MacArthur Palm
Ptychosperma macarthurii
Also known as: Hurricane Palm, Cluster Palm
Multi-stem clumping palm for residential gardens, resort common areas, and condominium landscaping. Sold per clump (not per stem). 4-5 ft to 8-10 ft sourced sizes with verified pre-conditioned root balls and a 30-day establishment guarantee.
Pricing Guide (per clump)
| Size / Spec | Price (PHP) |
|---|---|
| 4-5 ft clump | ₱3,000–₱3,500 |
| 6-7 ft clump | ₱4,500–₱5,500 |
| 8-10 ft clump | ₱6,500–₱8,000 |
Volume Discounts
- 10–25 clumps:5%
- 26–50 clumps:8-10%
- 51–100 clumps:12-15%
- 100+ clumps:Project-specific pricing
MacArthur Palm is sold as a clumping multi-stem palm. All pricing is per clump, not per individual stem. A typical clump contains 3-7 stems depending on size. Volume discounts apply at 10+ clumps for residential developments and condominium projects. Delivery, planting, and 30-day establishment service quoted separately.
Request Project Quote →About MacArthur Palm
MacArthur Palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii) is a clumping multi-stem palm native to Queensland, Australia and New Guinea. Multiple slender stems per clump produce a lush, full appearance from ground level upward, making it the standard Philippine choice for residential garden filler, resort common area mass planting, and condominium amenity landscaping. Critical procurement note: pricing is per clump (one root mass with multiple stems), not per individual stem.
Common Applications
- Residential garden mass planting. Clump density creates instant tropical fullness for gardens, courtyards, and patios.
- Resort common area filler. Pool deck edges, walkway flanking, and spa courtyard plantings where mass tropical character is the goal.
- Condominium amenity decks. Compact mature size and clumping habit suit constrained urban planters and tower amenity floors.
- Hotel and restaurant entrance accents. Multi-stem density screens equipment, softens architectural lines, and creates lush arrival impression.
- Privacy screening. Staggered rows of 6-7 ft clumps create a fast tropical privacy buffer.
- Pool surrounds. Pool-safe clumping habit, plant 3-4 m from pool edge.
- Container planting (oversized). 4-5 ft clumps work in large planters for hospitality entrances and amenity courtyards.
Where You'll See It
- Residential garden installations across Metro Manila
- Condominium amenity decks in BGC, Ortigas, and Makati
- Resort common areas in Tagaytay, Bohol, and Boracay
- Hotel courtyards and spa landscapes
- Tropical residential developments in CALABARZON
Why Architects Choose It
- Multi-stem clumping form creates instant lush appearance from ground up, no waiting for crown development
- Compact mature size (cap 8-10 ft) suits condominium and constrained urban sites where larger palms are impractical
- Tolerant of partial shade, suitable for tower-shaded amenity decks and forest-edge garden contexts
- Per-clump pricing structure makes coverage planning straightforward for residential and resort projects
- Pool-safe with clean leaf habit, lower maintenance overhead than coconut or other large palms
Project Types Best Suited
- Residential gardens and courtyards
- Condominium amenity decks
- Resort common areas and spa landscapes
- Hotel arrival and courtyard accents
- Restaurant patio and entrance plantings
- Tropical residential developments
- Mid-tier subdivision common-area landscapes
- Privacy screening installations
Specifications
- Botanical name
- Ptychosperma macarthurii
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native range
- Australia (Queensland) and New Guinea
- Form
- Clumping multi-stem (3-7 stems per clump typical)
- Pricing structure
- Per clump, not per stem
- Sourced clump height range
- 4-5 ft to 8-10 ft
- Stem diameter (mature)
- 5-8 cm per stem
- Crown spread (mature clump)
- 3-4 m
- Sun
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate; consistent moisture preferred
- Soil
- Adaptable; good drainage required
- Pool safe
- Yes (plant 3-4 m from pool edge)
- Salt tolerant
- Limited (avoid direct beachfront exposure)
MacArthur Palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii) Supplier, Clumping Form
MacArthur Palm is a clumping multi-stem palm native to Queensland, Australia and New Guinea. Multiple slender stems per clump produce a lush, full appearance from ground level upward, making it the standard Philippine choice for residential garden filler, resort common-area mass planting, and condominium amenity landscaping.
