Lipstick Palm Cyrtostachys renda
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Red Sealing Wax Palm or Lipstick Palm is a striking tropical plant with a unique and vibrant appearance, characterized by its glossy, feather-shaped fronds. The fronds emerge from a series of stacked, bright red to maroon, cylindrical stems, which give the palm its distinctive look and common names. The rich color of the stems resembles the wax traditionally used to seal letters, hence the name Sealing Wax Palm. The leaves themselves are a lush, deep green, adding a beautiful contrast to the colored stems. The fronds gracefully arch from the top of these clumped stems, creating a fountain-like effect. This tropical palm often has a clustered growth habit, with multiple stems growing together from the base, which adds to its visual density and lushness. The overall impression is one of vivid color and elegance, making it a prized ornamental plant in gardens where the climate is suitable for its growth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Arecaceae
Synonyms
Lipstick Palm, Red Sealing Wax Palm, Rajah Palm, Red Palm, Sealing Wax Palm, Wax Palm, Malaysian Red Palm
Common names
Cyrtostachys lakka, Areca lakka, Cyrtostachys loriae.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) is not widely reported to be toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting that it is poisonous. Therefore, ingestion of the Lipstick Palm is not typically associated with specific symptoms of poisoning. It is always advisable to be cautious and keep plants out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant parts since individual reactions can vary and not all potential toxins in plants have been thoroughly researched.
To pets
Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity linked to the ingestion of the Lipstick Palm by pets. As with humans, though, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they may have unique sensitivities and there is always the potential for individual reactions to plant material not widely recognized as toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
50 feet [15 meters]
Spread
8 feet [2.4 meters]
Plant type
Palm
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Cyrtostachys renda, commonly known as the Red Sealing Wax Palm or Lipstick Palm, is highly prized for its striking red and green coloration, making it a popular decorative plant for tropical and subtropical gardens.
- Landscape Designing: Due to its elegant stature and vibrant color, it can be used as a focal point in landscape design or to line pathways and borders for a visually impressive display.
- Shade Provision: In its natural habitat or landscaped environments, the Lipstick Palm can provide shade due to its tall growth and clustered leaf structure.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant can serve as a habitat for various wildlife species, including birds, which may nest among the fronds or feed on the fruits.
- Cultural Significance: In some regions, the Lipstick Palm holds cultural importance and is used in traditional ceremonies or as a symbol of prosperity.
- Economic Value: Red Sealing Wax Palms are economically valuable in the horticultural industry, where they are grown and traded for ornamental purposes.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Cyrtostachys renda can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, particularly in tropical climates.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in rows or clusters, Lipstick Palms can act as a natural privacy screen, blocking unwanted views and creating a sense of seclusion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Material: The fronds of the lipstick palm can be used in thatching, weaving, and creating various crafts like hats and mats due to their flexibility and durability.
- Culinary Use: In certain cultures, the seeds of the lipstick palm are roasted and consumed for their nutritional content.
- Ornamental Water Features: The lipstick palm can be planted alongside ponds and water gardens to enhance the aesthetic of water features due to its water-loving nature and striking red coloration.
- Fishery Support: In some regions, these palms are used in fish ponds as a part of the habitat structure for fish, providing shelter and contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Livestock Feed: In certain areas, the fronds are often used as animal fodder, especially for animals like goats and elephants.
- Religious Significance: The lipstick palm is sometimes used in religious festivals or rituals for decoration due to its unique and vibrant appearance.
- Erosion Control: They can be planted in areas susceptible to erosion, as their root systems help stabilize the soil, especially around riverbanks.
- Windbreaks: In some tropical areas, these palms are grown as windbreaks to protect other plants from strong winds.
- Dye Source: The bright red color of the lipstick palm's fruit has been traditionally used as a natural dye in some cultures.
- Boundary Markers: Due to their distinct appearance, lipstick palms are sometimes used to mark boundaries between properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lipstick Palm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lipstick Palm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tropical Beauty: Cyrtostachys renda, commonly known as the Red Sealing Wax Palm, is native to tropical regions, symbolizing exotic beauty and lush environments.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: The vibrant red color of its stem makes it a rare sight in natural landscapes, representing uniqueness and standing out from the crowd.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, palms, in general, symbolize prosperity, and the striking appearance of the Red Sealing Wax Palm can be associated with wealth and luxury.
- Endurance and Survival: As a palm capable of thriving in wet conditions, it can symbolize the ability to endure challenging situations and survive against the odds.
WaterThe Lipstick Palm should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become consistently moist but not soggy. It prefers a humid environment and should be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be as often as once or twice a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Each watering session may require around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, but this can vary based on the size of the palm and pot. During the winter months or in cooler climates, water less frequently. Always ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
LightThe Lipstick Palm thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some partial shade. The ideal spot for this palm is near a window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh afternoon sun. East or west-facing windows are often the best locations, ensuring the plant gets enough light to maintain its vibrant color without risking sunburn.
TemperatureThe Lipstick Palm prefers a warm and stable temperature range, thriving between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below this, as it is not frost-tolerant. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and retains the plant's distinctive coloration.
PruningPruning the Lipstick Palm is generally done to remove dead or damaged fronds and to maintain its appearance. Pruning is not often required but should be done carefully, using sterilized pruning tools to avoid any potential infection. The best time to prune is during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. Pruning can be carried out once or twice a year as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) thrives best in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A blend of peat, pine bark, and perlite or sand works well, simulating its natural tropical environment. The pH level for the Lipstick Palm should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingLipstick Palms (Cyrtostachys renda) should be repotted every 2-3 years to promote health and growth. However, repotting frequency can vary depending on the growth rate and the planter size.
Humidity & MistingLipstick Palms (Cyrtostachys renda) require high humidity, ideally between 60% to 80%. They are best suited for tropical or greenhouse environments where this humidity level can be consistently maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and high humidity for Lipstick Palm.
Outdoor
Plant in shade, protect from cold, ensure high humidity for Lipstick Palm.
Hardiness zone
10b-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates to produce a small seedling with a basic root system and juvenile leaves. With proper warmth, moisture, and soil conditions, the seedling gradually matures, developing a distinctive red-colored crownshaft and pinnate leaves that are characteristic of the species. As the palm grows, it forms a slender, multi-stemmed clump, since it can produce offshoots from the base. Over time, the Lipstick Palm reaches reproductive maturity and produces inflorescences that contain both male and female flowers, making it monoecious. After pollination, the flowers develop into clusters of fruit, each containing a seed that can be dispersed to give life to new palms. The Lipstick Palm is relatively slow-growing, and its life span can extend over many years in its native tropical environment.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Lipstick Palm, also known as Cyrtostachys renda, is often propagated by seed. The most favorable time for propagation is during the warmer months when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21 degrees Celsius) since seeds require warmth for optimal germination. To propagate by seed, the ripe fruits are collected and cleaned to extract the seeds. After cleaning, the seeds need to be soaked in water for about 24 to 48 hours to soften the outer layer and encourage germination. Next, they are planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight. Germination can take several weeks to a few months, and it's important to maintain consistent warmth and moisture levels during this time. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots to continue growing.
