About Lipstick Palm
One of the most visually striking palms in the world, instantly recognizable by its brilliant scarlet-red crownshaft and leaf sheaths that look as though they have been dipped in red lacquer. A clumping palm that grows in multi-stemmed clusters, it creates a dramatic tropical statement wherever it is planted. Highly coveted by collectors and landscape designers. Lipstick Palm belongs to the Arecaceae family and originates from Southeast Asia — native to peat swamp forests of Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and southern Thailand. Cultivated in the Philippines as an ornamental..
The Lipstick Palm is a prized collector's palm in the Philippines, often seen in high-end resort landscapes and botanical gardens. It does exceptionally well in the warm, humid lowlands of Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. Seedlings can be expensive (500-2,000 pesos for small ones) and are available at specialty palm nurseries and plant shows. Its need for constant moisture makes it ideal near fishponds, water features, and naturally wet garden areas common in Philippine properties.
Also known as: Sealing Wax Palm, Red Palm.
Popular Varieties
- Cyrtostachys renda (standard Lipstick Palm — the only commonly available species)
- Cyrtostachys lakka (Orange Lipstick Palm, extremely rare)
How to Plant Lipstick Palm in the Philippines
Lipstick Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. The recommended method is fresh seeds (must be sown immediately as viability is extremely short-lived).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Collect ripe black seeds from a healthy cluster.
- Step 2: Sow within 1-2 days of collection — seeds lose viability rapidly.
- Step 3: Plant 1 cm deep in consistently moist, peat-rich medium.
- Step 4: Keep in warm, humid conditions (28-32°C) with shade.
- Step 5: Germination is slow and erratic, taking 2-6 months.
- Step 6: Seedlings grow very slowly for the first 2-3 years.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun (young plants need shade; mature palms tolerate full sun). Position your lipstick palm where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist at all times. This palm naturally grows in swamp conditions and does not tolerate drought. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (strictly tropical; cannot tolerate any frost or cold). Very high humidity essential — performs best in Philippine lowland conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing lipstick palm outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Slow-release palm fertilizer (8-2-12 + Mg) every 3 months. Supplement with iron if fronds yellow.
Pruning
Remove only dead, fully brown fronds. Never cut into the red crownshaft. Remove old fruit clusters after seeds drop.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Browning leaf tips
Cause: Insufficient humidity or underwatering
Solution: Increase watering frequency. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture. Mist crownshaft during dry season.
Pale or faded crownshaft color
Cause: Nutrient deficiency or too much direct sun on young plants
Solution: Apply palm fertilizer with micronutrients. Provide afternoon shade for young specimens.
Extremely slow growth
Cause: Normal for this species, especially in the first 3-5 years
Solution: Be patient. Ensure consistent moisture, warmth, and humidity. Growth accelerates once the palm is established.
Root rot in poorly drained soil
Cause: Ironically, while it loves moisture, stagnant water in heavy clay can still rot roots
Solution: Amend heavy clay with coconut coir and organic matter. Maintain moist but not waterlogged conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Lipstick Palm in the Philippines?
Lipstick Palm needs partial shade to full sun (young plants need shade; mature palms tolerate full sun). Water keep soil consistently moist at all times. this palm naturally grows in swamp conditions and does not tolerate drought.. Feed with slow-release palm fertilizer (8-2-12 + mg) every 3 months. supplement with iron if fronds yellow.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (strictly tropical; cannot tolerate any frost or cold) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Lipstick Palm?
The recommended method is fresh seeds (must be sown immediately as viability is extremely short-lived). Collect ripe black seeds from a healthy cluster. Sow within 1-2 days of collection — seeds lose viability rapidly.
Is Lipstick Palm toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Lipstick Palm grow in containers in the Philippines?
Lipstick Palm is best grown in the ground or very large containers. It needs ample root space to reach its potential. In smaller urban spaces, choose dwarf varieties when available.
What are common problems when growing Lipstick Palm?
Common issues include: Browning leaf tips (caused by insufficient humidity or underwatering — increase watering frequency. mulch heavily to retain soil moisture. mist crownshaft during dry season); Pale or faded crownshaft color (caused by nutrient deficiency or too much direct sun on young plants — apply palm fertilizer with micronutrients. provide afternoon shade for young specimens); Extremely slow growth (caused by normal for this species, especially in the first 3-5 years — be patient. ensure consistent moisture, warmth, and humidity. growth accelerates once the palm is established).
Growing lipstick palm in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!