Lipstick Palm

Lipstick Palm is a clustering tropical palm recognized by its vivid scarlet leaf sheaths and bright crown stems beneath green, feather-like fronds. It is native to Southeast Asian rainforest, riverine, and freshwater swamp habitats, where consistently moist conditions support its vigorous tropical character. ## Landscape Use The [NParks profile](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/6/2618) records a clustered growth form and a maximum height of 12 m. Its striking stems make it a focal ornamental near ponds or other water features in warm climates; the species is also listed for gardens, parks, and screening. Give each clump room to develop and keep the red stems visible against a simple green background. ## Light and Water Grow in full sun or semi-shade. NParks recommends rich loamy soil kept moist and reports tolerance of waterlogged soil, making a pond edge a suitable setting where the climate is tropical. The species is not drought tolerant and can wither quickly under water stress, so it is a poor choice for dry sites or low-water planting. ## Maintenance Maintain steady moisture and protect the plant from cold conditions outside its tropical range. Its flowers are pollinated by insects including bees, and birds disperse its fleshy fruits; avoid removing fruiting stems when supporting this wildlife value is desired.