Dypsis decipiens

[jdapalms]

Below is a picyure of one of my D decipiens growing at my Fallbrook location. These do very well in the inland areas. Dypsis decipiens certainly seems to be variable in its appearance. This plant was planted about 15 years ago.

Jerry

This one below was planted about 8 years ago and is outgrowing the palm in the first picture. The picture quality is somewhat blurred so I will have to do a retake.

[Pivi]

Great dypsis Jerry!

I'm really gonna wait that long...i have seedlings 5 moths old.

Did both of them split? Any singles? Do you cut off any of the suckers?

[jdapalms]

Great dypsis Jerry!

I'm really gonna wait that long...i have seedlings 5 moths old.

Did both of them split? Any singles? Do you cut off any of the suckers?

Dypsis decipiens is a slow grower and occasionally you will get one that takes off with faster growth, that’s why I would like to see more pictures with there approximate age. Most young palms that I have seen have split or are growing suckers. From the pictures that I have seen from habitat, it appears that many of the palms are a single trunk.

Jerry

[MattyB]

I can't really add to this thread with any good specimine pics of D. decipiens but I thought I'd try an overall shot of a group I planted out in January this year. Hopefully you can use your imagination on what this will look like in 15 years. I'm planning on planting several more in this same area. I call it "Manambe Ridge". The Phoenix reclinata in the left side of the picture were planted from 20 gallon tubs this winter, just for a sense of scale. Anyone know how dry these Dypsis decipens can take? I do plan on keeping them watered but can I let them completely dry out without them suffering?

The overall shot of Manambe Ridge. The D. decipiens are highlited.

A closer look.

I've planted them with the heel on the upslope side so as it tries to bury itself deeper it'll only be traveling further downslope. Hopefully I can combat any rotting problems associated with the tillering action by using this tecnique.

[chris.oz]

Jerry, That first D. d looks fantastic. Dypis and Hydrangea make unusual bedfellows!

[Tyrone]

Matt, I don't think you'll have any rotting problems in the area that you've planted them. They will drain freely. I've noticed that this one likes water as long as it drains away well and maybe dries out a bit between waterings, and this is always helped by a fullsun position. I think D decipiens have root systems that seem to work well in rocky areas. Rocks tend to hold moisture underneath them and between the cracks between rocks and I think that's where D decipiens likes to put it's roots. It's roots can be very investigative, and when you see where they grow which is not unlike where you've planted yours they will find their moisture somewhere. Still I would keep the water up to them in the summer. The rainy season is the summer in Madagscar even on the high plateau, with about 12inches of rain a month. But I wouldn't worry too much if you forget to water for a while or go away for the weekend etc. Lack of water probably just slows them down, I doubt it would kill them. It will look great in a few years.

Best regards

Tyrone

[ruskinPalms]

OK, why won't these grow in FL if the rainy season is summer and they like piss poor fast draining soils? I think these would grow here if planted on a mound of sand in full sun. It baffles me...

[Gtlevine]

I'm surprised Jerry at how slow yours is growing. My Decipians was planted as a small 15 gallon plant I bought from Ron Lawyer seven years ago and it now has trunk.

Gary

[bgl]

We had another Dypsis decipiens thread recently, and at that time I took an inventory, but I guess it's time for an update! (And Jerry, you know exactly where I have these!).

Total of 25 individuals in this Dypsis decipiens grove, which makes it easy figuring out percentages:

1 single-trunked: 4%

12 double-trunked: 48%

7 triples: 28%

4 quadruples: 16%

1 quintuplet: 4%

All 25 were planted in August 2001, from 1G or 3G pots. All of them were typically about 10-15 inches tall at the time. Today, some of the taller ones are pushing 10 ft overall height.

(And Matty - letting them dry out is no big deal. They can certainly handle that, easily for a couple of weeks and (my guess) probably even longer than that.

Photos below: 1) part of the group, 2) most of them have lots of color, and 3) this is a quadruple and the dominant stem will probably be trunking later this year.

[jdapalms]

Gary,

Your decipiens is looking good. Is this the only one you have in the ground? I have not fertilized my palms in years and this can be one factor in slower growth.

Bo,

I recall what your decipiens looked like 6 years ago. You’re definitely getting good growth from your palms.

