First my plug: The South Florida Palm Society (SFPS) sale is scheduled for November 19-20, 2022 at Pinecrest Gardens in Coral Gables. I told they expect 11 vendors. I’ll be one of them. Rare cycads will also be for sale. The list of plants is still being compiled, and it is best to check the SFPS website for updates.

Many of the palms and cycads growing in my yard came from SFPS. Others I bought at their auctions. Meeting the growers is great as they also have sales during the year. They are also great teachers. Lesson #1 is that uncommon palms are not necessarily difficult to grow. They are just hard to find.

I grow Pinanga adangensis in partial shade, and it can take full sun for part of the day. It seems to do well without much care. I had one in a very shady spot, and it really shady spot, and it stayed small until I cut down a nearby palm, and it got more sunlight. It is very similar to Pinanga coronata, with the yellow crownshaft. It is a shame that these palms are not more widely available.

It is from Malaysia, and will grown fine in South Florida, but further north, cold weather could be a problem. Pinangas are a large family, with some more difficult than others. At the seedling stage, a well draining soil mix in a very shaped area, where they can be kept wet, seems to work. ‘

I’ve posted a number of uncommon palms. My favorite one is still Licuala peltata v. sumawongii which is doing fine in partial shade.

Pictured below is Ravenea hildebrandtii, which is endemic to the Comoros islands. Its common name is Dwarf majesty palm. Majesty palms are very common, but almost all other Ravenea palms are endangered.

The palm is about 10 years old, and stands only 4 1/2 ft in a shady location. Not in great shape as some of the leaves show yellowing. I’ve seen some mealy bug honeydew (white gooey stuff) on emerging spears, which I periodically wipe off. A website suggests alcohol which is worth a try. Also, I’ve trying to keep the area around the palm as possible.

There are a lot more terrific palms for South Florida, but some really need special care. The growers will tell you to listen to your palms, but some just whisper.

I’ve listed 3 plant sales for next weekend (Nov 19-20). It’s good to get out before the holiday crush.

Happy gardening,

Dave