Chamaedorea, The Parlour Palm, a firm favourite with the Victorians where it was shown off in the `Parlour`, where the entertaining was generally done, and still remains very popular today.
Elegant, easy care, with excellent air purifying qualities.
It thrives in the home where many other varieties may struggle.
The natural palm appearance, with delicate light green fronds make this the go to palm for your home.
Will survive in the poorest of conditions, but if you want it to thrive follow the simple tips below.
Ideally place in bright, indirect light, direct sun will scorch the leaves. Will tolerate a shady position, but as with most plants will not grow as quickly, or be as robust.
Water well then wait until the top inch of soil is dry, at which point water well again. During the growing season you will probably have to water once a week. As a rule under watering is better than overwatering, constant wetness at the roots will encourage root rot. They are much more forgiving if you do forget to water occasionally.
Compact and slow growing, they make a lush, bamboo like specimen.
Fertilise moderately, young plants approx. once a month through Spring and Summer, and mature plants every other month with a general houseplant liquid fertiliser as per instructions.
Average to warm room temperatures, 20c and above, will produce the best growth rate.
Lower temperatures, occasionally down to 12c is tolerated, but growth will be slow.
Minimum Temp: 12c
As with most tropical plants your palm will rest during Winter months. While dormant it will require less water, probably only once every 2 - 3 weeks.
If the room is centrally heated, or becomes very hot in Summer, then your palm will benefit from misting the leaves.
Re-pot if necessary in Spring approximately every 2 years using a good quality free draining houseplant compost, and only a slightly larger pot.
Warnings: Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.