Calyptrogyne ghiesbreghtiana In Florida

[Jungle Yard]

Does anyone grow Calyptrogyne ghiesbreghtiana in Florida outdoors?  Can you please share your experience. 

[PalmatierMeg]

I could not keep one alive even in a pot here in Cape Coral much less in the ground. I wouldn’t dare plant one in Sarasota. Very tropical and sensitive to wind, low humidity and sun.

[bubba]

According to Dave’s Garden they are successful in zone 10 (a) and one has been growing for 10 years in Ventura, California. They also list it as growing in Loxahatchee, Fl. Palmpedia shows a picture of numerous specimens growing at Searle’s. I am certain that one was growing at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in the middle of the jungle!

Edited February 4, 2023 by bubba
Bad machinery

[realarch]

These are such beautiful understory palms, maybe in the right micro climate it would be successful. One of my favorites.

Tim

[bubba]

Tim,

do you believe this to be a tropical palm that could not be considered zone 10 (a) as stated in Dave’s Garden? If one can be grown successfully outdoors in Ventura, California for over 10 years, that seems to confirm 10 (a). What are your specific beliefs regarding this palms tropical or subtropical nature?

 

[Jungle Yard]

I agree with you Tim. It is a very beautiful palm. I’ve seen them growing in the cloud forests as well as lower premontane forests. It seems, it is ok with cold nights. I suspect, it won’t tolerate below 32F, but in the right spot might be ok with above freezing for a short period of time. It doesn’t form a trunk, so maybe that helps. 

[realarch]

Bubba, off the top of my head I’d say yes, this is a tropical palm considering their endemic habitat, cool to warm tropics with high humidity and rainfall. I’m sure there are exceptions given specific growing conditions. Living here in Hilo and not having much in the way of environmental challenges, I can only offer arm chair advice. 

This genus and Asterogyne thrive in my location and are superb little palms that always look perfect. They are quite the specimen plants.

Tim