. The one on sale here will have large yellow flowers with red throats in summer - fall. The full name for this species is: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hula girl.

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

CANNA LILY AMBASSADOR
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, 3 JUNE, 2024

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

Another specimen with ripening fruit

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

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

MEDIUM SIZE – THIN TRUNK – CROWN SHAFTED
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND IN LARGE SIZE
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 is an oversized 15 gallon plant. Also shown are photos of mature plants. It's easy to appreciate how beautiful and not overly large it is. 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 LARGE SIZED 15 GALLON $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 15 GALLON $225

Remember to mention this Special to get this price. Limited numbers available.

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE 15 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 15g on sale are shown below. Shipping is possible. The last photo is by John Volk.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 15 GALLON $225

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA (BABY QUEEN)

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

From time to time I discuss this interesting single trunk Chamaedorea. It is very similar to Chamaedorea plumosa - except: The plumosa has a more plumose leaf and takes a little more sun. But, the glaucifolia has the silver powder on the leaf stems and crown shaft as shown here. Along the coast, it will tolerate full sun or part sun. This is quite attractive and typically very prominent. Otherwise, you would mistake the two. Leaves are quite “fluffy” and leaflets are narrow, green in color. They are fast growing and get to a mature height of about 14 feet. They look their best when planted in colonies of three to five plants. The 15 gallon size which we’re putting on sale are very nicely sized and overhead. This size is too large for mail order. But, we have smaller easy-to-ship plants as well. It is a durable species and seem exempt from fungal problems that can plague C. plumosa. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA KLOTZSCHIANA
RARE UNDERSTORY PALM - GROUPED LEAFLETS

SINGLE STEM, THIN TRUNK, MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY TALL 5 GALLON SINGLES

This is a single trunk species from Mexico that is most known for having grouped leaflets along the rachis. It has a thin trunk about an inch in diameter and a somewhat open crown. The leaflets are attached to the rachis at irregular angles so that the leaflets look as if they were a group of bow ties attached to the leaf stem. Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. It likes filtered light or perhaps a little bit of sun. Some like to plant this species as a grouping or colony of multiple plants. Mature height is from ten to fifteen feet. I've shown two close-ups of the leaflets as this is the most charming characteristic of this species. The plants on sale just arrived and are very tall 5 gallon singles – most overhead with their tall trunks. The photos don't show it well, but these leaves are, on most of this batch, head height. These are nearly too tall for mail order but would be easy to fit into most cars if you visit..

REGULAR PRICE THESE TALL FIVE GALLON SINGLES $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $120

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

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

Euterpe edulis is a fun palm to grow because it is super attractive, has a narrow trunk and a beautiful, smooth crown shaft. I have had several in my garden. On mine, the crown shafts were a purple-green color but it's more common to see them as a lime green. Maximum height is about thirty feet with about a four inch thick trunk. Leaves tend to arch down and leaf color is green. Typically and most successful is to start in filtered light and work it's way into full sun along the coast. It's cold hardy into the upper twenties F. Anticipate a plant life of about thirty years. Also of note is the fact that the hearts of this palm are edible and a delicacy in many areas. The size on special are in one gallon pots. These would be a starter size. They would be easy to ship, weather permitting.

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special when purchasing to get this price. The last photo is c/o Wikipedia.

KING PALM
ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA

THE REGULAR KING PALM - ARE SIX OTHER VARIETIES, MORE RARE

MEDIUM TO TALL, FULL OR PART DAY SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 4 INCH JUVENILE PLANTS

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 2 to 3 year old seedlings in 4 inch pots and easy to mail order. Some are multiple but most are singles. Easy to mail order, weather permitting. Be aware that there are at least six other varieties of more rare King Palms that look different - and we carry all of them.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 4 INCH POT SIZE $37.50

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

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

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 CITRUS POT SIZED 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 citrus pot size below that we're putting on Special. 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.

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 here 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.

CYCAS THOUARSII
MEDIUM SIZED - SOFT GREEN LEAVES
FAST GROWING, EXOTIC APPEARING

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT

The first six photos here show a plant I'm putting on special. This is a very nice 15gallon plant with a caudex that is approximately 5 x 18 inches and probably an age of about 12 to 15 years. It came from a collection of container grown plant that were outdoors in Orange County, CA. Below the plant for sale are garden photos. This species is native to Madagascar, the eastern coast of Africa and the Comoro Islands. It is a 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. This species trunks are about eight to ten inches thick with leaves 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.

