Cyrtostachys renda Seedlings

Common Name: Red Sealing Wax Palm, Lipstick Palm
Origin: Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Light: Partial sun

A rare and exotic palm, Lipstick Palm is definitely a collectors palm and is one of the most beautiful and sought-after palms in the world.

The Lipstick Palm trunks have similar characteristics with the Bamboo Palm. The Lipstick Palm is well known because of its brilliant red, sometimes orange, colored crownshaft. It is slender, smooth and slightly swollen at the base.

Its striking red crownshaft creates a nice contrast with its luxuriant bright green fronds. I think it is a must-have for any tropical garden. Also it's a great palm to put close to the window in cold climates, giving to the living room a tropical look.

In some places close to the tropics, or with very mild temperatures, such as places close to the coast, you may still succeed in growing it ouside in the garden. You will need to get the plant as established as possible before planting it out. Provide shade for a start as well, and make sure it stays warm enough.

Ensure this palm gets plenty of warmth, but also humidity. Regular misting is required if the environment around the palm is dry. Soil should be rich, moist and loamy, and plants should be fed monthly with a tropical plant or palm fertiliser.

Plant seeds in a loose mixture of perlite and peat moss in a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio is good, but you can use sand as well. Plant in a warm place out of direct sunlight.

Soil temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit seems to be ideal. This can be accomplished using bottom heat or a heated greenhouse. Pot on when 2 to 3 leaves have formed. Water once a day in a greenhouse, but don’t over water.