Most Tropical Trachycarpus

[ahosey01]

I like this genus, particularly the one with the white leaf undersides.  I know most of them do poorly in hot climates however.  Are there any members of the genus that are native to tropical regions?

[SeanK]

Perhaps latisectus, from lower elevations near India. It has a rounder leaf.

[Chester B]

Don't forget about martianus and princeps too.  Oreophilus is the best looking, but good luck finding one.

I have latisectus and princeps that I brought from Oregon.  They have exploded with growth since being here and have never looked better.  They're still in pots and are recovering from rabbit attacks, but the latisectus has grown out of it and then some,  and the Princeps is coming around nicely.  Both are in full sun - so far so good.

 

[Jonathan Haycock]

Trachycarpus geminisectus, latisectus, oreophilus, and martianus (Khasia Hills form) appear to enjoy my sub-tropical climate the most.

[BayAndroid]

I have two Latisectus (and one Martianus, not yet in the ground, no pictures handy). 

I like how the light passes through the fans. 

[peachy]

I live in the subtropics where it is hot and humid for 9 months of the year. Against all advice I planted a plain old Trachycarpus fortunei nearly 3 years ago. It is thriving ! Always looks great and quite a quick grower. Zone pushing works in both directions.

Peachy

[Chester B]

I really like how full the latisectus leaves are, the only downside is they are very flimsy compared to a regular Trachycarpus, so look best when sheltered from wind.  It's a very fast growing palm for me now that I moved.  It's put out 6 fronds since January, and at that time it only had two half eaten, tatty fronds to work with.

[Chester B]

Not the best photo but here is my latisectus and princeps. 

[ahosey01]

Princeps is the one with the white leaf undersides, correct?

How are they regarding soil?

[Hillizard]

My Trachycarpus latisectus is now getting more direct summer sunlight after I hacked back this week two Bauhinia trees that were getting out of bounds, although they provided nice shade. Can finally see an actual trunk on the latisectus.

[Palmfarmer]

I don’t have much input on a specific Species. However Skinning the trunk on any Trachy will make it look really Tropical 

[Chester B]

6 hours ago, ahosey01 said:

Princeps is the one with the white leaf undersides, correct?

How are they regarding soil?

Yes Princeps have a bluish look to them with very white undersides and pretty stiff leaves.

These two seem to not be picky.  I had the Princeps in sandy soil and it did fine, and then I moved it to clay and it did fine.  Latisectus was in clay and did fine.  The soil they're in now isn't nearly as free draining as I would use for other palms, its probably a lot of clay from when I dug them up.  They both like lots of water though.

[Palmfarmer]

1 hour ago, Chester B said:

Yes Princeps have a bluish look to them with very white undersides and pretty stiff leaves.

These two seem to not be picky.  I had the Princeps in sandy soil and it did fine, and then I moved it to clay and it did fine.  Latisectus was in clay and did fine.  The soil they're in now isn't nearly as free draining as I would use for other palms, it’s probably a lot of clay from when I dug them up.  They both like lots of water though.

Fortunei “Nova” 360 eventually develop silver/blue underneath the fronds as well right?  

[Chester B]

14 minutes ago, Palmfarmer said:

Fortunei “Nova” 360 eventually develop silver/blue underneath the fronds as well right?  

I've had regular fortunei with very white undersides, but it doesn't compare to Princeps.

[Palmfarmer]

12 minutes ago, Chester B said:

I've had regular fortunei with very white undersides, but it doesn't compare to Princeps.

I understand I guess those are what’s called fortunei “Nova 360”. 

[Chester B]

1 hour ago, Palmfarmer said:

I understand I guess those are what’s called fortunei “Nova 360”. 

Nova refers to a fast growing fortunei with a thin trunk and floppy leaves.  360 refers to a frond shape that is circular.

 

[Jim in Los Altos]

My personal favorite is T. martianus. They have big, finely pleated leaves that scream “tropical.” From what I’ve read, they tolerate quite a bit of heat so long as it’s not too dry. 
 

[dalmatiansoap]

I have juvenile one in ground for 3-4 years and it can't take our sun during summer. I made a mistake not shading it from the beginning. Have another one in shade and is looking beautiful, looks like totally different species 

[happypalms]

I have three in my garden if you’re wondering how much heat they can take is up to 43 degrees Celsius in my garden and low humidity not a problem also tolerant of dry conditions for a while my climate is subtropical not quite tropical but hot but we do get very humid weather so they will take a bit of humidity.