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 nice 5g plants and larger. We have about five in the 15g size. Shipping possible.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $775
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $675

Remember: Mention this special for this great price!

THE TRAVELER PALM
RAVENALA MADAGASCARENSIS

BANANA-LIKE TREE IN ONE PLANE
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND LATELY
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Most people are fascinated by this large, banana-like plant that has wide, long and soft leaves that tower overhead. It is native to Madagascar. The fact the leaves of the Traveler Palm are all aligned in one plane fascinates viewers. But I must first mention that this species is not a palm at all! Rather, it is part of the Bird of Paradise family. It got its common name of "Traveler Palm" (aka Traveller Palm) because the leaf bases would catch and hold water for thirsty travelers. Compared to the Giant Bird of Paradise, it's so much nicer. It's less maintenance, is not invasive and prettier. But, the downside is that Ravenala madagascarensis doesn't survive a freeze. Literally, a freeze will kill it overnight. This is the first time I’ve had any Traveler Palms available for two years. I’ve had hundreds of calls by people looking for them and there just aren’t any of any size available. Yesterday I got a limited number of three to four leaf young plants in band size. If they don’t sell out, all will be put in 2 gallon pots in the next few days.

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $40

The band size plants are shown in the first five photos. The sixth photo is an old photo of a larger Nursery plant.

See more about the Traveler Palm: TRAVELER PALM ARTICLE

MONSTERA DELICIOSA
THE SPLIT LEAF OR SWISS CHEESE PHILODENDRON

A CLIMBING PLANT
GETS LARGE LEAVES WITH OPEN SPLITS
20% OFF ANY PLANT WE HAVE THIS SPECIES

This climbing, large leaf Philodendron is native to southern Mexico, Central America - all the way to Panama. As a climbing plant, it grows well up into overhead trees and, with age, can get leaves that are 2 to feet long. It prefers filtered light or a bit of sun. It also tolerates a freeze. I'm showing you an older Nursery plant below to show you how the leaves are starting to get long. Leaves are green and divided as shown below. We're putting any plant this species on sale. We mostly have smaller than shown here. Also, in short supply so we could sell out.

20% OFF ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES FOR TEN DAYS

ALOCASIA SERENDIPITY
AFRICAN MASK HYBRID VARIETY WITH GREEN-BLACK, PUCKERED LEAVES

GREAT INTERIOR PLANT OR FOR FROST FREE GARDEN AREAS
FOUR TO SIX FEET TALL MATURE - FILTERED LIGHT OR A BIT OF SUN

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Alocasia are a group of tropical pLants that have diamond or heart shaped leaves. Some like sun, others shade. They are similar to Colocasia. There are over 80 types / hybrids of Alocasia. A.serendipity is known for its puckered dark green-black leaves (dorsal side) and prominently purple undersides. This is a hybrid species that is stunningly pretty inside and can be grown outside if you don’t get a freeze. Inside it wants good indirect light and outdoors filtered light with maybe a bit of direct sun. Leaf size mature is 2 to 3 feet. Leaves are also quite shiny. Older leaves tend to be more green. This species wants filtered light or a bit of sun. This size can be mail ordered, weather permitting.

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

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.

END OF OLDER BLOG POST FULL VERSION FOR JUNE, 2024
BUT THERE'S EVEN EARLIER POSTS FROM MAY, 2024 - CLICK BELOW

TO SEE EARLIER POSTS FROM MAY, 2024, CLICK HERE
TO SEE EARLIER POSTS FROM APRIL, 2024, 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 OR PLANT PURCHSES

• 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 AND WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SUCCESS WITH ANY GIVEN SPECIES OR PLANT(S)
• 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 YET SHIPPED ORDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CANCELLATION FEE OF 20% OF THE PLANT PRICE(S) - SEE 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 & Website Author
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

