Triandra Palm

Triandra Palm (Areca triandra) is the clumping palm for shaded courtyards, where most palms sulk. It sends up slender bamboo like canes to about 4m tall in a clump around 3m wide, and the small cream flowers carry a light citrus perfume. The roots are non-invasive, so it can be planted tight against paving or a pool edge.

Why you'll love it

• It genuinely prefers shade. A shade loving palm that holds its colour out of direct sun, which makes it the answer for a dark courtyard or a south facing corner.
• Fragrant flowers. Small cream flowers release a light lemon scent, which is unusual in a palm and noticeable in an enclosed space.
• Clumping and self renewing. New canes come up from the base, so the clump thickens over time and a single plant reads as a group.
• Sensible near hard surfaces. Non-invasive roots and a 3m footprint suit narrow beds, pool surrounds and large pots.

Where it works best

Shaded courtyards and screening. Plant 1.5m apart for a dense palm screen. The clumping habit closes the gaps between canes far better than single stemmed palms manage.

Poolside. Slender canes, no spines and light litter make it a practical pool palm, and it tolerates the damp ground that collects around a wet edge.

Pots and balconies. A pot 500mm or wider carries a clump for years and holds it a little smaller than it would grow in the ground.

Growing Triandra Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Part to full shade, sheltered from hot afternoon sun, which yellows the fronds. It is frost tender and belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Cooler southern gardens need it under cover or indoors in a bright spot.

Soil. Rich in organic matter and moisture retentive, with drainage underneath. It is wet feet tolerant, so damp ground is fine, but stagnant water is not. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the canes.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone consistently moist, watering two or three times a week through summer heat. A slow release palm fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer keeps the fronds dark green.

Pruning. Remove only browned fronds and spent flower stems, cutting close to the cane. Old canes can be taken out at ground level to keep the clump open and let new ones through.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in two sizes, 400mm and 500mm pots. Both are established multi caned clumps rather than single seedlings, and the 500mm plants carry more canes and more height for an immediate screen.

Fronds are tied for transit and often look creased when unwrapped, opening out within a fortnight. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect new canes from the base within the first warm season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• A guide to palm tree varieties
• Browse the full palm tree range
• Compare plants for partial shade
• Plants for poolside gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them for a screen?

1.5m apart in a single row. At that spacing the clumps merge into a continuous stand of canes within two to three seasons, without crowding each other at the base.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, in a bright room out of direct sun, with reasonable humidity and consistent watering. Indoors it stays smaller than the 4m it reaches in a warm garden.

Does it handle frost?

No. It is frost tender, and cold damages both the fronds and the growing points. In cool temperate gardens grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover for winter.