Please forgive me, I haven't been on this forum long, but still long enough to remember various Dypsis discussions that I can no longer find.

There were discussions about Dypsis prestoniana, and if I remember correctly a species of Dypsis prestoniana called "Big curly" does the best in southern California. What was the other one called? How can I tell what the one I am growing is? I just have a tiny plant and it is doing ok in full inland sun, so I guess that I can assume that it is "Big Curly"? Or are there other Dypsis prestoniana that also do ok in full inland sun??

And I also remember a certain species of Dypsis lastelliana that supposedly did well in southern California. What was that called? What were peoples ultimate opinion of it? Is it worth trying to grow? Or should I stick with Dypsis leptocheilos?

Is there a particular species of Dypsis decipiens that outperforms other in inland southern California? Or just southern California for that matter? It seems to me that a number of Dypsis resemble decipiens even if they are not "true" decipiens. Which ones should I try in my inland location?

I think that the Dypsis Lastelliana was called "Big Red"?

Ok I am not sure where I was going with this post but there are 3 palms I am very curious about and I would like to hear peoples opinions on.

1. Dypsis prestoniana "Big curly"

2. Dypsis lastelliana "Big red"

3. Dypsis decipiens "Super decipiens"

OK - I'll try and help you out. I'm sure I will be corrected if need be.

'Super decipiens' is just the name for a more colorful (perhaps more robust) form of D. decipiens. Probably the easiest to grow of the three you named, provided you have decent soil.

'Big Red' is not like any D. lastelliana I have seen. I think it is a unique species. But - you won't be able to find one anyway.

'Big Curly' was a name of a particular batch of 'prestos' brought in many years ago - it would do well in Escondido. However, whether you can find the form of D. presto that is a Big Curly is the issue. If it is growing well and looks healthy it may be the same. But there is another form that isn't as easily grown. Perhaps one of the SoCal Dypsis Dudes can tell you if there is another way to distinguish between them.

I went through a similar search recently to find dypsis for my microclimate. I have several different forms of dypsis decipiens, as with all dypsis there seems to be considerable variations from one seed batch to another. Because of that, I figure the best approach is to try various species of the genus. I did pick up a dypsis presto fron JD and got a dypsis lastelliana highland form as well. All in all I am trying out somewhere around 8 or 10 different dypsis species.

Dean, Interesting you should say that. I have all 3 available @ my growing grounds!

Dean, Super decipens actually is the blue plumose form of D. decipens. I collected these in Mad. more than 10 years ago. All of D. decipens are colorful as juveniles. However the Blue plumose ones have color in the emerging leaf in a mature palm. Amazing that there are so many takes on this. Anyway my 2 bits!

Dean, Interesting you should say that. I have all 3 available @ my growing grounds!

Ron,

I'll bet that you are the only one with 'Big Red.' If I remember correctly, you had one in the ground over 12 years ago. If that one is still alive, do you have a pic - please? Mine is only about the size of a large 15 gal.

Dean, Super decipens actually is the blue plumose form of D. decipens. I collected these in Mad. more than 10 years ago. All of D. decipens are colorful as juveniles. However the Blue plumose ones have color in the emerging leaf in a mature palm. Amazing that there are so many takes on this. Anyway my 2 bits!

Ron,

Do you mean the leaf has color, or the spear has color, in the mature palm?

"I have several different forms of dypsis decipiens"

really ?

does there exist anywhere a series of photos showing the various adult forms of this species ????

Edited July 17, 201313 yr by trioderob

The leaf as it opens has color. All the Dypsis decipens have color in the spear.Seed is different on the blue plumose. I try to get a picture of the Big Red.

there's a "blue" d.decipiens,now? i am confuzzled.

Sounds like we need a "Download on Decipiens" a la Matty' Beccariophoenix Breakdown.

Sounds like we need a "Download on Decipiens" a la Matty' Beccariophoenix Breakdown.

Please don't forget to include the "ugly" betafaka in the breakdown, I can't recall now how it fits into this mess.

I have four distinct forms:

1) Some multi-trunked monster with red new spears that go sideways

2) A large elegant thin leafed version with a recurving spear

3) A large elegant thin leafed version with straight spears and very red

4) A straight green spear and red crownshaft.

No idea what they are, they're all distinct forms of decipiens.

I have posted various times on the Big curly Identifiers.. If you can search for posts I did?

Anywho, will try to answer later.

BUMP...

Any updated picture from neoflora would be appreciated.

I would like to get one.

Well, Dean described it well, but as for the "big Curley" difference, the easiest way I have seen to spot one is as long as the palm has not been is partial shade, or some shade cloth (It loves sun, so "any" shade keeps them green as all get out) Any way, the big curley emerging spear will be a uniform green... the "others" will be a "two tone" affair.. almost a cream side and a green side.