Encephalartos arenarius 36 inch box 22 x 30 inches, 6, 2 & 2 inch pups

Encephalartos horridus 24 in box 11 x 12.5 tall

Encephalartos horridus 25g probably female 10 inches

Encephalartos lehmannii 25g 12 inches

Encephalartos trispinosus male 35 gallon 12 x 21 inches ceramic pot

Encephalartsos trispinosus 25g 11 wide x 11 inches tall 5 inch pup

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

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

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

CONTAINER SIZE	PHOTO EMPTY CONTAINER	PHOTO OF PLANTS IN THIS CONTAINER
BAND SIZE CONTAINER This pot is 3 x 3 x 9 inches, square in shape. It is used for seedling plants. For most growers, it has replaced the one gallon pot. It is a bit deeper and easier to place in carrying trays. It also conserves space on benches because these can be placed close together. You can get a pretty nice plant in a band container, sometimes up to 30 inches tall.
ONE GALLON POT This is a very common pot used, especially by flower growers and those producing small shrubs. It's a typical first step after germinating a seedling. We prefer using the band containers above as they conserve table and bench space more efficiently and are deeper. Diameter of this pot is six inches but it's only about seven inches deep.

TWO GALLON POT This pot is 7 to 8 inches wide and about 8 inches deep. It is a nice size to move a band plant into. But, it is not particularly deep, so you have to make sure the roots fit into the container. This pot will produce an average plant that is about 2 feet tall. We grow a lot of palms in these pots.
FIVE GALLON POT This pot is 10 inches wide and about 10 inches deep. It produces a plant that is one of the most common sized palms that we sell. It is popular because it's not too heavy to lift and plants are typically three to five feet tall, depending on the species.
SEVEN GALLON POT We really like this container because it produces a good sized plant but isn't as heavy to carry as a 15g. But, for some manufacturing reason, this pot costs twice as much as a 15g. Therefore, most growers aren't buying this sized pot very much nowadays. It is 12 inches wide, and about 12 inches deep.
FIFTEEN GALLON POT This is the most popular sized purchased by people who want a landscape or near-landscape ready size of plant. This container typically supports a palm from four to eight feet size. Weight of this size of container with soil and plant is usually sixty to ninety pounds. It's size is 15 to 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep. Note how this size pot usually has a nice carrying lip at the top of the pot.
TWENTY/TWENTY-FIVE GALLON POTS This is the next size up from a 15g. These pots are typically about 18 to 20 inches wide and 16 to 18 inches deep. They weight anywhere from 125 to 150 pounds with their soil. They can produce a plant larger than the 15g, typically 8 to 10 feet. They usually have a flat lip on the top as shown. The pot shown here is actually a 25g pot. 20 g are a bit smaller.
24 INCH BOX CONTAINER This box is 24 inches wide, square in shape and about 22 to 24 inches deep. The weight of this container depends on the mix, but is anywhere from 175 to 300 pounds (this heavier weight is if one is using a very heavy soil). It takes two men to lift one of these. We prefer plastic boxes as shown here, but they are much more expensive than wooden box. They last a very long time.

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG PLANTS FOR SALE

SPECIAL SALE ITEMS

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

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELE RARE, ELEGANT, THIN TRUNK PALM

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI THE SOUTH AMERICAN "COCONUT PALM"

DYPSIS PEMBANA SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

HOWEA FORSTERIANA THE KENTIA PALM

COCCOTHRINAX ARGENTATA MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON PLANTS

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA THE TASMANIAN TREE FERN

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX SMALLER TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

SABAL PALMETTO THE PALMETTO PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA THE NIKAU PALM

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DIOON CALIFANOI MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

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

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI THE WINDMILL PALM ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS

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

DYPSIS PLUMOSA THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SERENOA REPENS SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

SABAL MINOR THE DWARF PALMETTO

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMIS SINGLE TRUNK, DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM

BLACK ROSE, STARBURST AND OTHERS AEONIUM ARBOREUM

BECCARIOPHOENIX MADAGASCARENSIS AKA "BECCARIOPHOENIX NO-WINDOWS""

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

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

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ZAMIA AMBLYPHYLLIDIA DWARF GREEN CYCAD

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA THE REGULAR LADY PALM

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

LIVISTONA LANGINOSA THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR SUN

BIRDSNEST FERN - ASPLENIUM NIDUS EXOTIC UNDERSTORY FERN

BLUE STAR FERN PHLEBODIUM AUREUM

TASMANIAN TREE FERN DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS IN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN RARELY SEEN NEAR BLACK FOLIAGE VARIETY

