Redneck Palm

Dypsis leptocheilos

Synonyms: Teddy Bear Palm, Neodypsis leptocheilos.

Redneck Palms are a great feature palm, one that is under-utilised around Brisbane. They are another fairly tough and hardy Madagascan species, with no problems surviving the subtropical winter. Sometimes called Teddy Bear Palm, the Redneck is so named because of its velvet-like, wine-red crown shaft. However, one of the best features of this plant is the trunk as it matures, developing prominent and attractive rings. It also has very long, graceful fronds, providing useful shade and shelter to other plants in the garden. It is a solitary palm, so will not develop additional trunks.

Redneck Palms are very easy to grow, with few issues. Like most plants, they prefer rich, well draining soil, but can be adapted onto a variety of different soil types. As juvenile plants it is import that they receive extra shade. Small plants will potentially burn out over the hotter months if not sheltered. We recommend giving them temporary shade (i.e. shade cloth) until they are over around 1.5m. Redneck Palms are reported to handle light frosts, but best grown away from the frost zones. Mealybug can be an issue on the Redneck Palm over summer. This is common on palms and is usually easily treated.

The common Redneck Palm is sometimes confused with another plant that shares the same name, Dypsis lastelliana. This palm has a more intensely red crown shaft but is also much slower growing and therefore, much less available. Also not as cold-hardy, so is considered more of a collectors plant. Hybrids of Redneck Palm are also sometimes available.