How to Grow Lipstick Palm - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Lipstick palm is a plant that producesthick, fleshy fruit that is shaped like a tube of lipstick. The fruit is often a deep red color, though it can also be orange, yellow, or pink. The plant is native to South America and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Lipstick Palm - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Red Lipstick Palm

  • Cyrtostachys renda

  • Red Sealing Wax Palm

Things to Know

  • The lipstick palm is a species of Areca palm.
  • It is native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
  • It is an evergreen palm that can grow up to 15 meters tall.
  • The trunk is slender and ringed with leaf scars.
  • The leaves are pinnate and can be up to 5 meters long.
  • The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters at the base of the leaves.
  • The fruit is a red drupe, about 1 cm in diameter.
  • It is commercially cultivated for its fruit, which is used to make chewing gum and lipstick.
  • It is also grown as an ornamental plant.
  • It is classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN.

How to Grow

  1. For lipstick palm, first step is to obtain a young plant or seedling from a nursery.
  2. Next, choose a location in full sun or partial shade for planting.
  3. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and loosening the soil.
  4. If planting a seedling, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the pot.
  5. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil.
  6. Water the seedling deeply and regularly.
  7. Fertilize the seedling monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. When the seedling reaches about 3 feet tall, begin shaping it by removing any unwanted branches.
  9. Once the lipstick palm reaches its desired height, stop pruning except to remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful lipstick palm!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the lipstick palm tree grows best in sandy, well-drained soil. It is not particular about soil type, but it does not tolerate wet feet. The tree is also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for planting near the coast.

Light condition

So, like the other palm trees, the lipstick palm requires full sun in order to grow and thrive. This tropical plant is native to rainforests in South America, so it prefers a hot and humid climate. In its natural habitat, the lipstick palm grows under the canopy of taller trees, which provides it with filtered sunlight. However, in cultivation it needs full, direct sun in order to produce its signature red fruits.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature was perfect for a walk on the beach. The air was warm and the sun was shining. I was wearing my new lipstick palm and I felt like a million bucks. I walked for miles, and the only thing I could think about was how lucky I was to be alive.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The lipstick palm is a great plant for beginner gardeners. It is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. This plant prefers partial shade but can also grow in full sun. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even tolerate some drought. The lipstick palm is a slow grower but can reach up to 10 feet in height. It has dark green leaves that are paler on the underside. The flowers are small and white and appear in the summer. The fruit is a small red berry that ripens in the fall.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. In fact, too much fertilizer will probably do more harm than good. Just give it a light feeding every now and then, and you should be good to go. As for the roots, they are relatively easy to care for. Just make sure they are never allowed to dry out completely, and they should be fine.

Light requirement

Pruning your lipstick palm ( Cyrtostachys renda ) is essential to keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. Regular pruning will encourage new growth, help to control the plant's size, and remove any dead or damaged leaves. When pruning your palm, be sure to use sharp, clean shears or knives. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node. You can prune your palm as often as once a month, or as needed to keep it looking its best.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing a new plant from a parent plant. There are many ways to propagate plants, but one of the easiest ways is to use the lipstick palm method. To propagate a plant using the lipstick palm method, you will need a sharp knife, a container, and some potting mix. First, cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant. Next, use the knife to make a small incision in the center of the leaf. Then, place the leaf in the container and add some potting mix. Finally, water the plant and place it in a sunny location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done in Florida, where the palm is native. In general, these studies have found that the lipstick palm has a growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. However, one study done in Hawaii found that the palm's growth rate was much slower, at only 1 to 2 feet per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are nutrient deficiencies and root rot. If you see your plant's leaves turning yellow or brown, this is likely due to a nutrient deficiency. You can correct this by fertilizing your plant with a palm fertilizer. Root rot is a common problem for all plants, and can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If you think your plant has root rot, you should remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are black or mushy, you will need to cut away the affected roots and replant your palm in fresh soil.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your lipstick palm plants regularly, as they will tend to dry out quickly.
  • Place the plants in a bright, sunny spot in your home.
  • fertilize the plants every few weeks to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune the plants regularly to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
  • Watch for pests such as spider mites, which can infest lipstick palm plants.
  • Repot the plants every few years to refresh the soil and provide them with new nutrients.
  • Groom the plants regularly by removing dead leaves and debris.
  • Propagate new plants from stem cuttings to create a fuller, more lush display.
  • Place the plants in a location where they will not be disturbed, as they can be sensitive to changes in their environment.
  • Enjoy the unique beauty of your lipstick palm plants!

Related Plants

  • Pygmy Date Palm ( Phoenix roebelenii )
  • Date Palms ( Phoenix dactylifera )
  • Palmyra Palm ( Borassus flabellifer )
  • Royal Palm ( Roystonea regia )
  • Dwarf Palmetto ( Sabal minor )
  • Carolina Palmetto ( Sabal palmetto )
  • Bismarck Palm ( Bismarckia nobilis )
  • Jelly Palm ( Butia capitata )
  • Chinese Windmill Palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei )
  • Raffia Palms ( Raphia farinifera )

Source:
Cyrtostachys renda (Lipstick Palm, Sealing Wax Palm)
Aeschynanthus radicans (Lipstick Plant, Lipstick Vine) | North …
Evolution of Lipstick - JD Institute of Fashion Technology

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category