Latania lontaroides, Red Latan Palm, Latania borbonica

🌴 Latania lontaroides – Red Latan Palm

Genus: Latania

Also known as the Red Latan Palm, Latania lontaroides belongs to the genus Latania. Native to the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, this palm is prized for its dramatic leaf coloration and manageable size. When young, the large, fan-shaped leaves emerge in brilliant shades of red and bronze, gradually maturing into a silvery-green canopy that shimmers in the sunlight. Often mistaken for its close relative Latania borbonica, the Red Latan is considered the most colorful and ornamental of the three Latania species.

✨ Unique Features

• Young leaves show vibrant red to bronze tones before turning silver-green.
• Fan-shaped foliage with a striking tropical presence.
• Reaches about 20–30 ft at maturity, perfect for landscapes or large gardens.
• Salt- and drought-tolerant once established.

🌿 Care Guide

The Red Latan Palm is relatively easy to grow given the right conditions, rewarding you with steady growth and stunning foliage color transitions.

• Light: Full sun for best color; tolerates light shade when young.
• Water: Moderate; water deeply but allow the soil to partially dry between waterings once established.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Best in tropical to warm subtropical climates. Protect from frost when young.
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced palm fertilizer during the growing season to encourage lush growth.

🌍 Landscape Use

Ideal as a statement palm for gardens, courtyards, or poolside plantings. Its unique red juvenile leaves make it one of the most ornamental palms available. Perfect for collectors of rare tropical species.