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PALM TREES, CYCADS & TROPICALS

PLANT BLOG WITH SPECIALS
& PLANTS FOR SALE

CURRENT OR RECENT SALE ITEMS

One of the Best Selections of Rare Plants Anywhere!

NURSERY LOCATION - ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA
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PALM TREES, CYCADS AND TROPICALS - PLANT BLOG

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THIS PAGE HAS CURRENT POSTS FOR APRIL - MAY, 2025

REMINDER: POSTS HERE UPDATED EVERY SEVERAL DAYS, SO RETURN
FREQUENTLY/ LOTS OF OUR FAMOUS BLOG ONLY "TEN DAY SPECIALS" BELOW.

HOW THIS BLOG WORKS

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

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

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

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Email:  phil@junglemusic.net or click here FOR INSTANT EMAIL TO Phil

MAIL ORDERS
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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.

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FRIDAY, 16 MAY, 2025

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
THE STAR PALM

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

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

BEST CYCAD SPECIES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

AND MANY OTHER STATES
EASY TO READ
LOTS OF SPECIES & PICTURES

COVERS MOST OF THE SOUGHT-AFTER SPECIES
CULTURAL INFORMATION INCLUDED

Click on banner to right to read

READ CYCADS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Encephalartos princeps
Encephalartos arenarius

Macrozamia communis
Cycas panzhihuaensis

ALOCASIA "BLACK STEM"
UNDERSTORY EXOTIC COMPANION PLANT

SUPER COOL BLACK STEMS
LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE

From a private grower we have gotten in this really impressive Alocasia that struck my fancy. It has super dark, essentially black stems. And, the black continues up into the leaf on the underside veins. We tried one outdoors - sort of an experiment to see how it would do with winter. And, it had no damage with our low this year at 34 degrees F. So, I got the last two or three to offer to customers. These are in 5g pots and stand about four feet tall. I anticipate it'll be an understory plant with filtered light. I suspect a freeze would damage them. Although just a guess, I'd say mature height will be about six feet. No one knows presently the species name of this plant. As mentioned, available only for a short time in very limited number. Although we carry similar species and these "Black Stems" might run out, feel free to call about current availability.

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 FOUR 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 very difficult to find - the true "humilis". This is because there only males known to exist of this true variety. So, there are no seeds. Any plants have to come from divisions of existing plants. We have several plants that are about fifteen feet tall in their pots. An example of these our plants is shown in the first five or six 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. No females exist. So, if someone tells you they grew them from seeds, you know they are not this true Rhapis humilis – more likely R. multifida. These 25 gallon specimens shown below would be perfect for an upscale garden or interior usage application. They are shown in the first 8 photos below. The garden photo is by FM at the LAA. These divisions were taken from forty year old specimens and have taken over seven years to establish as you see them now. We only have a few left.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON SPECIMENS BELOW $1750
SALE PRICE THESE 25 GALLON SPECIMENS $1475

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A "MULTIPLE"
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to areas extending from southern Mexico down to Columbia. They are often grown for food as the male blossoms are cooked and eaten as a delicacy. This species doesn't take sun here - it'll burn. But, in shade it thrives in temperatures down to the mid-twenties F. It is quick growing and has a rather thick, prominently ringed dark green trunk. Flowers are quite prominent and, if you have several plants closely situated, the chances are you'll obtain fruit without even trying. 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 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $225

Just mention this Special for your discount.

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

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

This single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm comes from Madagascar. It is a medium size palm with a narrow trunk and plumose leaves. Trunk diameter is four to six inches. The trunk color is silver-green and it has prominent rings. Leaflets are narrow and green in color. The ends of the leaves curve downwards. We have been growing this species for over two decades and found it to be a reliable grower. When young the trunk is much thinner but fattens up with age. It is quite cold tolerant, down into the mid to low 20's F. It's growth rate is good. It likes full sun in most areas. We are offering very tall 15 gallon plants on sale. The plant shown below is about 12 feet tall – twice the height of most comparable 15g plants. We do have some 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 $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON THIS SIZE $225

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

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

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

VERY EXCITING – ONLY NURSERY TO OFFER THIS PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE

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

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

We figure these are a hybrid of a Veitchia merrillii crossed with something else. Most likely it's with another species of Veitchia that are more cold tolerant. This is to our customer's benefit as this means perhaps they can grow these and end up with a smaller palm that resembles V. merrillii. We have a limited number of these plants left. They’ve gotten bigger and all have survived a freeze at our nursery. So, maybe here’s your chance to grow a “Veitchia merrillii hybrid”

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS HYBRID $165
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON $135

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. Obviously, I have no mature garden plants to show you as this is such a rare hybrid. But, I’m showing in the last row of photos the Veitchia merrillii and finally the Veitchia arecina. This is probably your last chance to get one of these hybrids.

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE
THIS SIZE CAN BE MAIL ORDERED

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.

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

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
THIS SIZE EASY TO MAIL ORDER

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1 GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $62.50

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

SABAL ROSEI
GREEN FAN PALM FROM MEXICO

MEDIUM TO TALL MATURE HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This majestic and rather tall fan palm is native to Mexico and get a mature height of 40 feet or a bit more in decades. But, the trunk is rather thin - averaging 8 to 12 inches. Retained leaf bases eventually fall off given it a smooth trunk with knobby areas of old leaf-base scars. The leaves are large and green in color. It prefers full sun and is cold hardy to about 20 degrees F. or a bit colder. We're putting our 2 gallon size on special - easy to mail order

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

DYPSIS PRESTONIANA
SINGLE TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL
A REAL WINNER!

SUPER RARE MADAGASCAR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

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

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

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

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

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

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

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

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 $62.50

We, of course, have other sizes of this species for sale. Bands are easy to mail order.

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
Caudex size these plants 2 to 3 inches

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $215

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

ENCEPHALARTO ITURIENSIS
SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

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

The first seven photos below show a 15 gallon plant with long leaves and an 8 - 9 inch caudex.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1475
Presently I only have one nice 15 gallon specimen. The last photo shows a plant we sold about a decade ago that was much larger with longer leaves. Unfortunately, this sale plant has too long of leaves to ship without pruning down the leaves. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia Commons.

MACROZAMIA MOOREI
LARGER COLD HARDY CYCAD

A CYCAD THAT EVENTUALLY LOOKS LIKE A PALM TREE
TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO 50 YEAR OLD SPECIMENS SHOWN BELOW
This larger cycad is native to Queensland, Australia. Over many decades, it establishes a thick trunk and can get ten to twenty feet tall. At this size the truly resemble a palm tree, both in crown size and trunk size. It is recognizable because of its long, curved and keeled leaves (V shaped in cross section). Other species like M. johnsoni and communis have much flatter leaves. It is very cold hardy for a cycad and can easily grow outdoors in many areas of the SF Bay Area. Some report that it tolerates low temperatures into the upper teens F.

The 24 inch boxed specimens shown below were imported into the U.S. about 25 years ago by a private individual - all legally with CITES permits. They were about 25 years old back then. Caudexes are fat and some have stem heights of two feet. Of note, this species is slow to put on trunk height. This species wants full sun. The two specimens shown below are larger than anything on the market and have a reduced price on sale.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZED BOXED SPECIMEN $1850
TEN DAY SPECIAL 24 INCH BOXED SIZE AS SHOWN $1500

The first garden photo is c/o TS at RPS.

ALOCASIA DARK STAR
SMALLER HYBRID VARIETY WITH DARK STEMS

VERY ATTRACTIVE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE OF TROPICAL PLANT
FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS
This hybrid variety is known for its near black stems and dark veins on the leaves. Leaf color is green, both sides. Overall mature height is about three feet. This plant will sucker and has been said to grow in Zone 9. There are reports of it taking down to the upper teens F. It is a hybrid of multiple other varieties. It is said to tolerates full sun, but I'd probably recommend part day sun or less, especially if you are far inland. Note how the leaves are slightly ruffled with irregular edges on the larger nursery specimen. We're putting young one gallons on sale - shown in first 6 photos.

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

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT
HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

LARGE GREEN LEAVES, SUCKERING
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE ONE GALLON SIZE

Calocasia are types of Elephant Ear plants that are native to areas from India through Asia. The species on special today is known for it's huge leaves which can be six feet long and four feet wide. This variety is known to have the largest leaves of this species. Leaves are green and heart shaped. Mature height can be ten feet. They tolerate sun or part sun. Plants are known to be grown in zone 7b and can take a freeze if the soil doesn't freeze. In freezing areas new leaves will re-emerge in the spring. In frost free areas it is a perennial plant. The last photo c/o the Missouri Botanical Garden shows a larger plant. The plants on special shown below are in one gallon pots. These photos were taken last month. Plants are presently larger than shown here. They are fairly quick growing.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $37.50

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 $37.50

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $70

ALTERNATHEA PARTYTIME
DWARF COLORFUL SPECIES

RED AND GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLDER ONE GALLON

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

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE ONE GALLON $37.50

WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY, 2025

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CORRECT?
I DON'T THINK SO.

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

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

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

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
















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How to Plant a Palm Banner

ARTICLE - "HOW TO PLANT A PALM TREE"

Believe it or not, many people have misconceptions about how to plant a palm tree in the garden and how to avoid problems. Click on the link below to read a very helpful article on things to do and not do. I've written it so it is quite easy to read and not complicated. I think you'll learn something from this article and maybe have fun reading it.

READ: HOW TO PLANT A PALM TREE

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

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

REGULAR PRICE 7 & 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL THSE 7 OR 15 GALLON $220

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

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

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

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA
BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

STRONG & LARGE 10 & 15 GALLON PLANTS
SUPER RARE PALM TO FIND - ALMOST SOLD OUT OF THESE
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS

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

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

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

REGULAR PRICE HUGE 10 or 15 GALLON $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SIZES $325

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

READ MORE ABOUT THE BAMBOO PALMS

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

BEST GROWING SPECIES OF THE GENUS
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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 as shown in the photos below of a 15 gallon example.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $230
We have extremely limited numbers but hopefully more will become available over time. 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 $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $130

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

SERENOA REPENS
SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

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

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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON$120

Mention this Blog Special for your discount.

