Dypsis leptocheilos
 
Common Names Teddy Bear Palm, Redneck Palm, Red Fuzzy Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
Native to Madagascar’s eastern rainforests, Dypsis leptocheilos is a solitary crownshaft palm prized for its velvety, reddish-brown tomentum covering the crownshaft—earning it the nickname “Teddy Bear Palm.” Its clean white trunk, arching fronds, and moderate size make it a standout in tropical landscapes and upscale container gardens2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; moderate speed
Height: 20–30 ft (6–9 m); trunk diameter ~8–10 in (20–25 cm)
Trunk: Smooth; waxy white; ringed with leaf scars
Crownshaft: Short; densely covered in reddish-brown tomentum
Leaves: Pinnate; 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) long; arching; ~15–20 leaves per crown; leaflets ~18 in (45 cm) long
Inflorescence: Branched; 3 ft (90 cm) long; creamy-yellow flowers emerge below crownshaft
Fruit: Berry-like; yellow-orange turning black; not edible
Ecology: Grows in humid understory habitats; adapted to filtered light and rich soils3
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered sun to part shade; tolerates full sun in humid climates
Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogging
Soil: Rich, well-drained; sandy or loamy with organic matter
Temperature: Cold-sensitive; damage below 35°F (1.5°C)
Humidity: High; essential for healthy growth
Propagation: By seed; germination in 4–6 months
Tolerance: Not drought-, salt-, or wind-tolerant
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical focal points, shaded gardens, and collectors of ornamental crownshaft palms. Pairs well with Chambeyronia macrocarpa, Areca vestiaria, and Dypsis lutescens.