Identifying palm seedlings

[bananaman]

Hi!!!

I'm new here and I have a question.

Is there any way to identify palm seedlings that are still in the "strap leaf" phase?

I bought a pot of 5 palm seedlings labeled: Areca Palm (Dypsis decaryi)

I know that the Areca Palm is Dypsis lutescens, not D. decaryi.

Is there any way to tell these palms apart before they start producing adult leaves?

Thanks!!

BTW: I can post pictures later...

[tjwalters]

Welcome to Palmttalk. Pictures are usually helpful. Once you post them, I'm certain folks here will chip in with their thoughts/opinions.

[MattyB]

Welcome! There are some tell tail things that can tip the experts off as to what you've got. I find that the pinnate palms, with the bifid baby leaves are easier to tell apart than the palmate palms with the strap leaves. Post a pic. I bet someone will know what you've got. From what I remember the roots on Dypsis decaryi seedlings are very aggressive and will be a lot fatter than Dypsis lutescens. Also, if I remember correctly, I think Dypsis decaryi might be a remote germinator where it sends down a radicle first before sending the 1st leaf up, whereas Dypsis lutescens will shoot the leaf and roots right out of the same spot on the seed.

[PalmatierMeg]

Welcome to PalmTalk. I've found D. decaryi seedlings have much more rigid, thicker leaves - almost feel like plastic. D. lutescens leaves are softer and more relaxed, almost delicate compared to triangles. My perception also was that triangles go pinnate more quickly.

[Jason in Orlando]

Welcome! There are some tell tail things that can tip the experts off as to what you've got. I find that the pinnate palms, with the bifid baby leaves are easier to tell apart than the palmate palms with the strap leaves. Post a pic. I bet someone will know what you've got. From what I remember the roots on Dypsis decaryi seedlings are very aggressive and will be a lot fatter than Dypsis lutescens. Also, if I remember correctly, I think Dypsis decaryi might be a remote germinator where it sends down a radicle first before sending the 1st leaf up, whereas Dypsis lutescens will shoot the leaf and roots right out of the same spot on the seed.

They're adjacent. Got a bunch coming up right now.

[MattyB]

Oops, sorry. Thanks for the clarification jason. I'm assuming that adjacent is the opposite of remote.

[bananaman]

I think it they are more likely to be D. lutescens because the roots were quite small when I repotted them. They were only 4 inches long for a seedling 10 inches tall. The roots were about 1/8 of an inch thick. Does that sound right for D. lutescens? The leaves are a very dark shade of green, and are stiff, but easily bent.

I lost my camera, so I am giving you as much detail as possible without photos, however I will get some up soon.

[MattyB]

Not sure from the description. D. Decaryi has more ribbed leaflets too. But everything were describing is relative, you have to had seen both species in order to compare.

[bananaman]

Thanks so much!!!

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

I'm really hoping that they are triangles because I think they are more cold hardy. (am I right on this?)

[PalmatierMeg]

Thanks so much!!!

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

I'm really hoping that they are triangles because I think they are more cold hardy. (am I right on this?)

Triangles are coldhardier, also more drought tolerant.