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 GALLON $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $130

CHAMAEDOREA SCHIPPII
AN ALMOST UNKNOWN AND NEVER AVAILABLE SPECIES

UNDERSTORY PINNATE SUCKERING PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 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 two to three years ago. I haven't this species for sale for at least 20 years. No one has them. We're offering them in 2 gallon 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.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $90
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS RARE PALM IN 2 GALLON $75

Remember: Limited numbers and mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL
FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL

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

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

CHAMAEDOEA OBLONGATA
SINGLE TRUNK FILTERED LIGHT PALM WITH OVOID LEAFLETS

PREFERS FILTERED LIGHT – MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE MULTIPLES

We have a limited number of this single trunk pinnate palm that has fat, ovoid leaflets and a think trunk. Mature height is about eight feet. Trunks are narrow and green in color. Because of the thin trunks, this species is often planted as a “multiple” as they are more attractive if grown in this fashion. It is dioecious so one needs a male and female to set viable seeds. This species doesn’t like to dry out too much and doesn’t do well in full sun. Perhaps it’d take a bit of early morning sun. Growth rate is slow to medium. I has been grown as a houseplant. Cold tolerance is a few degrees below a freeze. We’re putting the limited numbers of one gallon that we have on sale. These can be mail ordered. The size on sale is shown below in the first four photos.

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

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI
VERY ATTRACTIVE SMALL MATURE SIZE - DWARF SHADE PALM

TYPICALLY NOT OVER 3 FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

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

REGULAR PRICE 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.

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. BTW, these are a bit expensive but this is because of their rarity and the difficulty there is for me to obtain this species for sale and offer them to you.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $70

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 $80
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE SEEDLINGS $70

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 SIXTY YEAR OLD SPECIMEN $6500
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECTACULAR BLUE CYCAD SPECIMEN $5600
I guarantee you it's one of the nicest blue cycads on the market today!

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. Supply of these are running low so this could be a Special Order.

REGULAR PRICE 3 GALLON $115
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 3 GALLON SIZE $95

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 $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THREE GALLON $65

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZECanna 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.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $55

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

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

REGULAR PRICE SMALL CLUSTERS $75, LARGE CLUSTERS $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL - $65 FOR SMALL & $95 FOR LARGE CLUSTERS

MONDAY, 12 MAY, 2025

GERMINATING PALM SEEDS:

DO YOU HAVE BAD PALM SEEDS?
WHICH SEEDS TO PICK?
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A SEED IS NOT GOOD?

THE FLOAT TEST
THE PINCH TEST
CUT THE SEED OPEN
ALWAYS CLEAN OFF THE FRUIT

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

RULES TO FOLLOW:

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

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

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

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

Green seeds, not ready to pick
Bad palm seed, collapsed with pinch test
Bad seed, it was squizhy with pinch test & cut open central cavity

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

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

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

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

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 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.

COCONUT QUEEN PALM
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WHEN MATURE
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND

MEDIUM HEIGHT – SYAGRUS HYBRID
TEN DAY SPECIAL SUN READY BOX SIZED PLANTS

This interesting hybrid originated in Thailand by a grower and propagator of rare palms. It is a cross between the common Queen Palm and an unusual type of palm from the same genus, Syagrus schizophylla. The offspring have proven to be quite beautiful and have good cold tolerance. These will be a medium sized palm. The trunk will be thinner than the normal Queen and the overall size will be less. The attached photos of near mature plants show how pretty it is. And, that they are not overly tall. Note that they do not resemble what we all know as the Queen Palm. Some say they seem more to resemble a Coconut Palm. This hybrid likes full sun, is a medium rate grower and has a cold hardiness estimated to be in the low 20's F. Mature height should be about 25 feet. For those who want the fluffy appearance of the Queen Palm without the large size, this palm is perfect for you. Be aware, these are extremely difficult to find and are presently in super short supply. These may be sold out very soon and it's near impossible to re-order them.

We’re putting huge 24 inch boxes on sale. They are about 10 - 12 feet tall in their box. This hybrid likes full sun, is a medium rate grower. We have what may be the last three plants in this area.

REGULAR PRICE 24 INCH BOX $950
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $825 (presently a special order item)

The 9th photo is by J.I.

DYPSIS LUTESCENS
THE ARECA PALM

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

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

REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $325
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE 15 GALLON $285

15 gallon size shown here

Photos of garden plants

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 $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G MULTIPLES $235

You get this discount when you mention our Blog Only Special.

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 smaller sizes as well. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia.

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

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 $245
TEM DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $215

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

CHAMAEDOREA KLOTZSCHIANA
RARE UNDERSTORY PALM - GROUPED LEAFLETS

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

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 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 heightor above. These are nearly too tall for mail order but would be easy to fit into most cars if you visit. Shown below are singles and multiples, both of which are on sale for the same sale price. But, supply is running short.

REGULAR PRICE THESE TALL FIVE GALLON SINGLES OR MULTIPLE $165
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE SINGLES OR MULTIPLES $140

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 $165
DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 5 GALLON $140

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

SYAGRUS SANCONA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN FOXTAIL PALM

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

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

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

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

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

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $80
SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $70

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

CHAMAEDOREA OREOPHILA
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM

TOLERATES SOME SUN - FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This is a great palm for Southern CA and other areas that may see winter colds into the mid-twenties F. It is native to southwestern Mexico at high elevations to 4500 feet. It tolerates bright filtered light or, along the coast, some degree of sun. It is single trunked with a modified crown shaft and somewhat short green leaves. It resembles a Chamaedorea elegans on steroids. Trunks are about an inch thick and ringed. In filtered light trunks remain green. Mature height is about ten feet. This is an extremely difficult species to find. We happen to have some plants grown by Don Hodel. The last two photos are by Australian friend Colin Wilson. We only have a couple left.

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

Remember to Mention this Special!

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 /span>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.

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. /span>

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 1 GALLON SIZE $65

Note that we have two other sizes of this species below

DYPSIS LASTELLIANA
THE RED NECK PALM

NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SEEDLING SIZE

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

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

Just mention this Special at the time of purchase.

SABAL ETONIA
SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

GETS SIX TO EIGHT FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

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

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

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIX X DEBAOENSIS
CYCAD HYBRID OF TWO RARE SPECIES

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

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

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE 1 GALLON $195
DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $165

Remember to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this price. This size is almost sold out. The first garden photo in the last row is the panzhihuaensis and the next is the debaoensis.

Cycas panzhihuaensis
Cycas debaoensis

CYCAS BIFIDA
AKA CYCAS MULTIFRONDIS

SUPER RARE ASIAN UNDERSTORY CYCAD
BIFURCATING OR TRIFURCATING LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON AS DESCRIBED BELOW

This interesting and fairly cold hardy Cycas species is native to southern China and Viet Nam. It has long upright green leaves. But, this is not a bifurcating leaflet stem species (i.e. Cycas multipinata or debaoensis ). Rather, it puts out two leaflets off a single stem. Or, single leaflets that seem to split into two leaflets. Historically, this is one of the species that started out being called "Cycas micholitzii". Later it was called Cycas multifrondis. But, Cycas bifida is now the correct taxonomic name. Leaves are upright and long. Expect somewhere in the eight to ten foot length when mature. It is rarely seen for sale and is hard to find. Plants usually just carry three or four leaves and have a small caudex, not over about 10 inches, mostly subterranean. It prefers filtered light or morning sun. Cold hardiness is definitely down to the low 20's F.

The plant on Special is in a 5 gallon container. There are three caudexes. The primary caudex has no leaves. The other two, 2 and 3 inches of caudex, are holding leaves. Age is at least 12 years. This plant can be mail ordered. It's the last one we have of this species. The garden photo is c/o China Gardening Nursery. I must emphasize that this is a super rare species and nearly impossible to find.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 5 GALLON PLANT $1250
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1075

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY SIZE PLANT WE HAVE!

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

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

CYCAS TAITUNGENSIS
THE EMPEROR CYCAD

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

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

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

MONSTERA DELICIOSA
“SWISS CHEESE PHILODENDRON”

LARGE GREEN LEAVES WITH HOLES IN THE LEAVES
CLIMBING SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE

Monstera deliciosa is a climbing tropical plant native to areas from southern Mexico down through Latin America. It climbs up tree trunks and can get up to 100 feet into the canopy. It has green leaves with horizontal splits/openings. A particular form of this plant doesn’t just have splits but rather holes/openings in the leaves. The plants on sale are this latter type. The trunks attached to whatever is near (tree trunks, fences, posts, etc) and are about an inch thick. Trunks put out attaching roots for support. Leaves can be much larger than shown here when mature. They can easily reach two to three feet in width. It is super easy to grow. Just plant it next to almost anything. We’re putting our limited numbers of 15 gallon and 7 gallon on sale. The first six photos shown the 15 gallon size. In terms of plant size, both containers have the same size plants.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $180
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON $155

The photos below are of the split leaf Philodendron, not the "Swiss Cheese" variety.

NEORGELIA MEDUSA
INNER LEAVES PROMINENTLY RED
FILTERED LIGHT SPECIES

TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE, FULL 6 INCH PLANTS

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

REGULAR PRICE 6 INCH $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL $45

PLUMERIA PLANTS
LARGE ONE GALLON AVAILABLE
PRETTY AND DESIRABLE VARIETIES

SOME BRANCHING
THREE DIFFERENT BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON PLANTS

We are pleased to offer three very beautiful varieties of Plumeria. We got these in 2 days ago and also had a “Hot Pink” variety which sold out the same day. Most are large for a one gallon and have branches. They are growing now that it’s spring and have leaves. They should produce flowers this summer. I brought these in because all are super desirable varieties. They came from a private Plumeria enthusiast. These plants like sun and heat. Cold tolerance is down to a freeze or slightly below. If you plant some in your garden, remember to not water them in winter when it’s cold. This will cause rot. Limited supplies. We also have other sizes available, mostly larger. Be aware that an individual species could sell out.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON BELOW $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE ONE GALLON $50

Remember: Mention this Special when you purchase.