Critical: Per-Clump Pricing, Not Per Stem
The most important commercial fact about MacArthur Palm: pricing is per clump, not per stem. A typical clump contains 3-7 stems sharing a single root mass.
| Clump Height | Typical Stems | Retail (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 ft | 3-4 stems | ₱3,000 to ₱3,500 per clump |
| 6-7 ft | 4-6 stems | ₱4,500 to ₱5,500 per clump |
| 8-10 ft | 5-7 stems | ₱6,500 to ₱8,000 per clump |
When we quote a project for “20 MacArthur Palms,” that means 20 clumps (60-140 individual stems depending on size selection). Coverage planning, spacing, and budget figures should always be done in clumps, not stems.
Some inferior suppliers split clumps to sell stems individually. This damages root masses and produces poor post-transplant survival. We do not split clumps.
Botanical Background
Ptychosperma macarthurii belongs to the Arecaceae family and is native to Queensland, Australia and the rainforests of New Guinea.1 In its natural habitat the species grows as an understory rainforest palm in partial shade with consistent moisture, reaching 10-12 m mature height in scattered clumps.
In Philippine landscape supply, we cap sourced clumps at 8-10 ft. This is both a practical transport ceiling (larger clumps risk root mass damage on relocation) and the visual sweet spot for residential and resort common-area applications. For projects requiring taller multi-stem character, Traveler Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) is the better commercial substitute.
Stem Count Considerations
A clump’s stem count affects both the visual character and the per-stem unit cost. Higher stem counts produce a denser, more tropical look. Lower stem counts give each clump a more architectural form.
For resort common-area mass planting where uniformity matters, we can spec minimum stem counts (e.g., “minimum 5 stems per clump”) at the quote stage. This adds modest cost (selection time) but produces visual consistency across the planted area.
For residential gardens, stem count variation is part of the natural look and is rarely an issue.
Planting & Establishment
Site Preparation
- Confirm partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil
- Excavate hole 1.5x root mass diameter, equal depth
- Score sides if heavy clay
Planting
- Lower clump as a single unit (do not separate stems)
- Set root mass crown at ground level
- Rotate to display fullest stem cluster toward primary view
- Backfill with native soil + 25% aged compost
- Apply palm-specific slow-release fertilizer at root mass perimeter
First Year Care
- Stake 7+ ft clumps with 3-point soft tree-tie strapping for the first 6 months
- Deep weekly watering for 6-8 weeks during establishment
- Maintain consistent moisture through first year (the species evolved in rainforest understory)
Ongoing Maintenance
- Pruning: minimal. Remove dead or damaged stems individually at ground level. Stems do not regenerate, but new stems emerge from the root mass over time.
- Fertilizing: palm-specific formula 2-3 times per year during rainy season.
- Pest/Disease: generally healthy. Watch for inadequate water (split or yellowing fronds) and root rot in waterlogged sites.
- Wind protection: stake young clumps in exposed sites.
Sources
Footnotes
-
Plants of the World Online (POWO), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “Ptychosperma macarthurii (H.Wendl. ex H.J.Veitch) H.Wendl. ex Hook.f.” Accessed 2026. https://powo.science.kew.org/ ↩
Sourcing & Supply
Origin
Direct from established palm farms in Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna where MacArthur Palm has been propagated for clumping multi-stem stock for 10-20 years. Field-grown clumps are pre-conditioned for transplant: containerized or root-pruned 4-8 months before sale to ensure clump integrity on relocation.
Supplier Relationship
Long-term relationships with 4-6 specialist palm growers across Luzon. We pre-inspect clumps for stem count (typically 3-7 per clump), stem height uniformity, crown fullness, and root mass condition before transport. Container-grown vs field-grown noted explicitly in every quote.
Quality Control
Each clump photo-documented for stem count, height, crown character, and root mass condition before delivery. We avoid clumps with split or partial root masses, which is the leading cause of MacArthur Palm clump failure post-transplant. 30-day establishment guarantee covers nursery-side issues.
How to Order
- 1
Inquiry to Quote
Send us your specs and project size. We respond with a project-specific quote within 24 hours.
- 2
Site Visit / Spec Confirmation
For larger projects, we coordinate a site visit or spec call to confirm requirements.
- 3
Order Confirmation + Deposit
50% deposit confirms your order. Established institutional accounts may qualify for net terms.
- 4
Production / Sourcing & Delivery
We coordinate sourcing, production, and delivery. Final payment due on delivery.
- Response time
- We respond within 4 business hours.
- Payment terms
- 50/50 standard. Net terms available for established institutional accounts.
- Documentation
- Sales Invoice, Delivery Receipt, COA-compliant documentation on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MacArthur Palm priced per clump instead of per stem?
