Exotic and Rare Plants

How to choose from a collector's list

Choose on foliage, because that is what you will look at for the next decade. The entire leaf fans are the showpieces: the Sumawongii Fan Palm carries pleated circular leaves over a metre across, and Johannesteijsmannia magnifica holds huge undivided leaves silvered underneath. Mapu Licuala is the one collectors chase for its mottled, mosaic patterned leaflets, while the Houailou Palm from New Caledonia unrolls each new frond in deep red. Pelagodoxa and Sabinaria are genuine botanical rarities, grown as much for their story as their form. The Brownea is the only non palm here, a small evergreen tree that dangles dense scarlet flower heads from its branches.

Where they can be grown

Outdoors, these are plants for frost free, humid gardens from far north Queensland down the coast into northern New South Wales, planted in shade under an established canopy with genuine wind protection: one hot dry wind can shred a leaf that took a year to produce. Further south, collectors grow them in shadehouses, conservatories and bright sheltered courtyards, and the Licualas and Johannesteijsmannia also make superb long term indoor plants for a warm bright room. For hardier options in the same style, see the palm tree range and the wider tropical plants collection.

Care for rare palms

Give around 70 per cent shade while plants are young, soil rich in organic matter that still drains freely, and steady moisture without waterlogging. Feed lightly with controlled release fertiliser in spring and summer. Growth is slow and that is normal: two to four new leaves a year is healthy for a Licuala. Frost is fatal, so anywhere it freezes, these live under cover.

Common questions

Why do these plants cost more?

Time. Seed is scarce, germination is slow and a plant of the size we ship is often five to ten years old. You are buying the years, not just the pot.

Can I keep one indoors?

Yes. A bright room away from direct afternoon sun and air conditioning draughts suits the Licualas and Johannesteijsmannia well. Stand the pot on a pebble tray for humidity and accept a slow, steady pace.

How does delivery work?

Everything here is delivered Australia wide. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost with specialist packing, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.