*Plumeria pinang peach*

*Plumeria pink pansy*

Plumeria yellow

FRIDAY, 9 MAY, 2025

ENCEPHALARTOS LEAFLETS
COLLAGE OF CLOSE UP PHOTOS

SHOWS DIVERSITY OF LEAF & LEAFLET APPEARANCES

This is a "just for fun" post of many close up photographs of the leaflets of an assortment of unusual Encephalartos species from either South or Central Africa. I am showing you these to demonstrate the diversity of the leaflets of this genus as a whole. Some are blue. And, there's many colors of green. Leaflet shapes are also quite varied. You'll see shorter leaflets compared to long narrow ones. Some are spiny, others are more smooth at their margins. The texture on some are smooth and shiny whereas others are furry showing hairs. Some stack on each other, others are widely spaced. Some are prominently veined. Many pictures were taken twelve inches away while others show more leaflets, taken at two feet. I'll not get into mentioning the species shown here but rather show them as a whole so you see how different they are from each other. All photos were taken on nursery plants recently.

BLECHNUM GIBBUM
THE SILVER LADY FERN

THE MINIATURE TREE FERN
YES, IT IS A MINIATURE AND STAYS SMALL!

I am really fond of this cute and dwarf type of Tree Fern native to an assortment of Pacific Islands stretching from Hawaii to the Asian Pacific. The reason I like it is because it stays small over time. To make this point, I am going to first shown you a 15g plant that we got from a private collection. You'll see this plant in the first two rows of photos. The third row shows a standard 5 gallon nursery plant. You'll note that, in twenty years, three inches of trunk turns into two feet of trunk. Now, that's either from super slow growth or genetics. I think it's the latter. The tallest specimen I've seen in a garden is about five feet tall overall. Trunk diameter is four inches or less. It likes filtered light and can take cold weather into the mid-twenties F or maybe a bit less. We also have 1 gallon size for sale. These are easy to mail order.

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

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

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

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

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

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

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ARCHING LEAVES – MEDIUM HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is interesting because, in the wild, it is known as a dwarf species that forms minimal trunk. But, when it is grown domestically, it forms a trunk about the size of Butia capitata. It, as you'd guess, comes from Paraguay, with habitat extending into Brazil and northern Argentina. The color is a blue-green, not as silver as Butia capitata. The leaves are strongly arched as shown. It is a full sun plant with cold hardiness into the teens F. We haven’t had them available for a few years. We are now offering 5 gallon plants on sale that are about 5 years old. They are getting chunky and nicely sized. These can be mail ordered. Culture includes full sun and good draining soil. Cold hardiness is into the teens F. I am also showing a photo of a 15g plant from the nursery that is no longer available. Limited numbers. BTW, if the 5g size sells out we may have some band or one gallon available. The habitat photo is by TS at RPS

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

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

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

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

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

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

FULL CROWN OF GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 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. 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

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE VARIETY
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

REGULAR PRICE THESE FIVE GALLON $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $245

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

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT AS SHOWN

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

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

REGULAR PRICE PLANTS WITH THIS SIZE CAUDEX $437.50
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $365

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.

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 4.5 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

ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA
THE NORFOLK ISLAND PINE OR STAR PINE

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

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

TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 15 GALLON $165

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

LIKES FULL HOT SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED 5 GALLON

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

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

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

CALATHEA HOUSEPLANTS
PRAYER PLANTS

POPULAR HOUSE PLANT - EASY TO GROW
TEN DAY SPECIAL FOUR TYPES - MAY BE SPECIAL ORDER

This is another popular interior plant that is native to the Americas. They are known for distinctive leaves and often contrasting colors. Leaves are sometimes deep purple on the underside. During the night, leaves may naturally curl up and then un-curl when it is bright. Leaves are thick and interesting. They like low to medium light and adequate water. We're putting some 3 gallon on sale below. Note that there are many species, hybrids and cultivars in this genus. Also, availability of each is variable - some go out of stock and other different ones become available. Those shown below may be on a special order basis as we infrequently carry this genus. Also, be aware that many do not do well in the garden because of cold intolerance issues. More often they are grown as houseplants.

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

CALATHEA MEDALION

CALATHEA RUFIBARBA

CALATHEA SANGUINEA

CALATHEA SETOSA

WEDNESDAY, 7 MAY, 2025

COCONUT PALM
COCOS NUCIFERA

A GORGEOUS TROPICAL PALM
VERY LARGE BRIGHT YELLOW FRUIT
VERY DIFFICULT TO GROW IN SOUTHERN CA

There is hardly a palm more beautiful than Cocos nucifera, the Coconut Palm. Although no one knows for sure it's original native habitat, presently they are found naturalized in tropical areas around the world. They tolerate heat and sun, live right near salt containing oceans and get to a height of about 40 feet. The yellow colored fruits are produced in abundance. You might recognize store bought coconuts that are brown. These are the seeds and within the thick fibrous husk of the fruit. From a cultural point of view, this palm doesn't have a lot of cold tolerance. It succumbs with temperatures below the upper thirties F.

There are few if any Coconuts flourishing in Southern CA. Once in a while you'll hear of one that's gotten overhead. But, invariably, even these die. All the photos here were taken in the Miami, FL area. We do carry them from time to time in smaller sizes but try to talk the customer out of getting one. But, you may be able to grow one inside.

THE TRAVELER PALM
RAVENALA MADAGASCARENSIS
BANANA APPEARING TREE IN ONE PLANE

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

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

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

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
BLUE SINGLE TRUNK FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

A DEFINITE STATEMENT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 25 GALLON SIZE

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

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON SIZE $595
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE $495
Remember: Mention this Special for this price.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

TALL, SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
ELEGANT WITH LONG CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This super popular palm is native to south Florida and Cuba. It gets a very tall trunk with a height of forty feet or more. The crown shaft is long and a prominent green. The base of the trunk is swollen just above the ground. Often, you'll also see bulging in the mid-trunk. It is a full sun plant and some are growing it in desert areas with success - in full sun. Cold tolerance is like a King Palm, about 25 degrees F. The 15 gallon we have are about eight feet tall or more in their pots. Basal diameter is about 3 inches or more. We also have smaller sizes. There's a shortage of this species on the California market. The Royal in the 8th photo was taken in San Diego.

REGULAR PRICE THESE VERY NICE 15 GALLON $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $235

Mention this Special for your discount.

READ MORE ABOUT ROYAL PALMS

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 $265
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $235

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

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION SEE ABOVE

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

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
AN EXOTIC NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL $55

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA
A "USER FRIENDLY" LARGE CYCAD

GREEN LEAVES – NO SPINES
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

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.
Our band sized seedlings are quite nice with at lest 2 to 3 leaves currently (photos below taken last year). Supplies are limited. Easy to ship. I am also showing a monster specimen we have at the Nursery which is also for sale.

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

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

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

This rare South African cycad is also from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue. The plants on Special should be a nice blue form. Trunks of this species can reach a height of twelve feet or more. Leaf lengths are four to six feet with stacking leaflets and minimal if any spines when mature. Leaves are often curled downward toward their ends. It loves full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The citrus pot size on sale came from blue parents and will become more blue out of the greenhouse and in full sun. Caudex is 3 inches. This size is easy to mail order. BTW, this actual plant shown below is definitely not the green form. You can see the leaves are gray colored and, outdoors in the sun should be blue over time. The garden photos below show a blue plant,, a green plant and something in between.

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

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

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON WITH 5 INCH CAUDEX

Native to Mozambique, this small to medium sized cycad grows in scrub forest among rocks, boulders an on cliffs. 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 a 15 gallon sized plants with caudexes of 5 inches. It will have either blue or blue green leaves. but need age and sun to show any blue color. This plant will can be mail ordered. The last photo below is by MR shwoing the rugged habitat of this species.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH 5 INCH CAUDEX $825
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 4 INCHES $660

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

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD
KNOWN FEMALE

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE WITH 8.25 INCH CAUDEX

Shown below is a specimen plant of the desirable blue South African cycad, Encephalartos trispinosus. This is a gorgeous plant. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus. It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form but the plant on sale shown here is definitely spiny. These will want full sun along the coast and is cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. This 15 gallon garden-ready specimen has a caudex that is 8.25 inches in diameter. It is a female plant. It's leaflets are classically formed and the leaves have a nice terminal downward curve as shown. It can be mail order in a large box. It’s ready for th garden and fully sun acclimated. We got this plant from a collector who told us that it's a female. Give it a year or two in your garden and it'll be one of your favorite plants.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON FEMALE WITH AN 8.25 INCH CAUDEX $1295
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS CYCAD - 15 GALLON FEMALE AS DESCRIBED $1050

ASSORTED BROMELIADS - STOCK ALWAYS CHANGING

FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS & COMMERCIAL NURSERIES
VAST SELECTION - MANY SUN VARIETIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL - ANY BROMELIAD IN STOCK

We have a pretty nice offering of continual changing Bromeliads. They are quite popular and tend to sell out quicly. Many take sun while others want shade. We have at least 50 different types at the Nursery. We sometimes buy them commercially but the most exciting varieties come from offsets of privately held collections. This includes many Aechmea, Neorogelias, Tillandsia and others. Some like full sun while others like shade. Bromeliads are easy to grow and freely sucker with new plants at their bases. They hold water in thier cups so overhead watering is best. We invite all to drop in to see our Bromeliads. We have a lot more than shown here. We're putting every Bromeliad in stock on sale.

TEN DAY SPECIAL - 15% OFF EVERY BROMELIAD IN STOCK!

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM "SHISHI BOTAN"
THE RUFFLED LIGULARIA

RUFFLED, FRILLY LEAVES - COASTAL SUN - FILTERED LIGHT FAR INLAND AREAS
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. Along the coast they do fine in full sun. But, far inland, it's better to give themn a few hours of sun or strong filtered light. 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 - but at the same time, hard to find.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $40

Note that we also have 5 gallon size available.

