Chamaedorea
( kam - ih - DOHR - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis perennial genus of palms needs some shade or bright indirect light and regular water to perform well. They are smaller, feather palms that are considered easy-care plants and do great on shaded patios or compact landscapes. Native to Central and South America, they can be single-trunked or have a cluster of multiple trunks.
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Chamaedorea Species and Varietals
The genus Chamaedorea includes 107 species of palms, and is a member of the plant family Arecaceae. The genus name is derived from the ancient Greek words for 'on the ground' (chamai) and 'gift' (dorea), referencing the ease of which the plants' fruits are accessed and harvested. Chamaedorea grows best in zones 16, 17, 22-24 and H2, although this varies somewhat depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cascade Palm, Cat Palm, Cataract Palm) This native of southern Mexico and Central America forms a foliage clump 6 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and does best in moist, partially shaded garden locations. Indoors, plants typically reach about 3.3 feet tall. Provide protection from winds. Great when used as a hedge screen, border plant, container plant or as an indoor specimen. |
Chamaedorea costaricana (Cluster Palm, Pacaya) Forms a clumping plat 8-10 feet tall and wide; will form colonies with short horizontal stems topped with ferny foliage. Leaves are lacy and green. Outdoors, these plants prefer shaded but warm locations. Great for containers if given enough room to grow; indoors, these plants need bright, indirect light. |
Chamaedorea elegans (Parlor Palm, Neanthe Bella Palm) This species of small palm reaches 6-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide outdoors, though this species does well indoors as well where it slowly grows to reach 3-4 feet tall (hence the common name, Parlor Palm). These plants grow from rhizome, and are intolerant of frost conditions. |
Chamaedorea ernesti-augusti This unique species produces flattened, wider foliage than others in the genus, and is widely cultivated as a houseplant. The species was first described in 1852 by Hermann Wendland. Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Maximum height is just 6 feet tall, making these plants perfect as patio trees that are brought inside during the cooler months of the year. These trees prefer great air circulation. |
Chamaedorea microspadix (Hardy Bamboo Palm) This species, native to eastern Mexico, is remarkably cold-hardy for a palm, enduring temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants form clumps of canes topped with palm fronds, and produces showy red fruits that appear after cream-colored flowers fade. These plants will reach between 4 and 6 feet tall when grown in containers or as indoor plants, typically reaching between 8 and 10 feet tall outdoors. Low maintenance. |
Chamaedorea seifrizii (Bamboo Palm, Parlor Palm, Reed Palm) This species forms a clump 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide with stems that are a bit vine-like when plants are mature. Leaflets are narrow and green. These palms are commonly kept as houseplants, and are used as hedging plants in warmer climate areas of the United States. This species is named for botanist William Seifriz. |
Caring for and pruning chamaedorea Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 235, Chamaedorea
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