Guilin Dwarf Palm

Guihaia argyrata, the Guilin dwarf palm, is a small clustering fan palm native to southern China and northeastern Vietnam. Its pleated green leaves show bright silver beneath, and plants can remain low and compact in cultivation. Kew accepts the species and places it in Arecaceae. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:915058-1/general-information) ## Form and placement The original palm description records a dwarf, clustering palm, and horticultural accounts describe plants growing in limestone crevices on steep hillsides. A palm grower’s guide lists an eventual height near 1 m (about 3 ft) and a slow growth rate. Use it as a close-view specimen in a sheltered rock garden or container, where the fan leaves and silver undersides can be seen. ## Growing conditions Provide partial shade and indirect light. Use a well-drained loamy mix and keep it evenly moist without leaving roots waterlogged. Project Palm lists near-neutral soil and a cool-climate boundary near zone 9a; local exposure and drainage will affect performance. ## Maintenance Water when the surface begins to dry, increasing attention during warm weather and container growth. Remove only damaged leaves and keep the growing point undisturbed. Leave room for the clump to widen gradually. [International Palm Society, Principes](https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/v29n1.pdf) · [Project Palm](https://projectpalm.net/species/guihaia-argyrata)