BRACHYCHITON RUPESTRIS
INTERESTING THICK TRUNK TROPICAL TREE

SNAKESKIN TEXTURED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 25 GALLON TREE

About four decades ago I visited Seaborne Nursery up in the Lake Hodges area of San Diego County. It has long since vanished as a nursery. A fellow who ran this nursery, Bill Seaborne (now deceased) convinced me to try a few of this interesting species. I planted them and within about five to ten years found they have the most peculiar, large and swollen trunks. The leaflets are quite fine; but the trunk is massive. It has a green snake skin type of texture and is a fast growing tree. The plant I’m showing here is a 25 gallon we’ve been growing for years. It’s about 15 feet tall and begging for a home. I am also showing you pictures of mature trees in Australia, the native home of this species. This species is not known for flowers, but rather for it's peculiar swollen trunk. It can get to fifty feet tall, likes sun, and has a cold tolerance that is probably into the low 20's F. It's quite tall - maybe ever too tall to easily transport in a pickup. Garden photos by australiagarden website and anbg.gov. If this plant is too big for you, we also should have a few 5 and 15g plants.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON $495
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS TREE $425

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
ASSORTED BLOSSOM COLORS

REEDSTEM TYPE TERRESTRIAL ORCHID
HARD TO FIND COLORS - PINK, PURPLE & OTHER COLORS
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 and the blossom of a purple.

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, 1 gallon size.

MONDAY, 5 MAY, 2025

ROYSTONEA BORINQUENA
PERHAPS A MORE COLD HARDY ROYAL PALM

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MATURE PALMS

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

AECHMEA BLANCHETIANA
LARGER TYPE OF COLORFUL BROMELIAD

TOLERATES FULL SUN - FAIRLY COLD HARDY
DIFFICULT TO LOCATE BUT WE TYPICALLY HAVE IN STOCK
MULTIPLE LEAF COLORS - RED, ORANGE, YELLOW & GREEN

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. There are varieties that show yellow, orange, red and several other colors. I prefer the colorful forms although straight green is also seen. The problem is that they are hard to find. These are a fantastic full sun companion plant. Shown below are plants that we have at the nursery along with a couple of garden pictures of this species. Most are yellow but there's a few "orangeade" types shown. They came from a yellow-orange mom as offsets. They should grow in sun to show nice color. Presently we do have a pretty good selection of this species. Below in this Blog are nice specimens of this species on Sale.

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

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

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

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

SPECIAL PRICE THESE LARGE KENTIAS - $165 PER TRUNK FOOT

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!
MUCH SUPERIOR TO REGULAR KING PALMS

SO, WHAT IS IT?
ARE THEY EVER ON SALE?
YES, 10 DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON 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? Shown below is a single of our 15 gallon size but we also have multiples. These are really too big for mail order but we do have 5 gallon which we can ship. We have available both single stem plants and some multiples (more than one in a pot).

It is faster growing than the regular Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
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

It's just a better looking and performing type of King Palm. If you get one, you’ll be bragging about its performance later.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $210

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

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

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

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

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL $215

ARENGA ENGLERI
SUCKERING COLD HARDY PALM FROM JAPAN AND TAIWAN

NEVER GETS OVERLY LARGE – VERY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZE 15 GALLON

This suckering Asian pinnate palm rarely gets over ten feet tall and has medium width leaflets that are jagged at their apical ends. The undersides of the leaflets are silver. But, from afar, it looks like a green palm. It is a clustering plant that suckers heavily and cannot be seen through. Therefore, it's a good species to block visibility. Growth rate is slow. Mature height of this species is eight to fourteen feet. Cold tolerance is into the upper teens F. It can tolerate part day coastal sun or possibly full sun. Far inland areas should grow it in filtered light. Flowers are very fragrant but seeds contain a substance which makes the skin itch. The 15g on special are nicely sized for their pots with an age from germination of about 8 years.

REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $225

You must mention this blog only special to get this price when purchasing.

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

EVERYONE LOVES THIS PALM
ONE OF THE BEST MADAGASCAR PALMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

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

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

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

RUST COLORED CROWN SHAFT
THIN SILVER RINGED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

COCCOTHRINAX ARGENTEA
MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM

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

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

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

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

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. The 8th photo below is a 2 gallon plant but shows the newly emerging red leaf.

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

Photo of garden plant by TS at RPS.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND SIZE

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

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

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

DYPSIS PRESTONIANA
SINGLE TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL
A REAL WINNER!

SUPER RARE MADAGASCAR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE POST ON THIS PALM ABOVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These would be easy to mail order.

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES - A GOOD GROWING CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON OVERSIZED 1.5 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This small to medium sized exotic cycad is from southwestern China. Only in the past 20 years has this species been available in the U.S. It has green upright leaves and can develop a trunk about three feet tall. Leaves are green and leaflets narrow and shiny. Sometimes you’ll see the leaflets twisted on their axis. It comes from elevations of 1000 to 1500 feet or more and has potential to have reasonable cold hardiness, at least into the mid and possibly low 20’s F. The crown width is about eight feet across with leaf lengths of three to five feet. At the nursery it seems to grow quite well. We’re putting nice one & one/half gallon plants on special. Caudex size is about 3.5 inches. The sixth photo, by George Yao at PACSOA, shows a plant in full sun although growers may get away with part day sun as well. This size is easy to mail order. We have limited numbers and these could sell out.

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

DIOON CALIFANOI
RARE MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

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

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: 15% OFF REGULAR PRICE ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES.

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

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH REASONABLE COLD HARDINESS

JUVENILE PLANTS AVAILABLE ONE GALLON POTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

Alocasia sumo is a hybrid species - a cross between A. portora and "purple cloak". The cold hardiness comes from the portora parentage. This is a medium sized hybrid with 3 to 4 foot long leaves that are diamond shaped with a purple hue to the underside of the leaves. Leaves 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 limited sun although some are growing it in full coastal sun. The size on sale are nice one gallon plants.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $40

These can be shipped by mail order. I'm showing with the the first 5 photos this 1 gallon size on sale. Plants are presently larger than shown here. Following are some larger nursery plants.

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT
HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

LARGE GREEN LEAVES, SUCKERING
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE TWO GALLON SIZE

Calocasia are types of Elephant Ear plants that are native to areas from India through Asia. The species on special today is known for it's huge leaves which can be six feet long and four feet wide. This variety is known to have the largest leaves of this species. Leaves are green and heart shaped. Mature height can be ten feet. They tolerate sun or part sun. Plants are known to be grown in zone 7b and can take a freeze if the soil doesn't freeze. In freezing areas new leaves will re-emerge in the spring. In frost free areas it is a perennial plant. The last photo c/o the Missouri Botanical Garden shows a larger plant. The plants on special shown below are in 2 gallon pots. These photos were taken recently. These plants have seen recent weather down to a freeze. They are fairly quick growing. We're putting 2 gallon on special. Now is a good time to plant these in the garden.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 2 GALLON SIZE SIZE $50

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 5 GALLON $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

FICUS UMBELLATA
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PLANT WITH LARGE ROUND LEAVES

DWARF MATURE SIZE - STRIKING AND UNUSUAL APPEARANCE
NEWLY SPECIES FOR ENTHUSIASTS - BUT DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE - ONLY A FEW LEFT

Until about 9 months ago, I had never heard of this species. There's essentially no scientific articles on it on the Internet. I've read that it is native to South Africa. It's mentioned as a smaller replacement for the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig. It differs from the latter in that it's leaves are very soft and pliable. It is also much smaller tree mature. The Fiddle Leaf Fig in my yard is over 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a thick trunk. This new species is supposed to be a real dwarf, not getting over 4 to 6 feet tall. Leaves are a foot wide, prominently veined and round. Inside, it's said to want very bright light - next to a bright window. Cold hardiness is unknown. We'll know more by next spring after we winter them over at our nursery. I have no data growing it outdoors. We're offering some nicely sized 15 gallon that are 7 to 8 feet tall in their pots. I only have a couple. They are apparently near mature height. BTW, this is only the second time we've offered this tree for sale. We know it does well as an interior plant but data on growing outside is limited . We have only one or two 15g and few 5g.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $495

Sorry, but no photos of mature trees are available.

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.

FRIDAY, 2 MAY, 2025

GREAT PALM TREES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Below are pictures of about twenty-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, typically 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. However, please be aware that some items can sell out.

Archontophoenix purpurea	Jubaea chilensis	Livistona chinensis
Caryota gigas	Acoelorrhaphe wrightii	Sabal causiarum
Rhapis humilis	Raenea glauca	Brahea armata
Parajubaea torallyi	Coconut Queen	Phoenix sylvestris
Howeas forsteriana	Hedyscepe canterburyana	Laccospadix australasica
Arenga engleri	Hyophorbe verschafeltii	Coccothrinax argentata
Dypsis decaryi	Dypsis decipiens	Trithrinax acanthicoma
Chamaedorea tepejilote	Rhopalostylis baueri	Dictyosperma albumm

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE REGULAR LADY PALM

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

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

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

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

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

SYAGRUS PICROPHYLLA HYBRID
SUPER RARE SYAGRUS HYBRID

A SHORTER & PRITTIER ALTERNATIVE TO THE QUEEN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 25 GALLON SIZE THAT ARE TALL

I have only two of these extremely rare hybrids of Syagrus picrophylla. The seeds were produced by the same hybridizer that created the Coconut Queen Palm. I do not know what they are hybridized with and probably can't find out. The hybridizer is in his mid eighties and a bit forgetful. Plants are in 25 gallon containers, have been outdoor grown in sun. They should prove to be a very interesting hybrid palm and, I think, prttier in appearance than the common Queen Palm. They are quite tall for their pots and too tall for typical shipping or mail order - but can be delivered. The last photo is of the pure Syagrus picrophylla by G.M from PACSOA. We only have one or two remaining. They are presently about 14 feet tall in their pots.

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

GAUSSIA MAYA
A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA

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

In the "old days", this species was known as Opsiandra maya. It is a single trunk pinnate palm that can be grown in Southern CA. It has the interesting habit of getting a very swollen base, especially when planted in the ground from a smaller plant. Interestingly enough, this swollen base to the trunk abruptly disappears with age. You'll note this bulge in the photos below. This species tends to hold a limited number of leaves, about five to seven usually. Along the coast it takes full sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. The trunk diameter is about six to perhaps maximum eight inches. I've grown it in part day sun, which it loved. However, the trunk will often curve to seek more sun (see photo bottom row). Some grow it in full sun with success. The plants on special are very nice 15g with fat bases.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 5G $250
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

This size cannot be mail ordered - way to big. Remember to mention this Blog Only Special for your discount. The second garden photo is by J.V. PACSOA. I'm also showing a large boxed specimen below that's grown through its swollen base.

