Licuala radula (Rough Licuala) is a compact, clustering fan palm native to Borneo, prized for its deeply divided circular leaves with toothed, ragged-edged segments and strong mottled colouring. Its low-growing, bushy habit makes it well suited to shaded garden beds, borders and container planting in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with shelter from wind and direct sun.
Light requirement: Part shade to full shade
Water requirement: Moderate to high
Watering frequency: Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter
Skill level: Moderate
Growth rate: Slow
Suitable for container gardens: Yes — well suited to containers and indoor planting
Mature Height: 1–2 m
Mature Width: 1–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Low
Frost Tolerant: No — frost sensitive
Wind Tolerant: Low — leaves can tear in strong winds
Leaf Colour: Deep green with attractive mottled patterning
Leaf Variegation: Mottled
Leaf Size: 30–60 cm wide, divided circular fan
Flower Colour: Cream to white
Flower Shape: Slender branched clusters
Flower Fragrance: Mild
Flower Season: Spring to summer
Licuala radula (Rough Licuala) is a compact, clustering fan palm native to Borneo, prized for its deeply divided circular leaves with toothed, ragged-edged segments and strong mottled colouring. Its low-growing, bushy habit makes it well suited to shaded garden beds, borders and container planting in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with shelter from wind and direct sun.
Light requirement: Part shade to full shade
Water requirement: Moderate to high
Watering frequency: Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter
Skill level: Moderate
Growth rate: Slow
Suitable for container gardens: Yes — well suited to containers and indoor planting
Mature Height: 1–2 m
Mature Width: 1–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Low
Frost Tolerant: No — frost sensitive
Wind Tolerant: Low — leaves can tear in strong winds
Leaf Colour: Deep green with attractive mottled patterning
Leaf Variegation: Mottled
Leaf Size: 30–60 cm wide, divided circular fan
Flower Colour: Cream to white
Flower Shape: Slender branched clusters
Flower Fragrance: Mild
Flower Season: Spring to summer
