Madagascar Cane Palm

Madagascar Cane Palm (Dypsis madagascariensis) gives you tropical height without a tree's root problems. It grows to about 8m tall and 3m wide in an Australian garden, on slender ringed trunks that read like pale bamboo. The roots are non-invasive, so it can sit beside a pool or a paved courtyard without lifting anything.

Why you'll love it

• Trunks that carry the design. Several canes rise from one clump, ringed like bamboo and clean of fibre, so it looks composed year round.
• Height in a narrow footprint. Around 8m of height over a 3m spread suits a side boundary or a courtyard where a spreading tree would not fit.
• Safe near hard surfaces. The root system is non-invasive, which is why it is a standard choice around pools, paths and paving.
• Built for warm coastal blocks. Salt tolerant, heat tolerant and comfortable in humidity, and drought tolerant once the roots are down.
• Not toxic to cats or dogs. A pet friendly palm for a garden the dog has the run of.

Where it works best

Poolside and courtyards. Non-invasive roots and a clean trunk make it one of the few palms of this height you can plant close to a pool surround.

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart. The canopy sits high, so this screens an overlooking upstairs window rather than a fence line.

Driveways and feature planting. Repeat it along a driveway at the same spacing, or use a single clump to anchor a tropical bed.

Growing Madagascar Cane Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun produces the strongest trunks, though it accepts part shade while young. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and frosting southern gardens are not suitable.

Soil. It wants free draining ground. Work compost through the backfill, plant slightly high on heavy clay, and mulch 75mm deep kept clear of the canes.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then reduce as it establishes. A controlled release palm fertiliser in early spring and mid summer holds the frond colour.

Pruning. Cut spent fronds off at the base once they brown, and never cut into the growing crown. Older canes can be removed at ground level to open the clump.

What to expect when it arrives

This palm is grown in two advanced sizes, 60L and 160L. The 60L arrives as a formed clump of several canes with real height on day one, and the 160L is a specimen for an owner who wants the finished look now.

Both are large and heavy, so advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a month of stillness while the roots take hold, then new fronds through the first warm season, all under our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Golden cane palm care guide, covering the same Dypsis watering and feeding routine.
• Compare heights across the palm tree range.
• Browse large palms for instant impact.
• See other options for poolside gardens.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Two metres apart. Because each plant is a clump rather than a single trunk, that spacing lets the canes fill the gaps without competing for water at the base.

Will the roots damage my pool or paving?

The root system is non-invasive and fibrous, which is why this palm is used so often around pools. Still leave a metre of clearance so the widening clump does not push against coping.

Can I grow it in a cold southern garden?

No. It is frost tender and needs a frost free position, which limits it to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens.

How fast does it grow?

Fast in warm weather, given water and feed through the first two summers. Growth slows noticeably in cool winters and at the southern end of its range.