Chamaedorea elegans
Common: Parlor palm, Neanthebellas
Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Origin: Native to rainforests of Mexico and Central America
Light: Part sun, part shade, or shade
Water: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil. Moderate water, more during growth, less during winter.
Temperature: Humidity preferred, but adaptable.
Needs warm temperatures.
Mainly promoted as an indoor plant. If multi-planted, is a good palm for understory, anywhere in a garden where there is a shady spot.
Slow growing, three to 6 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. One of the smallest and most common indoor palms. Single stems with often several plants per pot. Leaves off single stem up to 24 inches in length. 21 to 40 linear or lance-shaped leaflets. Leaves often arching. Showy bark.
Tiny yellow flowers, non-showy. Flowers appear year round. Black, insignificant fruit.
Name from the Greek chamai, meaning "on the ground," and dorea, meaning "a gift," referring to the fruits which are easily reached. Monitor weekly for insect pests, including spider mites and mealy bugs. Wash or rinse occasionally with warm soapy water.