DYPSIS LANCEOLATA
NATIVE TO COMORO ISLANDS
USUALLY A SUCKERING PALM

DESIRABLE PALM FROM THE COMOROS
TEN DAY SPECIAL FULL 15 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 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $230

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT GREEN FAN PALM
ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15 GALLON SIZE

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

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

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

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

ROBUST GROWER - SWOLLEN CROWN SHAFT

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

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

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

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

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

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

Remember: Mention this Special when purchasing.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX TUCKERI
RARE AUSTRALIAN TYPE OF KING PALM

PURE GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE

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

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

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

PRITCHARDIA HILLEBRANDII
A HAWAIIAN LOULU FAN PALM

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

If you like fan palms, then you have to try some Pritchardia palms. There are about 25 species of Pritchardia. All the best ones come from the Hawaiian Islands. The species from the South Pacific are to be avoided as they don't do well here. This species is from Hawaii and reaches a medium height of 25 feet. Leaves are green. They have white tomentum (hairs) on the leaf stem and trunk. I’d estimate the trunk diameter at about eight inches by my experience. It becomes clean as old leaf bases fall off. Growth rate is medium. This is a very attractive palm. I have one in my garden that gets partial sun and is at least 20 feet tall. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. Mail order easy.

REGULAR PRICE GOOD SIZE THREE OR FIVE GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THREE GALLON $115

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
A GREAT NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SUPER ATTRACTIVE CROWN SHAFTED PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

Among palm enthusiasts, almost any species from New Caledonia is sought after. This species falls into that group. 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. 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 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 below is the five gallon size that 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 5 GALLON SIZE $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $125

Remember: Mention this Special for you discount.

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

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

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

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

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

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

There are both single trunk and suckering forms of this species. Nowadays, most of the plants available of this species are the suckering form. Both get to a height of 25 feet, have an attractive green trunk and a light colored crown shaft. Leaves have a graceful arch and the leaflet color is green. It's a great alternative for the garden. Note how the trunks are beefy but not overly large. Along our coast it will take part day sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning sun inland. The plants on special are in one gallon pots and 3 years old. We do have larger sizes available. I cannot tell you whether the plants we have (from seed) are the single or suckering type.

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

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



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DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA
CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM
WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

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

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

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

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

SABAL LOUISIANA
THE LOUISIANA PALMETTO PALM

SUPER SMALL, SUPER COLD HARDY FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZED BAND PLANTS

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 $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

DYPSIS SPECIES BEF
SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

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

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

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

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

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

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

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

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

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

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

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 $1825

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 $475
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 2 INCHES $415

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

MALE IN CONE - 15 GALLON ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CYCADS WE SELL
LOVES COASTAL SUN AND HEAT

KNOWN MATURE MALE CYCAD – READY FOR THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD

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.

Shown below is a nice specimen of this species that has thrown a male cone. It’s in a 15 gallon container with a caudex of 9 inches. We have other 15g with larger and smaller stem sizes. The sale price of this actual plant is given below.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 G WITH A CAUDEX OF 9 INCHES $1350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON AS DESCRIBED $1150

This plant can be mail ordered, weather permitting.

LIGULARIA TUSSILANGINEA
LILY-LIKE, FLAT GREEN LEAVES

YELLOW BLOSSOMS IN FALL
TAKES SUN - LIKES WATER
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 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. Shown below are our 5 gallon – which we are putting on Special. We also have one gallon size.

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

Remember: mention this Special for your discount when you purchase. Flowering photo by RT.

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 $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $110

ALOCASIA KUCHING MASK
LUSH TROPICAL GREEN COMPANION PLANT WITH UPRIGHT LEAVES

TOLERATES FILTERED LIGHT OR PART DAY SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of Alocasia in native to Borneo and has green upright leaves. Mature height is about eight feet. The dorsal sides of the leaves are green while the underside is purple. This, like most Alocasia, does sucker and expand its size somewhat over time. It wants strong filtered light or some sun. Cold tolerance is down to about about a freeze. The last photo is c/o AG2. We’re putting good sized 5 gallon on Special.

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

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA
BRAZILIAN CANDLES
RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE!

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, 30 APRIL, 2025

COLORFUL HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA

NEW TYPES IN ALL THE TIME
GREAT COLORFUL COMPANION PLANTS

SELECTION CHANGING EVERY WEEK

Country or area of origin: Southeastern Asia, Australia, PNG, Polynesia
Mature height: This type of tropical Ti plants are rarely over six to eight feet tall.
Sun Requirements:  Along the coast, it's best to grow them in a bit of sun or filtered light. Over time they can be acclimated to full sun. In inland areas, one must grow them in filtered light.
Cold Tolerance:  Temperatures above a freeze are idea although a few varieties can take into the upper 20's F.
Water Requirements:  Moderate
Rate of Growth:  Moderate growing
Sizes Available: 3 gallon
Size shown:  3g and garden specimens
Comments: These colorful Ti's are propagated in tropical areas and shipped to California. Most come from HI and FL. People like them because they add great color to the garden. Shown here are some nice cultivars we've had in the past few years. Availability is changing every month. We've found the darker the colors, the easier they are to grow.

We are always getting in new Hawaiian Ti plants. They almost always have red in them - sometimes subtle, other times more prominent. Background colors include black and green. Sometimes we get in pastel colors. All are very nice.

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

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

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

SALE ON RARE ENCEPHALARTOS SEEDLINGS!

Shown below are examples of band size Encephalartos on this
Special. Realize that availability changes quickly - often daily.

AFRICAN CYCAD STARTER KIT
SALE ON RARE ENCEPHALARTOS
FIFTEEN BAND SEEDLINGS TO PICK FROM

MIX OR MATCH- BAND SIZE SPECIAL
BUY NINE AND GET 20% DISCOUNT
OFF REGULAR PRICES!!
EASY TO SHIP! EXAMPLES BELOW

CLICK TO READ MORE & SEE PRICES

Encephalartos cerinus
Encephalartos ituriensis
Encephalartos eugene-maraisii

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

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

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

A BISMARCKIA BUT WITHOUT THE BLUE COLOR
VERY ATTRACTIVE, LARGER FLAT GREEN FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD AND LARGE 15G SIZED PLANTS
One of the favorite characterisstics of Bismarckia is the blue color to the leaves. But, there is a green variety on the island of Madagascar. At another location, there is an endemic green Bismarckia known as the "Mayotte Island" form. There is very little published about these green forms of the Bismarck Palm. It likes sun and is probably cold hardy into the low 20's F. Most feel it's not quite as cold hardy as the blue form. On these green Bismarckias, often you'll see red in the leaf stem or a hint of it on the leaves. Of course, this is a full sun palm. This is a very rare palm to find as everyone seeks out the blue type. But, we have this more rare green form and have found they are showing nice cold hardiness to the low 20's F. The plant shown below is about twelve years old. We have a handful of them. The 11th photo below is by TS at RPS and the last three photos below are by M.F. with two plants in the San Diego area.

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

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



ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

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

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

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

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF KING PALM

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 5G $135
TEN DAY SPECIASL SALE PRICE 5 GALLON $115

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

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

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

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

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

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

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

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

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

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

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

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

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

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS
ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5 GALLON SIZE
THIS SIZE CAN BE MAIL ORDERED

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.

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

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
THIS SIZE EASY TO MAIL ORDER - WEATHER PERMITTING

FOR DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

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

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

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

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

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

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES WITH THIN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

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

REGULR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS SPECIES $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $75
Below I'm showing photos of a large specimen at the nursery.

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED 15G CYCAD

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION SEE ABOVE

The 15 gallon on sale has a caudex size of 8 inches

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $1320
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT $1100

Below I'm showing photos of a large 25g specimen at the nursery - photo #7 below. We have citrus pot and seedlings as well..

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

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

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

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

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

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL – 24 INCH BOXED SPECIMEN WITH TWO PUPS

Encephalartos trispinosus is a very desirable blue South African cycad. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus.  It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. The color, if grown in full hot sun, is a prominent blue to silver leaf color. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form. It likes full sun and is cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. Mature size is small to medium with a thirty year old plant only being six or seven feet tall with an 18 inch trunk. The plant on Special today is a sun-ready, outdoor grown coning sized plant that has a caudex of 8 inches with two pups – one 6 inches, the other 4 inches. It’s leaflets are prominently spined and the color is blue. This plant is way too large and heavy for standard mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 24 INCH SPECIMEN WITH TWO PUPS $1800
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL SPECIMEN $1500

ASSORTED MATURE CONING SIZED CYCADS
MANY SHOWN BELOW CAN TOLERATE SOME SHADE

SALE ON THESE FILTERED LIGHT SPECIES - NAME & CAUDEX SIZE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON ALL PLANTS SHOWN BELOW

Recently we took photographs of an assortment of older cycads. Those shown below are all different species and are from assorted genera. All are older plants, near mature and coning sized plant with ages of 20 to 30 years or more. All plants shown are for sale but could be sold by the time you read this. Finally, most of the plants below can tolerate filtered light, partial shade or maybe even full shade. And, we're offering a Ten Day Special on these cycads as shown below. If any plant interests you, just call us for pricing. Be aware, that by the time you see this post, some of the plants below could have been sold.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY LARGE CYCAD SHOWN BELOW - 15% OFF REGULAR PRICE

Ceratozamia mexicana 24 in box, caudex 9 x 20 inches

Ceratozamia mirande 24 in box caudex 7 x 9 inches with 3 pups

Ceratozamia species 24 inch box caudex 10 x 16 inches

Cycas debaoensis 15 gallon mature female caudex 7 inches

Cycas thouarsii 25g caudex 8 x 32 inches

Dioon mejiae 35g caudex 13 x 26 in

Dioon rzedowskii 24 in box caudex 24 in x 22 in

Dioon spinulosum 24 in box caudex 11 x 20

Encephalartos ferox 25 gallon caudex 17 x 16 in

Encephalartos gratus 24 in box caudex 13 x 17 inches

Encephalartos sclavoi 24 in box caudex 16 x 18 inches

Encephalartos villosus 24 in box caudex 13 x 15 inches

Encephalartos whitlockii 25g caudex 17 inch

Encephalartos senticosus 35g caudex 21 x 38 inches

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.

