Chrysalidocarpus robustus in California getting ringed trunk

[Tracy]

The first ring on my California grown Chrysalidocarpus robustus.  I don't recall seeing any other big specimens here in California.   Thanks to visiting the Big Island I have seen some tall specimens which put my juvenile plant in perspective.

[James B]

That’s awesome Tracy. I think my winters are too cold for it here so I’ll be sticking with Prestonianus and Dacaryi as my big boy Chrysalidocarpus in my garden. 

[Harry’s Palms]

That is a large specimen ! How long has that been in the ground there? Harry

[quaman58]

Incredible Tracy! I have a five-year-old one in a 2 gallon pot that I can’t even justify putting it in the ground yet. What the heck are you feeding it?

[Rob123]

That’s an amazing accomplishment, especially since these guys can be a bit temperamental here in Cali!

[Tracy]

5 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

That is a large specimen ! How long has that been in the ground there? Harry

I will have to do a check of old photos, but it was shortly after we added the outdoor shower in 2015.  I can't recall if I ever potted it up after I bought it from George Sparkman as either a 3 or squat 5 gallon.   

[realarch]

That’s quite the ‘chunk’ Tracy! Be thankful it’s not a rocket, you’ll enjoy the eye level perspective for many years. 

Tim

[Billy]

What a milestone and massive accomplishment for a California garden. One must also keep in mind that photos simply just can't do justice how beefy this palm really is. Congrats, Tracy! 

[Tracy]

On 4/5/2026 at 5:12 AM, Harry’s Palms said:

That is a large specimen ! How long has that been in the ground there? Harry

I found this photo from March 2016 with a description of Dypsis robusta in the ground.  I'm not sure if I had just planted it or if it was a little before this that it went into the ground.  The growth over a decade from this picture to the current is accurate though.