Ok, they actually list this plant under nauplius sericeus on this website, but that's the same plant. And this is where I ordered it from. If you're in the Los Angeles area maybe I could give you a branch. I haven't done much rooting of cuttings, but if you think that's possible I would be willing to share. They shed all their flowers and seeds a few months ago. http://www.rareplants.de/shop/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0amp;P_ID=9118&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1

As is typical on any trip to a volcano, there is a rest stop along the way. Although it might be for a toilet break, or to buy souvenirs, or to buy a beverage - it is really a short break to allow visitors to acclimate to the higher altitude.

Besides the hardy vines others will tell you about-you might try the new Sun Parasol Mandevilla's. In pink,red,white.Some are dwarf in leaf and flower,growing habit others-and you can tell by the more robust pot growth,will cover more area,but are never big vines. Planted all around that palm they like the part shade. Not expensive.You can find them at very low cost at the home improvement stores. I have had them bloom near all year...and if they do stop they are among the first to bloom in early spring. Buy ten and impress the neighbors. Hardy to 20f. Much better where it doesn't go below 32f but a very few nights a year.

Ditto the above posters. Most Phoenix species have an issue with very high humidity and constant wetness. That's because many of them originate in semi-arid or Mediterranean climates where humidity levels are not sustained at high levels (the Canary Islands are rather dry remember). I once received a CIDP from S. Florida and it was covered in these ugly black spots. I figured at the time it was related to the humid climate and didn't make an issue out of it. Sure enough, it grew into normal growth and is now gorgeous. The discoloration you're experiencing won't revert to normal, but new growth will be more normal once your humidity levels drop. Good luck!