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 $65

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

CRINUM AMABILE - PURPLE LEAF
LARGE CRINUM TYPE LILY - AKA "QUEEN EMMA LILY"

OVERHEAD PURPLE-GREEN LEAVES
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DASY SPECIAL 7 GALLON PLANTS

This Lily is native to all sorts of locations throughout the world including southern Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is known for it's spiraling display of long, heavy substance leaves that are upright and four to six feet long. Their color is green and dark purple. Flowers are white with purple centers and markings. It grows like other Lilies by making offset tubers that make new plants.   Expect a mature height of six to seven feet, definitely overhead. As mentioned, they clump and form a great display of foliage. They will not "run" or take over an area. In recent times these have been near impossible to find.  But, we have a limited number of 7 gallon that we’re putting on sale.  The size on special shown below. This is a perfect size to plant in the garden. Anticipate a mature clump at about six to seven feet tall. I’m also showing a blossom and some older plants. We only have a handful left for sale

REGULAR PRICE THESE HARD TO FIND 7 GALLON $175
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $150

TRITONIA SPECIES
IRIS APPEARING SUCKERING PLANT WITH UPRIGHT ORANGE BLOSSOMS

TOLERATES FULL SUN ALONG THE COAST
SMALLER COLORFUL COMPANION PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

There are many species of the genus Tritonia. I believe it's also known as Crocosmia.   I don't know the species name for the variety we're offering. Tritonia are native to Southern Africa, especial in the Cape area. Plants have "iris-like" flat leaves. They do sucker making a small clump. Mature plant height is 2 to 3 feet with upright flowering stalks above the foliage and with many orange flowers. This species tolerates coastal full sun or part sun. It can be grown in part day sun. Cold tolerance is estimated to be in the mid-twenties F. I don't have photos presently of garden specimens. We're putting nice 5 gallon plants on sale.

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

These can be shipped. Limited numbers available.

                                    MONDAY, 28 APRIL, 2025
     (SOME GREAT RARE CYCAD DEALS BELOW IN TODAY'S BLOG!)

WASHINGTONIA FILIFERA
THE DESERT OR CALIFORNIA FAN PALM

COLD HARDY TO ABOUT 15 – 18 DEGREES
SUN AND HEAT TOLERANT – STOUT TRUNK
A FAVORITE FAN PALM FOR COLDER, DESERT TYPE CLIMATES

This is a single trunked fan palm from Baja, Mexico with extension of its distribution into Southern California. There are native stands of this species in Southern California desert areas. It has a very thick trunk. It resembles the Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta), but has larger leaves, a more open crown, a much thicker trunk that seems to shed leaves more quickly and has more cold hardiness. It will tolerate temperatures into the mid-teens F. One of the reasons for enthusiasm about this species is its cold hardiness. In domestic gardens, seeds are often hybridized with robusta. Seeds from wild locations tend to be pure. This species is hard to locate. We occasionally have plants for sale but getting the “real thing” usually requires collection seeds from native habitats and growing them yourself. Seeds collected in domestic areas are very often a hybrid with W. robusta. We sometimes have plants available but usually not so. Shown below are some specimens. The last photo is interesting. It has a mature W. robusta to the left and what appears to be filifera to the right. I cannot guarantee that the plant to the right isn't a hybrid. In any case, not the more open crown and thicker trunk with the filifera. As the more common Mexican Fan Palm often suffers from cold damage in marginal areas, many feel eager to try the W. filifera in their area. Cold hardiness is probably into the mid-teens F. Obviously, it wants full sun. Growth rate is a slower than the robusta, but still fairly fast growing.

In the photos below I'm first showing a row of pictures of Washingtonia robusta followed by Washingtonia filifera. The sixth photos below is by Gary Monroe at the Anza Borrego Park in California. The eighth photo below is (to my eye) a W. robusta on the left and W. filifera on right. The main point to remember is the trunk size. W. robusta has a thinner, often leaning trunk at maturity compared to the W. filifera which are thicker and rarely lean. The last picture shows what appears to me to be a W. robusta on the left and filifera (or filifera hybrid) on the right.

Washingtonia robusta
Washingtonia robusta - not mature
Washingtonia robusta - old trees, some leaning

Washingtonia filifera
Washingtonia filifera, old domestic plant
Wild stand of W. filifera by Gary Monroe

Washingtonia filifera .
Washingtonia filifera
Possible W. robusta on left and W. filifera right

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUBAEA X BUTIA HYBRID
VERY COLD HARY HYBRID PALM THAT LOVES SUN AND HEAT

LIMITED SUPPLY OF LARGE 15 GALLON AVAILABLE
TEN DAY PECIAL LARGE 15 GALLON PLANTS

We are pleased to post that we have just acquired some huge 15 gallon size of this sought after hybrid. This is a cold hardy hybrid that thrives in sun and heat. Cold tolerance is well into the teens F. See chart below for description. On the garden 7th and 8th photos below, my thanks to TS at RPS and unknown contributor on Palm talk for their photos. Incidentally, these can be shipped but it'd be expensive. Also, supply is very limited. If we run out, for a short while, I can possibly get more. Also, 15 gallon is the only size available at this time.

Locality:	Hybrid
Cold Hardiness:	Probably 16 - 18 F.
Trunk type:	Fat trunk with retained leaf bases. Not as fat as Jubaea, but much fatter than a Butia.
Leaf type:	Pinnate with silver/green color, leaves tend to curve down a bit.
Suckering/Solitary:	Solitary.
Maintenance:	Easy.
Speed of growth:	Slow to moderate.
Height:	Uncertain- probably 30+ feet.
Soil requirements:	Average.
Sun Requirements:	Full.
General Description:	This is a thick trunked palm that look just like one would expect from this hybrid.
Other Notes:	Gives on a faster growing Jubaea-looking palm that can be of size without waiting decades. The Butia blood should give it good cold hardiness.

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE 15 GALLON HYBRIDS $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS 15GALLON SIZE $365

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

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

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

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

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount.

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

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

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

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

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.

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

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

I don't know if you've looked for this species, but the Cliff Date Palm is not so easy to find. It is native to India and is about half the size of the Canary Island Palm in terms of trunk diameter and mature height. Also, the crown is much smaller. It is an armed species and has other characteristics of Phoenix like the induplicate leaflets (water held "in" - V shaped ). But, many think this is the prettiest of all the Date Palms. It typically gets fifteen to twenty-five feet tall. The leaves are very pretty and green. The crown is not overly large. Leaves curve downwards. Growth rate is medium, it tolerates full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties or lower. Shown here are our 15 gallon size which we are putting on sale.

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

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

CHAMAEDOREA ARENBERGIANA
SINGLE TRUNK UNDERSTORY PALM WITH WIDE LEAFLETS

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

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

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

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

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

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

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

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

Please mention this Special at the time of purchase.

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
BEAUTIFUL GREEN CROWN SHAFTED PALM

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

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

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

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


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

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON ONE GALLON SIZE

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

KING PALM - THE REGULAR MORE COMMON FORM
ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA

BUT THERE ARE SIX OTHER MORE RARE VARIETIES
MEDIUM TO TALL HEIGHT, FULL OR PART DAY SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 4 INCH JUVENILE REGULAR KING PALMS

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

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 1.5 to 2 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 $80

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

ENCEPHALARTOS DOLOMITICUS
ONE OF THE MOST RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCADS
FIRST TIME AVAILABLE FOR OVER SIX MONTHS!

BLUE CYCAD WITH SMALL TO MEDIUM MATURE SIZE
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE 5 GALLON PLANTS

This extremely rare and sought after South African cycad is endemic to the the Limpopo Province ( Transvaal district) where it is hot, but can experience freezing temperatures during winter months. In this locality, the soil has rich deposits of dolomite. This species is small to medium in sized. The leaves on this species are approximately one meter in length, though this can vary. Stems can reach up to two meters in height over the centuries. This species does produce basal suckers fairly regularly. The name 'dolomiticus' is derived from the soil in which it grows. There are few, if any, Encephalartos that have the color of E. dolomiticus. The color can vary from a powdery white color to a grayish/white to an almost aquamarine blue color. Paired with the beautiful color of this species is the fact that it tend to hold very full crowns of leaves, which makes the plant even more showy. The crowns of leaves tend to be upright and compact, which makes it an ideal candidate for smaller to medium sized planting spaces.

This species is a highly sought after Transvaal species, not only for its extreme rarity, but also its extreme beauty. This plant is not a fast grower, but will regularly flush and show new growth. Female cones on this species emerge a bluish green color and later get a yellow color to them. The male cone are a blue green color. In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in full sun but can tolerate a little bit of shade. The soil need to drain well, and be mounded if possible. They are not very tolerant of excessively wet soil..

For most cycad collectors, this species is in the top three or four "must grow" plants. As it is very hard to come by, many people search far and wide to get this plant. We occasionally have this species available for sale. It is one of the hardest cycads in the world to locate and it was mid-2024 that we last offered them for sale. Shown below are a handful of juvenile plants in 5 gallon containers. Caudex is forming with several leaves. We are putting these plants on Special. These can be mail ordered. By the way, this species is one of the most expensive cycads to find on the market. I've seen seedlings with one leaf sell for what we're offering these plants. If you want to get some size on these plants before putting into the garden, they're good for at least 3 to 4 years in these pots.

REGULAR PRICE THESE JUVENILEE 5 GALLON PLANTS $295
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE JUVENILE PLANTS $255

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE & RARE BLUE TRANSVAAL CYCAD

NATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA – VERY COLLECTABLE SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE WITH 5 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 known to tolerate mid to low 20's F. We are currently putting a very attractive 15 gallon plants on sale that has a caudex of 5 inches. Age of this plant is estimated to be 10 to 12 years. This species is always expensive to buy. This 15 gallon can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON WITH 5 INCH CAUDEX $1750
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 5 INCHES $1450

We can ship cycads only within the United States.

