Lipstick Palm

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-15 Feet

Mature Spread

5-10 Feet

Growing Zones

10 to 11

Lipstick Palm turns heads the moment you see it. Vivid red crown shafts contrast with glossy, feathered fronds for instant tropical drama that few plants can match. Rare, collectible, and sculptural, it’s a statement piece indoors or out in truly warm climates.

Use it to spotlight poolside designs, anchor a lush atrium, or add saturated color to bright, humid rooms. In containers, its tidy, upright, clustering habit reads modern and luxe without overwhelming small spaces.

Lipstick Palm Care

Provide bright, filtered light to very bright indirect light for 8–12 hours daily; outdoors, give dappled sun or morning sun with afternoon shade. Keep soil evenly moist at all times—water when the top 0.5–1 inch is barely dry, and never allow the root zone to dry out completely. Use a rich, airy mix with excellent drainage (e.g., peat/compost, fine bark, and perlite) at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5. Maintain high humidity, ideally 60–80%; group plants, run a humidifier, or place near an indoor water feature.

Feed monthly in spring through early fall with a balanced, slow-release or liquid palm fertilizer that includes magnesium and micronutrients; reduce feeding in winter. Prune only fully brown fronds at the base; avoid over-trimming green fronds. Ultra-tropical: best outdoors in USDA zones 11–12 (some success in sheltered 10b).

Protect from temperatures below 55°F and from cold, dry winds. Use low-salinity water if your tap is hard; rain or filtered water helps prevent tip burn.

Lipstick Palm Spacing

As a specimen, allow 8–12 feet of horizontal clearance to showcase the red crown shafts and accommodate clumping growth. For a small grove, space 6–8 feet on center. Keep at least 4 feet from walls and paths so fronds don’t brush traffic.

In containers, start with a 16–20 inch pot (with many drainage holes) and step up gradually to 22–24 inches as roots fill. Place 3–6 feet from an east or south window with sheer curtains, or under bright skylights; run a humidifier within 2–4 feet to sustain high humidity. Stake only if winds are strong during establishment; otherwise not needed.

Why Grow Lipstick Palm?

• Unmatched red crown shafts for true tropical drama
• Refined, upright, clustering form that fits modern designs
• Thrives in bright, humid interiors and poolside courtyards
• Premium collector appeal with year-round color and texture

Add striking tropical color with a plant that feels tailor-made for your space. With steady moisture and high humidity, Lipstick Palm shows off vivid red highlights and a refined, resort vibe year-round.