Jerry

[Urban Rainforest]

I just have one Dypsis Decipiens in the ground that was planted from a 5 gal. in May 2001. Because of their slow growth I wish I had planted more back then. I had a bigger one that survived being transplanted from my first house but died a few years later when I had to dig it up again to put our swimming pool in. The one I have planted is 6 ft. tall now and has 3 trunks. Here are a couple pics.

Steve

[Urban Rainforest]

0ne more of the whole palm. These pics are old and it is bigger now.

Edited April 29, 2008 by Steve from San Diego

[Urban Rainforest]

I'll try to post one more a little bigger.

[jdapalms]

I'll try to post one more a little bigger.

Steve,

That’s pretty.

[neoflora]

The reason Gary's is doing so good. One it came from me. Two it is one of the Super Decipens. We still have some available forsale. Note how colorful it is. Nice growing Gary.

[Urban Rainforest]

Thanks Jerry, I'm pretty sure I bought it from you. I remember buying several from you around the year 2000 and many of them were very colorfull. I should of planted them all but I grow them up and people always want to buy them from me. Definately one of my favorite palms and I will plant more and in Hawaii too .

Steve

[bgl]

Steve,

Agreed - can't have too many of these! I'm planting out a whole new area all the way in the back with Dypsis decipiens. Have about two dozen in the ground right now, and I'm far from done! But I have plenty more in 5G pots if you're interested!

Bo-Göran

[Urban Rainforest]

Steve,

Agreed - can't have too many of these! I'm planting out a whole new area all the way in the back with Dypsis decipiens. Have about two dozen in the ground right now, and I'm far from done! But I have plenty more in 5G pots if you're interested!

Bo-Göran

Bo, You showed me that new Decipiens grove the last time I was there and it's going to be amazing! You bet I'm interested in 5 gal. DD's! Save me an Orania Ravaka too .

Steve

[bgl]

No problem. And the Orania ravaka in 5G pots are getting up to a nice size now. Have to find a spot myself for a few of those!

[Tyrone]

OK, why won't these grow in FL if the rainy season is summer and they like piss poor fast draining soils? I think these would grow here if planted on a mound of sand in full sun. It baffles me...

You are too hot in summer. The highland plateau has night temps around 16C and day temps around 26-28C in summer. That's a bit cooler than lowland south Florida in summer.

Best regards

Tyrone

[Central Floridave]

Here is my experiment. This is about dry as dry can be. I planted it a couple of months ago. We will see if it survives. Full sun, dry dry dry soil (even when it rains). East Central Florida (knock on wood)

[Tampa Scott]

OK, why won't these grow in FL if the rainy season is summer and they like piss poor fast draining soils? I think these would grow here if planted on a mound of sand in full sun. It baffles me...

My experience here in FL was a failure. The palm was planted in sandy, well drained soil. The 3gal. plant was growing good the first year. The second summer with the high humidity took a toll on the palm and it developed crown rot. I think the humidity is just to high for the survival of this palm in central FL.

[Gtlevine]

I have five of them in the ground Jerry, one has trunked and two others are about to trunk. I fertilize twice a year with Apex, maybe that is the difference. If I remember, your's was in quite a bit of shade from the surrounding trees?, mine are in full blazing sun. It might just like the added heat.

Gary

Gary,

Your decipiens is looking good. Is this the only one you have in the ground? I have not fertilized my palms in years and this can be one factor in slower growth.

Bo,

I recall what your decipiens looked like 6 years ago. You’re definitely getting good growth from your palms.

Jerry

[Eric in Orlando]

We have a couple at Leu Gardens growing well.

Here is the first one, the 1st photo is it a few years ago, it has lost some of the red coloring now;

here is the other specimen

[MattyB]

OK, why won't these grow in FL if the rainy season is summer and they like piss poor fast draining soils? I think these would grow here if planted on a mound of sand in full sun. It baffles me...

You are too hot in summer. The highland plateau has night temps around 16C and day temps around 26-28C in summer. That's a bit cooler than lowland south Florida in summer.

Best regards

Tyrone

Thanks for the encouragement and the great temp and water info Tyrone. I've gotta get a whole bunch of these guys up there on that ridge, huh?

[Tyrone]

Matt, I think you have the ideal setup. Fill that hillside with decipiens I say.

regards

Tyrone

[ghar41]

OK, why won't these grow in FL if the rainy season is summer and they like piss poor fast draining soils? I think these would grow here if planted on a mound of sand in full sun. It baffles me...

You are too hot in summer. The highland plateau has night temps around 16C and day temps around 26-28C in summer. That's a bit cooler than lowland south Florida in summer.

