Chamaedorea Elegans
Origin
Southern Mexico, Guatemala
Family
Araceae
Description
Chamaedorea elegans, commonly called parlor palm or neanthe bella palm, is a small, compact, usually single-trunked palm. As a houseplant, this palm usually grows to 4' tall and is particularly noted for its dense, attractive foliage, compact shape and easy maintenance. Handsome, arching, green pinnate leaves, with 12 or more pairs of narrow leaflets per leaf, lend a tropical flair to indoor locations. Clusters of yellow flowers in loose spirals may bloom in spring if enough light is present. Plants are dioecious. Black fruit is attractive when it appears.
It survives indoors often with little exposure to natural light.
Parlor Palm is effective in removing benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air.
Environment
The Parlor Palm is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in filtered sun/part shade to shade. Avoid direct sun. Best growth occurs in moist shady locations. Plants adapt very well to the limited light and controlled temperatures which are often present in indoor locations. Protect indoor plants from full sun and dry air.
Use a moist, well-drained soil (preferably acidic soil), and water the plants as soon as the soil feels dry a little below the surface.
Mist the leaves several times a week with a spray bottle. Mist the plant more frequently in the summer growing season. the more water you can supply the blooms, the healthier it will be.
Fertilize palm plants with a time-release fertilizer in spring. This gives the plant most of the nutrients it needs for the entire season. The fronds benefit from a micronutrient spray in summer. Leaf color is one of the best guide ,Rich green indicates fertilizer levels are adequate & slight overall yellowish color may mean the to apply nutrients
Landscape
This palm tree , with its long, graceful feather-shaped fronds, will add a tropical feel to your home and is especially well suited for screened patios and atriums.
