Dypsis baronii in SFL

[PalmatierMeg]

I've heard that Dypsis baronii - like many Dypsis species - cannot tolerate SFL sweltering summers. But I don't think I've seen flat-out statements from Dypsis experts that it can't. Will somebody please confirm whether that is the case?

I ask because I've been taken with the black petiole form of D. baronii and would love to try it, but not if I would be sentencing it to a certain death sentence.

[Rory]

We’ve grown regular baronii no problem in pots over here in Davie (Ft. Lauderdale area). We’ve gotten them up to about 5ft of trunk and flowering size. Every one we put in the ground has slowly declined though, and we’re in an area that has some of the best soil in South Florida. So summer heat and humidity doesn’t seem to be much of a problem, just seems to be one of the Dypsis that’s picky about soil. Just because the regular one doesn’t do well in the ground here, doesn’t necessarily mean the black petiole one won’t too. We’re optimistic enough to be trying seeds right now.

[sarasota alex]

I had a D. baronii growing slow but steady for me in my previous yard for a few years. It was killed in a loan mower accident shortly before the house was sold.

[Sabal Steve]

I think @Moose is the one to ask:)

[miamicuse]

I am also curious about the black stem variation of this palm's suitability in south Florida, any updated experiences to share?

[PalmatierMeg]

Don't waste time/money on D. baronii. It needs year round cool nights to counteract daytime highs. It won't get any heat relief in SFL 3/4 of the year and will die a miserable death. I tried Dypsis baronii 'Black Stem' seeds a few years ago. They germinated like champs, grew 1-2 leaves then all keeled over dead.

[Looking Glass]

3 hours ago, miamicuse said:

I am also curious about the black stem variation of this palm's suitability in south Florida, any updated experiences to share?

In case you were also looking for someone to not answer your question and just blurt something else out instead….

It’s not exactly the same clumper, but D. Lafazamanga seedlings from Floribunda (6 plus a few fragments included in the detritus, all grew well through this year.  Even the unintentional fragments turned into little plants.  This must be a pretty tough palm.  No experience in the ground here yet, though.   

[WaianaeCrider]

So D. baronii.  needs year round cool nights to counteract daytime highs.  Well summer highs here can almost make 100 but nights ususlly down to 80 at night.  Winter highs about 89 with nights as low as 66 but usually around 67.  So far mine is doing ok after a year growing in part shade of a big assed Australian Flame Tree (https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/illawarra-flame-tree/)