Troubleshooting
Lipstick Palm problems — and how to fix them
Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Colour fading (crownshaft turns green)
The red colour requires very bright light; move to a sunnier position.
Brown fronds in low humidity
The most common indoor failure; lipstick palms need 70%+ humidity — a humidifier is essential.
Cold shock
Even brief drops below 18°C cause irreversible frond damage; never place near cold windows or air conditioning vents.
Root rot in cold/stagnant water
Although swamp-adapted, cold waterlogging causes rot; keep soil warm and provide some airflow.
Spider mites
Despite high humidity preferences, mites can colonise in dry heated rooms; treat promptly with insecticidal soap.
Prevent lipstick palm problems before they start
Most lipstick palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lipstick Palm problems — FAQ
Why is my lipstick palm colour fading (crownshaft turns green)?
The red colour requires very bright light; move to a sunnier position.
Why is my lipstick palm brown fronds in low humidity?
The most common indoor failure; lipstick palms need 70%+ humidity — a humidifier is essential.
Why is my lipstick palm cold shock?
Even brief drops below 18°C cause irreversible frond damage; never place near cold windows or air conditioning vents.
Why is my lipstick palm root rot in cold/stagnant water?
Although swamp-adapted, cold waterlogging causes rot; keep soil warm and provide some airflow.
Why is my lipstick palm spider mites?
Despite high humidity preferences, mites can colonise in dry heated rooms; treat promptly with insecticidal soap.