Cyclanthus bipartitus - Panama Hat Plant
Description
Cyclanthus bipartitus, commonly known as the Panama Hat Plant or Split-Leaf Cyclanthus, is a striking and unusual tropical plant known for its large, deeply split leaves that resemble the foliage of a palm. Despite its common names, it is not a true palm. This plant is highly valued for its lush, decorative foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions.
Flowers
The Panama Hat Plant produces small, white to greenish flowers that grow in a cylindrical, spadix-like inflorescence, which is surrounded by a spathe. The flowers are not particularly showy and are often hidden by the foliage.
Foliage
The leaves are large, leathery, and deeply bifurcated (split) into two parts, resembling the shape of a fan. Each leaf can reach up to 1-1.5 meters in length. The leaf blades are glossy green and have a ribbed texture, providing a lush and tropical appearance. The petioles (leaf stems) are long and sturdy, adding to the plant's impressive form.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, fleshy berry that turns from green to orange or red as it matures. The fruit is not typically of ornamental value and is rarely seen in cultivation.
Form and Size
The Panama Hat Plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters with a spread of 1-1.5 meters. It has a clumping growth habit, forming dense clusters of foliage from the base. The plant has a short, thick stem that is often hidden by the lush leaves.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate low light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments and shaded garden areas.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering is needed during dry periods.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as an accent plant. Also suitable for containers on patios and verandas.
- Indoor Plant: Thrives as an indoor plant in bright, indirect light to low light. Adds a touch of tropical elegance to interior spaces.
- Ornamental: The unique split leaves and lush foliage provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or indoor space.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Panama Hat Plant is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its unique split leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and indoor gardeners.
Companion Plants
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
- Spathiphyllum spp. (Peace Lily)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
- Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
Common Name
Panama Hat Plant, Carludovica Palmata, Split-Leaf Cyclanthus
Botanical Name
Cyclanthus bipartitus
Family
Cyclanthaceae
Origin
Native to Central and South America, particularly the rainforests of Panama and Colombia
Read lessPlease note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
