Triangle Palm Tree (Dypsis decaryi)

The Triangle Palm Tree, scientific name Dypsis decaryi, is a very striking palm known for its tristichously arranged leaves that form a triangle. The palm is a great ornamental plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors in the open to show its unique shape. It can grow indoors or outdoors. The Triangle Palm is also known as Three Sided Palm and Neodypsis decaryiraveler’s Tree. It is native to Madagascar Island. 

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Height: Up to 10 – 20ft
Light Req: Full Sun to Partial shade
Water Req: Moderate
Cold Tolerance: down to 30F

Triangle Palm Tree Description

Dypsis decaryi can grow up to 50ft tall but usually is about 30ft. It has single smooth, upright, trunk, 9-13 inches in diameter, brownish-gray, ringed by the scars from the fallen fronds. Overlapping leaf-bases grow from three distinct points of the trunk, forming a triangle, hence the name Triangle Palm.

Leaves are pinnate, or feather-like, arching almost upright, about 10ft long and 3ft wide, segmented, bluish-green above and beneath, supported by brown petiole covered in a whitish bloom.

The Triangle Palm produces yellowish green flowers that are held by 4 ft long branched petioles emerging from the lower leaves. The Triangle Palm is monoecious, male and female flower are born on the same plant. Flowers are followed by round black inedible fruit about 1 inch in diameter. This beautiful palm blooms all year long, thus making it especially colorful.

Growing Triangle Palm Tree

It likes full sun but can also grow in light shade. Triangle Palm Tree can also grow indoors. It can tolerate temperatures down to 30F for a short period of time when mature enough. During cold temperatures it should be kept as dry as possible.

It does not require a lot of water so make sure you let soil dry between watering and provide good drainage. You can use general purpose potting soil with some added sand.

Triangle Palm Tree Propagation

Propagated by seeds and division. Seeds take only about 1-2 months to germinate.