Best regards

Tyrone

Thanks for the encouragement and the great temp and water info Tyrone. I've gotta get a whole bunch of these guys up there on that ridge, huh?

Matty someday my grandkids will visit your ridge, by that time a state landmark, covered with massive D decipiens under 200 Ft tall towering Ceroxylon quinduiense.

[PalmGuyWC]

Excuse my iggnorance, but I have some Dypsis questions, and some speculation. Has anyone recieved any seeds from Madagascar that grew into what was an apparent hybrid with D. decipiens? The only D. decipiens that I've heard of that is growing under cultivation and produced seeds is Pauleen Sullivans in Ventura CA. Does anyone else have one that has flowered and produced seeds? From what I understand there are certain Dypsis that are in groups that are more closely related than others. Also it seems most Dypsis are slow growing, and especially D. decipiens. Are there any fast growing Dypsis? Also, it appears that D. decipiens is by far the most cold hardy of the Dypsis, but difficult to grow in tropical climates. A "super" decipiens is mentioned....What makes it super, and how does it differ in appearnce or growth rates from the others?

I ask these questions because a hybrid D. decipiens might be be superior in several ways. Here is where I "speculate." Parajubaeas are very difficult to grow in warm, humid climates as they prefer cooler climates and dryer conditions. When they are crossed with Butias they not only have hybrid viggor, but they grow well in warm, humid climates and they are surprisingly cold hardy as well.

I'm wondering if the same might apply to D. decipiens if it were crossed with a more tropical Dypsis that grows faster?

Dick

[Tyrone]

I'd love to cross a decipiens with leptocheilos. Imagine a furry clumping giant redneck with great cold tolerance. I need to get one to maturity though before I consider crossing it.

regards

Tyrone

[PalmGuyWC]

Tyrone,

If anyone can do it, you should be able too. Sounds like Perth has the perfect climate for Dypsis.

Dick

[Tyrone]

Well I have a leptocheilos which wouldn't be far off flowering. I should plant my largest decipiens near it and see what happens in a few years. I'll call it Dypsis leptochipiens.

regards

Tyrone

[Rafael]

In less than a week i will receive a 80 cm tall dypsis decipiens, came from Spain, after several weeks of looking for one as big as possible.

As i was told about it, i know that this palm may be quite dificult puting on the ground, sometimes suffering of roten root and dying.

I dont know if it happens only when they are small, and if this one, with 80 cm, should be stronger, and have no problem.

Anyway, i am looking for good advices concerning the method of puting it on the ground, to avoid roten roots.

Later i will come back here and upload pics of the new one!

In the meanwhile would like to receive any hints about this!

[Kailua_Krish]

I have had good luck with mine by planting it in pure granite rock chips. This winter caused its spear to fry though

-Krishna

[Rafael]

I. Krishna, could you be a little more specific?

II. I am uploading a photo of a 50 cm dypsis decipiens. The one i am expecting to arrive has 80 cm...

[Kailua_Krish]

When I dug the hole for it I took the dirt away from the roots (it was a seedling) and filled the hole in with a bag of granite chips instead of replacing the soil. It has been mentioned several times on here and if you do a search on it there are people that know a lot more than me discussing how they did it and their success rate. Apparently it keeps the heel from rotting out in high rainfall climates.

-Krishna

[Michel64]

It was a seedling 12 years ago, planted directly in open ground.

[wildpalm]

I. Krishna, could you be a little more specific?

II. I am uploading a photo of a 50 cm dypsis decipiens. The one i am expecting to arrive has 80 cm...

I have grown alot of decipiens but I have never seen one with the yellow colouring of the one in your photo. It looks very interesting!!

[Rafael]

I. Krishna, could you be a little more specific?

II. I am uploading a photo of a 50 cm dypsis decipiens. The one i am expecting to arrive has 80 cm...

I have grown alot of decipiens but I have never seen one with the yellow colouring of the one in your photo. It looks very interesting!!

When i receive mine i will upload here a pic, next wednesday!

But for now, what about some help concerning to ground puting method?

Edited March 4, 2010 by rafael

[Carlo Morici]

I'd love to cross a decipiens with leptocheilos. Imagine a furry clumping giant redneck with great cold tolerance.

GO FOR IT!

[Carlo Morici]

It was a seedling 12 years ago, planted directly in open ground.

Michel, your patience is admirable - this would be a 5 years old seedling in the Canary Islands.

Carlo