Ptychosperma elegans

This is a single, slender trunked palm to 32Ft. It carries a small head of semi-erect leaves, each pinnae notched in the typical Ptychosperma fashion. The small red fruit are quickly cleaned and the ridged seed put in shallow trays, where most will germinate in three months. Standard horticultural practice will produce a 5Ft specimen in 2 years, ready to plant in a semi-shaded position. They do equally well in sun or shade, but extremes of heat or dry wind will scorch even the most well watered mature specimen. Solitaires are produced in the thousands by nurseries in the south as indoor or patio palms. Given a shady spot, they grow slim and elegant, holding a crown of dark green leaves above a green crownshaft. Irrigation, fertilizer and mulch are necessary. No garden would be without the odd corner to accommodate a specimen or two. Not used very much in public plantings, but popular locally (Northern Territory) as a tub palm.

Ptychosperma macarthurii

Ptychosperma macarthurii (Macarthur Palm) is a popular multi-trunked palm in the tropics. The leaves are dark green and are about 4-5 feet long. They are common in the tropics as they prefer warm humid weather. Southern California is a little cool and dry.

Soil requirements: Rich (high in organics and nutrients) with good drainage. Light Requirements: Full sun to semi-shade, but light shade is recommended in coastal locations.

Water Requirements: Moderate. Regular and deep watering is necessary to grow this tree.

Fertilizers: Use a general slow-release fertilizer in late spring or summer.

Plant Care: Pruning is this tree is not necessary. Trimming off dead palm fronds will help it maintain its attractive appearance. Special Features: This plant is great for ornamental foliage. It does well in seaside or salt tolerant environments.

Cold Hardiness: Grows in USDA Zone 9-11. In cold regions, it should be grown in a pot and brought inside during winter. Proper care and protection from cold is essential for the survival of this plant.

Ptychosperma sp.

The genus Ptychosperma occurs in Indonesia, New Guinea, northern Australia, and the islands of the West Pacific. There is a wide range of sizes and growth habits in the genus.

Species and varieties:

Ptychosperma alexandrae

Ptychosperma elegans

Ptychosperma macarthurii

Ptychosperma salomonense

Ravenea rivularis, Ravenea glauca

This Majesty palm can grow upwards of 20 feet tall and is a favorite of landscape professionals and home gardeners alike. Its long, arching leaves speak to its tropical origins and form a large, full crown that creates a stunning effect. Though it is native to Madagascar, Ravenea rivularis can be grown in warm climates all around the world.

Planting this beauty is relatively straightforward. It prefers full sun and thrives in USDA zones 9-11. To care for it, simply keep the soil moist by watering it regularly, as this palm does not like to dry out. It is important to be mindful of the soil's fertility and provide ample nutrients, as the Ravenea rivularis can quickly yellow out if it is nutritionally starved.

In colder climates, this palm will grow just as well in a pot, as long as it is moved indoors or onto a protected patio when temperatures dip below 30°F. When planting, be sure to use a soil-based compost and ensure there is plenty of drainage. Water regularly, making sure to not over water it, and apply a liquid feed in the warmer months to ensure the soil remains rich and nourishing.

In summary, the Ravenea rivularis is a palm species that is both beautiful and relatively easy to grow. With the right care, this majestic palm will reward its caretaker with a breathtaking, full crown that will transform any landscape.

Rhapis excelsa

Always grown from seed and it forms a fairly even, rather compact central clump of thin canes with suckers developing close to each other. Good for indoors. Rhapis subtilis is the other fairly commonly seen species of Rhapis. At less than 4ft mature height this species is easily distinguished from Rhapis excelsa by its smaller size at maturity.

Rhapis multifida

This is the most delicate looking of the Rhapis with very slender pointed leaflets. A very nice "patio palm" that doesn't get too large.

Roystonea elata, Roystonea oleracea, Roystonea regia

This is a very popular street or specimen tree. Roystonea palms can grow (about a foot a year) to 50-80 feet tall and can have a spread of 15-25 feet. The royal palm has a beautiful cement gray trunk and a dynamic bright green crown shaft, with long and gently drooping, lush feathery fronds. Flowers are fragrant. The florida royal palm is native to the cypress swamps of south florida and is not particular about soil. They prefer full sun and plenty of water to look their best. Royal palms are recommended for frost-free areas and can survive short cold spells down to 26 f. Can be grown in containers as a patio or house plant for some time. Best suited to well-drained acidic soils. Highly alkaline soils should be avoided.

Sabal causiarum

The Sabal causiarum is a handsome, slow-growing palm native to Puerto Rico. Generally, it is a big tree reaching heights up to 20 feet, with a large, bulging tubular trunk and fan-shaped leaves. It's also quite resistant to disease and pests, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial landscape projects.

This palm does best in full sun and needs regular water, although it's fairly tolerant to dry conditions and can go for extended periods without water. It does best in well-drained soils and in USDA Zones 9-11. In order for this plant to thrive, it needs a moderate amount of water, regular trimming and pruning, and an occasional fertilizer to keep it healthy.

When growing the Sabal causiarum in pot in cold areas, it will need extra care and attention. They need protection during the coldest months when temperatures fall to 30s F for a short time. To do this, you'll need to wrap the pot with a tarp or something similar and then insulate the pot with a thick layer of mulch. Additionally, you'll want to move the plant to a sheltered spot where the temperatures stay above freezing. Lastly, water the plant only when necessary and make sure to check the soil moisture regularly to make sure it doesn't dry out.

All in all, the Sabal causiarum is a great palm for any garden. It's easy to care for, tolerant to heat and drought, and will give you years of beauty. With the right care and attention, it can flourish in both cold and hot weather, making it an excellent choice for any landscape.

Sabal minor, Sabal etonia

Blue-stem, is a small fan palm with a trunk that remains below ground. Depending on age and growing conditions, the leaves can be anywhere from 1-5 ft in length and width. Prefers partial sun and can tolerate light shade. Prefers moist soils but can tolerate drought. Hardy in zones 8-10. Some varieties are hardy to Zone 7. Blue-stem palm is sometimes killed above ground by freezing weather, but re-sprouts the following spring.

Sabal palmetto

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Highly versatile and will adapt to a variety of sun and soil conditions. The cabbage palm is a medium sized spineless, evergreen palm with an unbranching trunk and very large, fan-shaped leaves that form a circular crown. When the palm is young, the gray-brown trunk is rough and covered with the old boots of leaf stalks. These stalks fall away, revealing the trunk as it matures.