Growing Lipstick Palms

 

Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda)

Growing, Care, and Landscaping Guide – El Arish Tropical Exotics

The Lipstick Palm, Cyrtostachys renda, is one of the most iconic and sought‑after tropical palms in the world. Known for its brilliant red crownshaft and elegant clustering form, it is a signature plant for lush, high‑humidity landscapes. At El Arish Tropical Exotics, we grow Lipstick Palms specifically for Wet Tropics conditions, including Mission Beach, El Arish, Tully, and Innisfail. We also stock larger pot sizes for customers wanting instant impact, available for pick‑up at the nursery.

About the Lipstick Palm

The Lipstick Palm is a clustering palm with multiple slender stems, each topped with a vivid red crownshaft and glossy green fronds. It is native to swampy, humid lowlands of Southeast Asia and thrives in warm, wet, tropical environments. In the right climate, it becomes a striking architectural feature and a true centrepiece in any garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate

  • Performs best in high humidity and warm temperatures, Lipstick palms are Ultratropical.
  • Perfectly suited to Mission Beach and the Wet Tropics.
  • Can grow in warm, sheltered microclimates of South East Queensland during summer but requires protection from cold and dry winds, best kept in pots.
  • Not frost tolerant.

Light

  • Prefers bright filtered light or dappled shade.
  • Young plants benefit from protection from harsh afternoon sun.
  • In Mission Beach and FNQ, filtered light under taller canopy plants is ideal but they will handle full sun in good condtions.

Soil

  • Requires rich, moist, free‑draining soil.
  • Thrives in soils high in organic matter.
  • Avoid dry, sandy soils unless heavily improved with compost and mulch.
  • Consistent moisture is essential.

Watering

  • Keep soil evenly moist at all times.
  • Excellent performance in naturally wet areas of the Wet Tropics.
  • In SEQ, water deeply and regularly, especially during dry winters and hot summers.
  • Do not allow soil to dry out completely.

Humidity

  • High humidity is critical for strong colour and healthy growth.
  • Mission Beach’s natural humidity is ideal.
  • In SEQ, increase humidity with mulching, grouping plants, or planting near water features.

Fertilising

  • Use a slow‑release palm fertiliser two to three times per year.
  • Supplement with magnesium and trace elements to maintain deep green foliage and strong red colour.
  • Liquid seaweed improves root health and resilience.

Growth Habit

  • Clustering palm with multiple stems.
  • Typically reaches 4–6 metres in the Wet Tropics.
  • Slow to moderate growth depending on warmth and moisture.
  • Bright red crownshaft intensifies with age and good nutrition.
  • Non‑invasive root system suitable for most garden settings.

Landscaping With Lipstick Palms

Lipstick Palms are one of the most striking feature palms for tropical gardens. They are ideal for:

  • Rainforest‑style gardens in Mission Beach and FNQ
  • Poolside planting in shaded or filtered‑light positions
  • Tropical resort‑style landscapes
  • Courtyards and protected patios
  • Entrance features and statement plantings
  • Grouped clusters for dramatic colour impact
  • Planting near water features, ponds, or creeks
  • Layered gardens with heliconias, gingers, cordylines, and monstera

Their vivid red crownshafts create instant tropical luxury and pair beautifully with lush green foliage plants.

Care and Maintenance

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
  • Mulch heavily to maintain soil moisture and humidity.
  • Remove old fronds as they brown to maintain a clean appearance.
  • Protect from strong winds, which can damage fronds.
  • Avoid planting in exposed, dry, or windy positions.
  • In SEQ, keep them in a pot in a warm sheltered position with high humidity and bring inside for winter..

Common Problems and Solutions

Browning Tips

Cause: Dry soil, low humidity, or wind exposure.
Solution: Increase watering, improve humidity, and provide wind protection.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Nutrient deficiency, especially magnesium or nitrogen.
Solution: Apply a complete palm fertiliser with trace elements.

Slow Growth

Cause: Cool temperatures, low humidity, or poor soil.
Solution: Improve soil with organic matter, increase watering, and fertilise during warm months.

Cold Damage (SEQ)

Cause: Winter cold snaps or dry winds.
Solution: Keep in pots and bring inside for winter.

Suitability for Mission Beach and the Wet Tropics

Mission Beach offers one of the best climates in Australia for Lipstick Palms. The combination of high humidity, warm temperatures, and reliable rainfall creates ideal growing conditions. In these environments, Lipstick Palms develop stronger colour, faster growth, and fuller clumping habits.

Larger Pots Available at the Nursery

El Arish Tropical Exotics stocks larger Lipstick Palms in advanced pot sizes for customers wanting immediate impact in their gardens. These are available for pick‑up directly from the nursery, with strong, healthy plants grown in Wet Tropics conditions.

Summary

Lipstick Palms are one of the most spectacular feature palms for tropical gardens. With consistent moisture, high humidity, and filtered light, they thrive in Mission Beach and the Wet Tropics and can be grown successfully in warm, sheltered parts of South East Queensland in pots. Their vivid red crownshafts and elegant form make them a standout choice for creating lush, resort‑style landscapes.