Pinanga ridleyana
Pinanga ridleyana
Ridley’s pinanga
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Description
Pinanga ridleyana is a graceful, understory palm prized by collectors for its elegant, finely pinnate fronds and compact, clumping habit. Native to humid Southeast Asian forests, it thrives in dappled shade with consistently moist, airy soil. Perfect for tropical shade gardens or as a high-humidity houseplant, it rewards good care with lush foliage and colorful fruit clusters that attract wildlife.
Common Names
Ridley’s pinangaRidley’s palmSingapore pinanga
Context
nativeRegion
Lowland to hill rainforests of the Malay Peninsula (including Singapore) in shaded understory habitats.
usdaZones
10b–11
companionPlants
Licuala grandis, Chamaedorea elegans, Calathea/Goeppertia spp., Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern), Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, Alpinia zerumbet
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental for shaded tropical gardens and containers; fruits support wildlife (birds).
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, filtered light to deep dappled shade; protect from harsh midday sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top 1–2 inches of mix are slightly dry; reduce slightly in cooler months.
SoilRich, humus-heavy, fast-draining mix (e.g., 40% fine bark, 30% peat/coir, 20% perlite, 10% compost); slightly acidic to neutral.
FertilizerUse a palm-specific, slow-release fertilizer with micronutrients 2–3 times per growing season, or a dilute balanced liquid monthly in warm months.
HumidityPrefers high humidity (60–80%); tolerate ~50% with increased watering. Use a humidifier or pebble tray indoors.
TemperatureBest at 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid below 55°F (13°C); frost is damaging.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClumping (suckering) understory palm with slender canes and gracefully pinnate leaves.
Mature Size6–10 ft tall (1.8–3 m), 3–5 ft wide (0.9–1.5 m) clump over time.
Growth RateModerate in warm, humid conditions; slower indoors or in cooler climates.
BloomingSmall cream flowers on short inflorescences among the leaves; bright red to orange fruits in warm seasons.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool conditions.
Propagation
MethodsFresh seed, Division of basal offsets/suckers
DifficultyModerate to challenging (seed must be fresh; slow to establish).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for both fresh sowing and careful division.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal—remove only browned or spent fronds and old flower/fruit stalks. Do not cut green fronds.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring when roots fill the pot; step up one size and refresh organic, airy mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and palm aphids; ensure airflow to prevent leaf spot. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
ToxicityNot known to be toxic to pets or humans, but avoid ingestion of any plant material.
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