Lipstick Palm Tree: Vibrant Red Stems
Lipstick Palm trees (Cyrtostachys renda) are native to Malaysia, and
are known for their unique red trunks as well as their feather-like
fronds.
These palm trees are popular in commercial and
residential settings.They add tropical flair when
planted as an accent or focal point in the landscape.
Cyrtostachys renda (also known as Lipstick Palm and Sealing Wax Palm)
belongs to the Arecaceae family, and can be planted year round in USDA
hardiness zones 11 through 12. The Lipstick Palm tree is not
considered to be cold-hardy or drought tolerant - it prefers
temperatures ranging from 75 to 85° F and should be kept evenly moist.
Lipstick Palms can grow up to fifteen to twenty feet tall, palm fronds

can grow up to two feet
long. Feather-like fronds grow upward and outward from
multiple red, bamboo-like trunks. Sealing Wax Palm tree
trunks can vary in color from yellow to orange to red.
The feather-like fronds are dark green in color, with a leaf blade of
eighteen inches. These palm trees are typically planted
outdoors in the ground or in large containers.
Lipstick
Palm Care
Lipstick Palm trees add elegant tropical appeal to residential and
commercial landscape designs. These palms are typically used
as focal points or accents in the landscape.
Tips for Planting
USDA Hardiness Zone–
Can be planted year-round in zones 11 – 12.
Location –
Choose a location that receives full to partial sunlight. The
location should be large enough to accommodate full growth (up to
twenty feet tall). Allow a minimum of fifteen between
plantings. Lipstick Palm trees prefer high humidity and lots
of water.
Soil –
Sealing Wax Palms like sandy, well-draining soil.
Steps for Planting
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Note:
The hole should be as deep as the root ball is tall. The soil
surrounding the roots should be loose to allow for easy establishment.
- When placing the root ball in the hole, make sure the tree
is standing straight. Fill the hole halfway with soil and
pack firmly. Fill the hole with the remaining soil while
packing firmly around the base of the palm tree. Apply three
to four inches of mulch around the base of the tree. This
will help to keep the soil moist as well as reduce weed
growth.
- Water thoroughly after planting is completed.
Newly planted palms like lots of water. For the first two to
three weeks, water daily. Continue watering three times a
week. Once established, keep soil evenly moist.
- Approximately six weeks after planting, fertilize Lipstick
Palms with a high-quality palm tree fertilizer. Fertilization
schedule will be three times a year thereafter.
Note:
Choose the location wisely; transplanting palm trees once they are
established is risky.