Teddy Bear Palm

Chrysalidocarpus leptocheilos, still commonly listed as Dypsis leptocheilos, is the Teddy Bear Palm. This solitary palm is recognized by its fuzzy red crownshaft, white powdery trunk, and glossy, pinnate fronds with pendulous green leaflets. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77314638-1) recognizes the current name, and [Singapore NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/6/2621) records a maximum height of 12 m. ## Form and landscape use The bright red sheath contrasts with the ringed, pale trunk, making this palm a strong tropical focal point. NParks describes cream-colored flowers on branching inflorescences below the leaves and dark brown fruit. The long fronds spread outward as they mature, so give the canopy room rather than planting close to a wall or narrow path. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade, in soil that drains well but does not remain dry for long. NParks rates water needs and growth as moderate and notes that the palm tolerates constant moisture when drainage is good. In cooler gardens, use a protected warm microclimate and avoid exposing young plants to frost. ## Maintenance Water through warm growing periods and keep the root zone evenly moist. Prune only fully dead fronds, using clean tools and avoiding cuts into the crownshaft. Allow fallen fruit to be cleared from paving when needed.