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 $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES $315

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

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII X ENCEPHALARTOS BLUE LONGIFOLIUS
WILL BE SUN LOVING HYBRID WITH BLUE LEAVES

SHOULD BE A MEDIUM SIZED MATURE PLANT
BEST GROWN IN FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVINILE 5 GALLON PLANTS

This hybrid South African cycad was done by crossing pollen from a blue E. longifolius to a female E. lehmannii. It is already showing fantastic blue leaf color and will maintain this to maturity. It should end up being a medium sized garden cycad with an estimated trunk height mature of five to eight feet (in 50 years) with leaves about five feet long and thinner leaflets. It'll want good draining soil and have a medium growth rate. Both of the parents by themselves are gorgeous cycads. Along the coast it'll want full sun and far inland areas should give it several hours of sun. Like all cycads, it doesn't want to be over watered. This batch of 5 gallon juvenile plants shown here have caudexes of an inch or a little more. They are ready to go into the ground and can be mail ordered easily with the U.S. We have limited number of this size.

REGULAR PRICE THESE JUVENILE 5 GALLON PLANTS $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $165



Encephalartos lehmanni male cne	Encephalartos lehannii in 24 inch box	Encephalartos longifolius in garden

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH 4 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 a 5 gallon sized plants with caudexes of 4 inches. It will have either blue or blue green leaves. but need age and sun to show any blue color. This size plant will be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH 4 INCH CAUDEX $660
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON WITH CAUDEX 4 INCHES $560

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

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE WITH 9 INCH CAUDEX AND 5 INCH PUP

Shown below is a specimen plant of the desirable blue South African cycad, Encephalartos trispinosus. This is a gorgeous plant. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus. It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form but the plant on sale shown here is definitely spiny. These will want full sun along the coast and is cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. This 25 gallon garden-ready specimen has a primary caudex of 9 inches with a 5 inch offset. It’s too big to ship but can be delivered. It’s ready for the garden. .

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON WITH 9 INCH CAUDEX AND 5 INCH PUP $1850
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECIMEN 25 GALLON THIS SIZE $1600

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
THIS PLANT HAS STUNNING SET OF BLUE LEAVES
GREAT PRICE - TEN DAY SPECIAL SHIPPABLE 15 GALLON PLANT

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

Shown below are E. lehmannii in a 15 gallon pot with strikingly blue leaves. Caudex size is 5 inches. Age from germination is about 8 to 10 years. Whether or not the photos show it, this plant is super blue colored. It can be mail ordered. We do have other sizes of this species for sale.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON $825
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $690

We have multiple container sizes available for this species – from juvenile up to coning sized specimens.

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. Supply limited but can obtain more of this size.

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

BLECHNUM GIBBUM FERN
"MINIATURE TREE FERN"

NICE 5G PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS

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

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

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

Just mention this blog only special when purchasing to get this price. Note that the last photo is a 15 gallon plant from the nursery. If we run out of this size, we can obtain more to sell.

ALOCASIA DARK STAR
SMALLER HYBRID VARIETY WITH DARK STEMS

VERY ATTRACTIVE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE OF TROPICAL PLANT
FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL JUVENILE 1 GALLON PLANTS

This hybrid variety is known for its near black stems and dark veins on the leaves. Leaf color is green, both sides. Overall mature height is about three feet. This plant will sucker and has been said to grow in Zone 9. There are reports of it taking down to the upper teens F. It is a hybrid of multiple other varieties. It is said to tolerates full sun, but I'd probably recommend part day sun or less, especially if you are far inland. Note how the leaves are slightly ruffled with irregular edges on the larger nursery specimen. We're putting young one gallons on sale - shown in first 6 photos.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $37.50

Easy to mail order.

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

VARIEGATED SHELL GINGER
ALPINIA ZERUMBET

DISTINCTIVE VARIEGATED YELLOW & GREEN LEAVES
EASY TO GROW TROPICAL WITH COLORFUL FLOWERS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 20 GALLON PLANTS

This is a super popular variety of ginger that blossoms in the summer. It is native to Asia. Blossoms are white with yellow and red throats. Blossoms are not fragrant. Blossoms hang downward compared to the upright blossoms of Hedychium Gingers like the Kahili Ginger. Mature height of these plants is six to seven feet. The leaves are prominently variegated with lighter green and yellow. Blossoms are long lived, lasting at least a month. 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 20 gallons on sale have many canes and are ready to be planted in the ground. They will blossom in no time. But, we are almost sold out of this size.

REGULAR PRICE 20 GALLON $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL 20 GALLON $295

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON (NOT SHOWN) $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $175

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount.

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

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

Spanish Moss is actually a small, wispy type of Bromeliad - a flowering type of plant. The botanical name is Tillandsia usneoides. 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.

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS
IN BLOSSOM IN THE SUMMER

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 their 8 inch pots. They usually blossom in summer and the blossoms are fairly long lasting.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 8 INCH CLUSTER PLANTS $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE CLUSTERS IN 8 INCH POTS $80

FRIDAY, 25 APRIL, 2025

DIOON ANGUSTIFOLIUM
FORTY YEAR OLD SPECIMEN

NEEDLE LIKE LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN, HEAT & IS VERY COLD HARDY

Recently we acquired this forty year old specimen from a private cycad garden. It is in a 25 gallon container and has a caudex that is 11 inches wide and 18 inches tall. It is definitely coning size although we don't know the sex of this plant. The main characteristic of this species and the Latin derivation for "angusti" is "thin". It is known mostly by the fact that it has very thin leaflets. Some would give it species status while others (most) consider it to be a variety of Dioon edule. This Mexican species has stems that are typically under three feet in height, although taller specimens exist in habitat. Leaves are three to four feet long and leaflets are a quarter inch in width. It prefers full, hot sun and is cold tolerant into the upper teens. Such temperatures may burn the leaves but often the plant survives. It is an attractive species because it is not overly large, doesn't get tall or big, and will hold many leaves, all with a large number of the almost needle like leaflets.

You'll note on the leaflet detail photos that you can "see through" the leaves because leaflets are super thin and spaced apart from each other. Many find this very desirable. This species will sucker freely at the base as seen below. Leaf color is green, sometimes with blue or silver tones. This plant is for sale. It was dug and we'd give a very good price on it. Just email me for more information.

VEITCHIA WININ
FAILY NARROW TRUNKED TROPICAL PINNATE PALM
GROWS WELL IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SINGLE TRUNK - FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk pinnate trunk is native to Vanuatu. We have been growing it for years at the Nursery. In Southern CA expect a mature height of about 30 feet. In the wild they have reached about 50 feet. The trunk is narrow for a Veitchia. Trunks have prominent rings. Leaflets are pinnate and green with ragged ends. This is a very rare palm and endangered in the wild. We have only a few 15g available. It wants full sun and is cold hardy into the upper 20's F.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $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 Darrel Occonor, AU.

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

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

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

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

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

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

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

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

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

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 $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $125

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.

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 $55

Photos of large plant below by TS at RPS.

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 $50

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

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

GRAY-GREEN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLDER BAND SIZED PLANTS

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

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

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZE JUVENILE PLANTS $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE THESE OLDER BAND SIZED PLANTS $100

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

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This rare South African cycad is also from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue. The plants on Special should be a nice blue form. Trunks of this species can reach a height of twelve feet or more. Leaf lengths are four to six feet with stacking leaflets and minimal if any spines when mature. Leaves are often curled downward toward their ends. It loves full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The citrus pot size on sale came from blue parents and will become more blue out of the greenhouse and in full sun. Caudex size is 3 inches. This size is easy to mail order. BTW, this actual plant shown below is definitely not the green form. You can see the leaves are gray colored and, outdoors in the sun should be blue over time. The garden photos below show a blue plant,, a green plant and something in between.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 3 INCH CAUDEX $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE 3 INCH CAUDEX $360

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

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

FAST GROWING – TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
THIS PLANT GIVES INSTANT LANDSCAPE APPEAL
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. Age is about 12 to 14 years from germination. We have a few others of similar size available if this plant sells.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1600
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1300

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 $495
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE $850

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

GROWS EPIPHYTICALLY
MOUNT ON WOOD OR TREE TRUNK
DIFFICULT PLANT TO FIND - CAN BE SHIPPED
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICELY SIZED AND MOUNTED PLANT

Platycerium are a type of fern that we know as the "Staghorn Fern". But, the normal type you see, P. bifurcatum, has deer antler types of leaves. They are narrow and reach out from the attaching shield. But, there's another type known as the "Moosehorn Fern" where the leaves are entire, stretching across the width of the plant. Mature, they look entirely different. These leaves can get up to six feet across – one giant shield like leaf. They are not easy to find. The standard Staghorn is not difficult to locate. Both are an epiphytic type of plant that can be mounted on a tree trunk or grown on a flat wooden base. They are not hard to care for but you don't want to let them go dry. I water them by just spraying with a hose and occasionally give them some liquid fertilizer mixed into the water. You want to water to hit the plant from above – like rain. They can take a bit of sun or strong filtered light. Cold hardiness is typically into the mid to perhaps low twenties F. The plants we have presently are nicely sized. The plant shown below has a shield that is about 12 inches wide and mounted on wood. It's shown in the first three photos.

TEN DAY SPECIAL MOOSEHORN FERN THIS SIZE $395

I can mail order these but they take a surprising large box to ship. The last photo is a great picture and was taken by floragreatlakes.info website.

DYCKIA SPECIES
RARE COLD HARDY TERRESTRIAL BROMELIAD

SILVER-RED LEAVES
WATER CONSERVING - LOVE HEAT AND SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL SIZE SHOWN BELOW

Dyckia are are rare terrestrial Bromeliad. I.e., they live in the ground or nestle between rocks. As a group, they are much more cold tolerant than ordinary Bromeliads. There are reports of them surviving temperatures into the teens F. They also love full sun and blazing heat. The plants on special are old clumps of plants. Leaf color is silver with a hint of pink or red. I don't recall the blossom color. I'd estimate the age of these clumps at more than ten years. They are in 2 or 3 gallon pots and can be mail ordered. Only a couple left in stock.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLD CLUMPS $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE CLUMPS $95

Mention this Special when you purchase.

THE LEATHER FERN
RUMOHRA ADIANTIFORMIS

GETS ABOUT 2 FEET TALL
TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The leather fern is a very useful sun because it'll take full coastal sun and it doesn't get overly large. It normally is about 18 inches tall although there are forms which can get over 2 feet tall. Leaves are green. They are easy to care for. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. Although most ferns like water, this variety can be watered a bit less. They are very durable and easy to grow. If planted densely, it becomes a ground cover.