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA NEW CALEDONIAN PALM

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI THE WINDMILL PALM

RHAPIS EXCELSA THE LADY PALM

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM VERY COLD HARDY

ZAMIA FISCHERI AKA ZAMIA VASQUEZII

DWARF GREEN MEXICAN CYCAD CONES AT A SMALL SIZE - NEVER OVER 3 TO FOUR FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT SIZE

PHILODENDRON XANADU EXOTIC COMPANION PLANT

AECHMEA SPECIES TEN INCH LONG YELLOW & ORANGE BLOSSOMS

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

PRESTOEA MONTANA AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

BRAHEA ELEGANS THE FRANCESHI PALM

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS THE ELEGANT PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS THE CHILEAN WINE PALM FAT TRUNK - BUT SLOW GROWING

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

RABITTS FOOT FERN DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

EPIDENDRON ORCHID PINK BLOSSOM

BROMELIADS IN THE LANDSCAPE VERSATILE, EASY TO GROW COMPANION PLANTS

ASSORTED BROMELIADS NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY TO OUR NURSERY

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $255 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $235

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

PHOENIX ROEBELENII THE PYGMY DATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

ASSORTED PHILODENDRON SPECIES A VARIETY OF "SPECIES" AVAILABLE - MOST CLIMB, SOME DON'T MOST LIKE FILTERED LIGHT MULTIPLE SPECIES TO CHOOSE FROM

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA" CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

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

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELE
RARE, ELEGANT, THIN TRUNK PALM

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI
THE SOUTH AMERICAN "COCONUT PALM"

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

COCCOTHRINAX ARGENTATA
MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS
THE SOLITAIRE PALM - NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON PLANTS

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA
THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA
THE TASMANIAN TREE FERN

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SMALLER TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

SABAL PALMETTO
THE PALMETTO PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DIOON CALIFANOI
MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

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

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM
ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS

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

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA
THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SERENOA REPENS
SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

CHAMAEDOREA GEONOMIFORMIS
SINGLE TRUNK, DWARF UNDERSTORY PALM

BLACK ROSE, STARBURST AND OTHERS
AEONIUM ARBOREUM

BECCARIOPHOENIX MADAGASCARENSIS
AKA "BECCARIOPHOENIX NO-WINDOWS""

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

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

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST BAMBOO PALMS

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

ZAMIA AMBLYPHYLLIDIA
DWARF GREEN CYCAD

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE REGULAR LADY PALM

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

LIVISTONA LANGINOSA
THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR SUN

BIRDSNEST FERN - ASPLENIUM NIDUS
EXOTIC UNDERSTORY FERN

BLUE STAR FERN
PHLEBODIUM AUREUM

TASMANIAN TREE FERN
DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS
IN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
RARELY SEEN NEAR BLACK FOLIAGE VARIETY

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
NEW CALEDONIAN PALM

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS
BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY

ZAMIA FISCHERI
AKA ZAMIA VASQUEZII

DWARF GREEN MEXICAN CYCAD
CONES AT A SMALL SIZE - NEVER OVER 3 TO FOUR FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT SIZE

PHILODENDRON XANADU
EXOTIC COMPANION PLANT

AECHMEA SPECIES
TEN INCH LONG YELLOW & ORANGE BLOSSOMS

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

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHI PALM

CYPHOPHOENIX ELEGANS
THE ELEGANT PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
THE CHILEAN WINE PALM
FAT TRUNK - BUT SLOW GROWING

ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS
LARGE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD SPECIES

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
NICE 5G SIZE READY FOR THE GARDEN

RABITTS FOOT FERN
DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
PINK BLOSSOM

BROMELIADS IN THE LANDSCAPE
VERSATILE, EASY TO GROW COMPANION PLANTS

ASSORTED BROMELIADS
NEW ONES ARRIVING ALMOST WEEKLY TO OUR NURSERY

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $235

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

PHOENIX ROEBELENII
THE PYGMY DATE PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

ASSORTED PHILODENDRON SPECIES
A VARIETY OF "SPECIES" AVAILABLE - MOST CLIMB, SOME DON'T
MOST LIKE FILTERED LIGHT
MULTIPLE SPECIES TO CHOOSE FROM

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA"
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PRITCHARDIA SPECIMEN PALMS FOR SALE
MEDIUM SIZED HAWAIIAN FAN PALM