Joey

Joey palm (*Johannesteijsmannia altifrons*) is a slow-growing, solitary understory palm with very broad, pleated, diamond-shaped fronds. Its dramatic foliage makes it a focal container plant for warm, humid, shaded interiors or protected tropical gardens. ## Form and identity Kew accepts the species as *Johannesteijsmannia altifrons* in the palm family Arecaceae. Singapore’s NParks describes a stemless palm with fronds that can reach 6 metres in length. That measurement is frond length, not a garden-height figure, so a mature height is not stated here. Small white flowers are borne in clusters; NParks notes they are strongly scented. ## Growing conditions Provide bright filtered light or dappled shade, warmth, and high humidity. Use an organic, well-drained medium that stays lightly moist without becoming waterlogged; the palm is sensitive to overwatering. Grow it in a stable container or a sheltered, humid garden setting, away from strong winds and exposed traffic. Root disturbance can stress this slow-growing species, so avoid frequent repotting. ## Sources [Kew Science: Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:667632-1) · [NParks Flora & Fauna Web: Johannesteijsmannia altifrons](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/0/5084) ## Maintenance Keep the growing medium evenly but lightly moist and allow excess water to drain. Maintain warm, humid air and protect fronds from wind damage. Repot only when necessary, using a container that accommodates the root system without leaving the palm in a large volume of persistently wet mix.