Palms are widely distributed throughout the tropics, sub tropics and to a lesser extent in warm temperate regions. They can be found in Africa, South East Asia, Australia, the Pacific region, Southern United States, the Caribbean region, Central/South America and Southern Europe. Palms can vary in size from small dwarf species to tall, massive trees, which can attain a height of about 50 metres and in some species can develop massive trunks. Palms can be found from sea level to forests, montane tops and high plateaus to about 4000 metres in altitude. It is estimated that the number of palm species and sub species varies from 2500 to 3500 in 193 genera.

We are currently working on expanding the range of palms we sell online.

Palms for Wet Tropical Gardens

El Arish Tropical Exotics – Palm Category

Palms are the backbone of Wet Tropics landscaping, creating height, structure, and a true rainforest atmosphere. At El Arish Tropical Exotics, we specialise in palms that thrive in the warm, humid conditions of Mission Beach, El Arish, Tully, Innisfail, and Cairns. Our collection includes hardy, high‑impact species suited to tropical gardens, coastal landscapes, and sheltered subtropical microclimates.

Whether you are designing a lush rainforest garden, a resort‑style pool area, or a shaded courtyard, our palms provide the architectural form and tropical character that define Wet Tropics gardening.

Why Choose Palms for Wet Tropics Landscaping

Palms are perfectly adapted to the climate of Far North Queensland. They offer:

Strong vertical structure without heavy shade
Lush, evergreen foliage year‑round
Excellent performance in high humidity and seasonal rainfall
Low maintenance once established
Non‑invasive root systems in most species
Compatibility with rainforest understory plants
A natural fit for coastal and monsoonal environments

Palms are essential for creating layered, tropical landscapes that feel cool, sheltered, and vibrant.

Palms We Grow at El Arish Tropical Exotics

Our palm range changes seasonally, but we typically stock a wide selection of Wet Tropics favourites, including:

Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda)
Betel Nut Palm (Areca catechu)
Solitaire Palm (Ptychosperma elegans)
Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)
Alexander Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae)
Red Sealing Wax Palm (rare forms)
Cluster palms for screening
Feature palms for architectural landscaping

All palms are grown locally and hardened to Wet Tropics conditions.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Wet Tropics Palms

Climate

Warm, humid environments are ideal.
Excellent performance from Townsville to Cairns and the Cassowary Coast.
Many species also grow well in warm, sheltered parts of South East Queensland.

Light

Most palms thrive in full sun to bright filtered light.
Understory palms prefer dappled shade beneath taller canopy plants.
Young palms benefit from temporary shade during establishment.

Soil

Free‑draining, fertile soil with good organic content.
Mulch heavily to maintain moisture and suppress weeds.
Avoid waterlogged areas unless planting swamp‑tolerant species.

Watering

Regular moisture is essential during establishment.
FNQ rainfall usually supports mature palms.
In SEQ, water deeply during dry winters and spring.

Fertilising

Use a slow‑release palm fertiliser two to three times per year.
Supplement with magnesium and trace elements for deep green foliage.
Liquid seaweed promotes root health and resilience.

Landscaping With Palms in the Wet Tropics

Palms are one of the most versatile elements in tropical garden design. They can be used to:

Create height and structure in rainforest gardens
Frame pathways, driveways, and entrances
Provide soft, filtered shade for understory plants
Add a resort‑style feel around pools and outdoor living areas
Form natural screens and privacy barriers
Highlight water features and shaded courtyards
Build layered tropical plantings with heliconias, gingers, cordylines, and monsteras

Their elegant forms and evergreen foliage make them ideal for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Palms for Mission Beach and the Wet Tropics

Mission Beach offers one of the best climates in Australia for palm cultivation. High humidity, warm temperatures, and reliable rainfall create ideal conditions for:

Fast growth
Strong colour
Dense crowns
Healthy root systems
Minimal maintenance

Many palms that struggle in drier or cooler regions thrive effortlessly in the Wet Tropics.

Larger Palms Available for Pick‑Up

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

Summary

Palms are essential for creating authentic Wet Tropics landscapes. Their height, structure, and evergreen foliage bring a natural rainforest feel to gardens across Mission Beach, El Arish, Tully, Innisfail, and Cairns. At El Arish Tropical Exotics, we grow a wide range of palms suited to tropical and subtropical climates, with advanced sizes available for instant garden transformation.