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

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA
BRAZILIAN CANDLES
RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE!

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

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

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

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

ENSETE VENTRICOSUM "MAURELII"
THE RED BANANA

LARGE SINGLE TRUNK TROPICAL PLANT
RED COLOR TO FOLIAGE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

On sale are nice five gallon plants of the Red Banana, Ensete ventricosum mauerlii. This is a quick growing tropical plant that can get to ten to fifteen feet tall and grows in full coastal sun. Leaves are green with prominent red to both the dorsal and ventral sides. Trunks are at least 18 inches thick and leaves are fleshy and soft - typical of bananas and Ensete. It does not be edible fruit. Cold hardiness is down to about a freeze. Colder weather damages the leaves in winter. This is a fast growing plant but typically only lives for 5 to 7 years before flowering and dying. We're putting our oversized 5 gallon on Special. This size can be mail ordered. I don’t have experience with interior growing but many have bought this size as a “house plant” with no complaints yet. But, if you do this, give it lots of light. Garden photo below by Container Crazy CT Website and Linda Cochran. Of note, our 5 gallon are presently taller and bigger than shown here.

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

END OF RECENT POSTS FOR APRIL- MAY, 2025

BUT THERE ARE EARLIER MARCH POSTS, SEE BELOW

TO SEE ALL POSTS INCLUDING EARLIER POSTS FROM APRIL, 2024, CLICK HERE

TO SEE ALL POSTS INCLUDING EARLIER FROM MARCH, 2024, CLICK HERE

Links to even older archived posts at end of this page - Near the bottom

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. $Rhapis multifida 7g\$

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 (shown to right)

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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see previous months of "Full Version" New Plant Arrivals see list immediately be

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CLICK ON MONTHLY LIST BELOW

ANNOUNCEMENT:

FOR ABOUT TWENTY YEARS WE'VE MAINTAINED ALL PAST NEW PLANT ARRIVAL BLOG POSTS. BUT, DUE TO MEGABYTE LOAD OF THIS WEBSITE (PUSHING TOWARD HALF A MILLION PHOTOS), WE HAD TO ELIMATE VERY OLD BLOG PAGES FROM 2000 THROUGH 2021. THESE DELETIONS WILL LESSEN THE NUMBER OF PHOTOS ARCHIVED AT THIS SITE AND REDUCE STORAGE DEMANDS. HOPEFULLY IT WILL REDUCE DOWNLOAD TIMES IN GENERAL. ON CLICKING THE DATE LINKS BELOW (ON SOME PAGES) YOU MAY SEE A FEW MISSING PHOTOS IN VERY OLD BLOG POSTS.

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February, 2025 September, 2023

January, 2025 August, 2023

December, 2024 July, 2023

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October, 2024 April, 2023

September, 2024 March, 2023

August, 2024 February, 2023

July, 2024   January, 2023

June, 2024

May, 2024

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March, 2024 (Page Lost)

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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



PLEASE NOTE NEW NURSERY ADDRESS BELOW

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

New Nursery Location:

1111 Urania Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024

Nursery Phone: 619 291 4605

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



DIRECTIONS TO
NEW NURSSERY Freeway Close. Take Freeway 5 to Encinitas
(10 minutes south of Oceanside, 30 minutes north of San Diego).

Exit Leucadia Blvd East (towards Inland).
In 1/4 mile turn left on Urania Ave. We're 1/4 of a mile down on your right.
Drive in driveway - We're on your right. You'll see all the plants.
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 1111 Uramoa 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.

Encephalartos princeps	Encephalartos arenarius
Macrozamia communis	Cycas panzhihuaensis

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

*CALATHEA MEDALION*

*CALATHEA RUFIBARBA*

*CALATHEA SANGUINEA*

*CALATHEA SETOSA*

Ceratozamia mexicana 24 in box, caudex 9 x 20 inches	Ceratozamia mirande 24 in box caudex 7 x 9 inches with 3 pups
Ceratozamia species 24 inch box caudex 10 x 16 inches	Cycas debaoensis 15 gallon mature female caudex 7 inches
Cycas thouarsii 25g caudex 8 x 32 inches	Dioon mejiae 35g caudex 13 x 26 in
Dioon rzedowskii 24 in box caudex 24 in x 22 in	Dioon spinulosum 24 in box caudex 11 x 20
Encephalartos ferox 25 gallon caudex 17 x 16 in	Encephalartos gratus 24 in box caudex 13 x 17 inches
Encephalartos sclavoi 24 in box caudex 16 x 18 inches	Encephalartos villosus 24 in box caudex 13 x 15 inches
Encephalartos whitlockii 25g caudex 17 inch	Encephalartos senticosus 35g caudex 21 x 38 inches

Washingtonia robusta	Washingtonia robusta - not mature	Washingtonia robusta - old trees, some leaning
Washingtonia filifera	Washingtonia filifera, old domestic plant	Wild stand of W. filifera by Gary Monroe
Washingtonia filifera	. Washingtonia filifera	Possible W. robusta on left and W. filifera right

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.		$Rhapis multifida 7g\$
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 TREES, CYCADS & TROPICALS

PLANT BLOG WITH SPECIALS & PLANTS FOR SALE

CURRENT OR RECENT SALE ITEMS

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS PALM TREES, CYCADS AND TROPICALS - PLANT BLOG

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DYPSIS PLUMOSA THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA THE LADY PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTO ITURIENSIS SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

MACROZAMIA MOOREI LARGER COLD HARDY CYCAD

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

FAN PALMS THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

PINANGA JAVANA SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

SERENOA REPENS SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

DYPSIS LUTESCENS THE ARECA PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

SABAL ETONIA SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

MONSTERA DELICIOSA “SWISS CHEESE PHILODENDRON”

PLUMERIA PLANTS LARGE ONE GALLON AVAILABLE PRETTY AND DESIRABLE VARIETIES

BLECHNUM GIBBUM THE SILVER LADY FERN

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE VARIETY RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

COCONUT PALMCOCOS NUCIFERA

ASSORTED BROMELIADS - STOCK ALWAYS CHANGING

EPIDENDRON ORCHID ASSORTED BLOSSOM COLORS

AECHMEA BLANCHETIANA LARGER TYPE OF COLORFUL BROMELIAD

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS HOWEA FORSTERIANA

SABAL CAUSIARUM LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

ALOCASIA SUMO HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH REASONABLE COLD HARDINESS

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

BIRDSNEST FERN - ASPLENIUM NIDUS EXOTIC UNDERSTORY FERN

KAHILI GINGER HEDYCHIUM GARDNERIANUM

GAUSSIA MAYA A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA CAN SEE SWOLLEN BASE WHEN YOUNG TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE AND OLD 15 GALLON

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDATHE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

SABAL MINOR THE DWARF PALMETTO

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

COLORFUL HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE RARE VARIETY OF KING PALM

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

RHAPIS EXCELSA THE LADY PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

DIOON EDULE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

THE PERFECT COMPANION PLANT

TASMANIAN TREE FERN DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM THE CAT PALM

PHOENIX RUPICOLA THE CLIFF DATE PALM

HOWEA BELMOREANA THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS IN BLOSSOM IN THE SUMMER

LIVISTONA LANUGINOSA THE CAPE RIVER LIVISTONA – THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

DIOON MEROLAE SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

THE MOOSEHORN FERN PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

RECYCLE USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND OLD NEWSPAPERS AND BOXES

DESCRIPTION , PHOTOS, AVAILABILITY and REGULAR PRICES

PLANT BLOG WITH SPECIALS
& PLANTS FOR SALE

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS
PALM TREES, CYCADS AND TROPICALS - PLANT BLOG

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

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

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
GREEN, RARE CYCAD FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ENCEPHALARTO ITURIENSIS
SUPER RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

LONG UPRIGHT GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL TALL 15 GALLON PLANT

MACROZAMIA MOOREI
LARGER COLD HARDY CYCAD

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT
HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

CHAMAEDOREA HOOPERIANA
BAMBOO PALM THAT IS TALL AND FULL

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

SERENOA REPENS
SOUGHT AFTER BLUE FORM

DYPSIS LUTESCENS
THE ARECA PALM

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

SABAL ETONIA
SMALL FAN PALM NATIVE TO FLORIDA

MONSTERA DELICIOSA
“SWISS CHEESE PHILODENDRON”

PLUMERIA PLANTS
LARGE ONE GALLON AVAILABLE
PRETTY AND DESIRABLE VARIETIES

BLECHNUM GIBBUM
THE SILVER LADY FERN

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
A SEMI-DWARF TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA
FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE VARIETY
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

COCONUT PALM
COCOS NUCIFERA

EPIDENDRON ORCHID
ASSORTED BLOSSOM COLORS

AECHMEA BLANCHETIANA
LARGER TYPE OF COLORFUL BROMELIAD

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIA
THE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH REASONABLE COLD HARDINESS

CALOCASIA GIGANTEA THAILAND GIANT
HUGE ELEPHANT EAR TYPE PLANT

BIRDSNEST FERN - ASPLENIUM NIDUS
EXOTIC UNDERSTORY FERN

KAHILI GINGER
HEDYCHIUM GARDNERIANUM

GAUSSIA MAYA
A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA

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

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE SHAVING BRUSH OR FEATHER DUSTER PALM

SABAL MINOR
THE DWARF PALMETTO

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA
CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM
WHITE CROWN SHAFTS - VERY RARE

COLORFUL HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF THE KING PALM

ARCHONTOPHOENIX BEATRICAE
RARE VARIETY OF KING PALM

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM
ANTHURIUM HOOKERI

TASMANIAN TREE FERN
DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

SPANISH MOSS
TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

BILBERGIA CLUSTERS WITH CASCADING PINK BLOSSOMS
IN BLOSSOM IN THE SUMMER

LIVISTONA LANUGINOSA
THE CAPE RIVER LIVISTONA – THE WOOLY LIVISTONA

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

DIOON MEROLAE
SLOW GROWING SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

THE MOOSEHORN FERN
PLATYCERIUM SUPERBUM

RECYCLE USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS
AND OLD NEWSPAPERS AND BOXES