MacArthur Palm grows as a clumping multi-stem palm, meaning multiple slender stems share a single root mass. The natural unit of supply and planting is the entire clump, not individual stems. A typical clump contains 3-7 stems. Per-clump pricing reflects the actual unit you receive, plant, and care for. Some inferior suppliers split clumps to sell stems individually, which damages root masses and results in poor establishment; we do not split clumps.
How much does MacArthur Palm cost in the Philippines?
Per-clump retail ranges from ₱3,000 for 4-5 ft entry-tier clumps to ₱8,000 for 8-10 ft maximum-sourced clumps. Each clump contains 3-7 stems. Volume discounts apply at 10+ clumps (5%), 26-50 (8-10%), 51-100 (12-15%), and 100+ (project pricing). Delivery and planting quoted separately.
How many stems are in a typical clump?
A typical 4-5 ft entry-tier clump contains 3-4 stems. A 6-7 ft standard clump contains 4-6 stems. An 8-10 ft maximum-sourced clump contains 5-7 stems. Stem count varies with cultivation history and selection; we photo-document stem count before delivery. Specific stem-count requirements (e.g., minimum 5 stems per clump for resort uniformity) can be specified in the project quote.
Why is the maximum sourced clump height capped at 8-10 ft?
8-10 ft is the practical sourcing ceiling for transplantable MacArthur Palm clumps in Philippine supply. Larger clumps (12+ ft) become difficult to transplant without splitting the clump or damaging the root mass. The species also reads visually best at 6-8 ft for residential and resort common-area applications. For projects needing taller multi-stem character, consider Traveler Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) instead.
Where do you source MacArthur Palms?
Direct from 4-6 specialist palm farms in Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna. Field-grown clumps pre-conditioned for transplant 4-8 months before sale. We do not split clumps to inflate stem counts; the integrity of the root mass is critical for post-transplant survival.
What spacing should I use for residential or resort planting?
Standard spacing is 2-3 m on center between clumps for full mass-planting effect. For privacy screening, 1.5-2 m on center creates a denser barrier. For accent groupings, 3-4 m spacing allows each clump to show its individual silhouette. Mature clump crown spread is 3-4 m so closer spacing creates a continuous canopy at maturity.
Are MacArthur Palms safe for poolside?
Yes. MacArthur Palm is pool-safe with clean leaf drop habit. Plant 3-4 m from pool edge to accommodate the mature crown spread. The clumping habit creates a different pool-deck aesthetic than single-trunk palms (Foxtail, Royal): more lush and tropical, less architectural and formal. Both work; choice depends on project aesthetic.
Can MacArthur Palm tolerate full sun?
Yes, with adequate water. The species naturally grows in partial-shade rainforest understory, but performs well in full sun once established with consistent moisture. For full-sun placements, deeper initial watering and slightly heavier mulch help establishment. Avoid sites with both full sun and poor drainage; the species can stress under drought combined with strong sun exposure.
Is the species coastal-tolerant?
Limited. MacArthur Palm tolerates moderate salt exposure but is not recommended for direct beachfront placement. For coastal projects within 50-100 m of shoreline, we recommend Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) instead. For coastal residential settings 200+ m inland, MacArthur Palm performs well with normal care.
How are MacArthur Palms transported and installed?
Clumps up to 8 ft transport on flatbed trucks with crown wrapping for protection. 8-10 ft clumps may require small crane or skid steer for lift and placement. We coordinate full logistics including transport and the planting team. Site requirements for crane placement: 3 m overhead clearance, firm ground, clear approach path.
What's the typical lead time for an order?
Standard lead time is 2-4 weeks for orders up to 25 clumps. Volume orders of 50+ clumps with form-matching (specific stem count or uniform height) require 4-6 weeks for clump-matching across the batch. Project-specific schedules confirmed at quote stage.
What does the 30-day establishment guarantee cover?
If a properly-installed clump (planted by us or per our written planting protocol) fails within 30 days due to nursery-side issues such as root mass damage, undisclosed disease, or transport stress, we provide a free replacement clump at the same tier. Failures from improper post-planting care, salt-water flooding, or weather events are not covered. Standard for all B2B orders.
Do MacArthur Palms need special fertilizer or pruning?
Apply palm-specific fertilizer 2-3 times per year during the rainy season. Pruning is minimal; remove only dead or damaged stems individually. Stems do not regenerate; once a stem dies it should be cut at ground level, but new stems emerge from the root mass over time. Watch for split or yellowing fronds, which indicate inadequate water or nutrient deficiency.
Ready to spec MacArthur Palm for your project?
Send us your project details. We respond within 4 business hours.