With beautiful large foliage, Joey palms are one of the best landscaping palms available. The botanical name is Johannesteijsmannia and a number of species are popular.
These are all fan palms, large foliage and attractively ribbed. Three species are trunkless, with only Johannesteijsmannia perakensis having a small trunk.
That said, with the amazing large foliage, these wonderful palms can reach 5 – 6 metres in height with a spread of 4 – 5 metres. These are a solitary palm, they do not form clumps and propagation is usually from seed.
Originally from Thailand, through to Borneo and Sumatra, all species require a warm sheltered position, and all like a humus rich moist yet well drained soil. In these areas the foliage is often used for thatching.
Although they are regarded as extremely attractive, they are not yet common in cultivation.
Joey Palms General Care
This wonderful group of palm trees thrive in sub tropical to tropical areas. They will reasonably grow welling temperate climates as long as they are in a protected position.
In cooler climates they need to be protected from cold winds and frosts.
It is possible to grow Joey Palms indoors and in containers, over time they will get large, so allow for this when planting.
These are also a palm tree that does not like root disturbance, so refrain from digging around them, and be careful when planting them or repotting them , taking care to avoid root disturbance.
Landscaping Uses For Joey Palms
These are shade loving palms, grown for the ornamental foliage, with large undivided leaves. Excellent as an understory plant near a pool, although best planted away from walkways as they do have thorns or spikes (armed)
Johannesteijsmannia Species with common names.
- Johannesteijsmannia altifrons – The Diamond Joey Palm.
- Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata – The Slender Joey Palm, is an interesting species. In its natural habitat this one has narrow leaves and this narrow upright habit is accentuated by the lo light condition the it would normally be grown in. Green leaves with a silvery underside.
- Johannesteijsmannia magnifica – The Silver Joey Palm has larger foliage than most, upright leaves, diamond shaped and with a silvery underside. It’s fast growing compared to other species, leaves can reach 3m in length and 1 m across.
- Johannesteijsmannia perakensis – Joey on a Stick. Yhis is a slow grower and it has the distinction of being the only species in the genus that forms a trunk.
All are long lived, none like root disturbance or windy conditions and all like warm humid conditions and a moist soil.