Chamaedorea

Chamaedorea was formerly called Neanthe. This low woody plant of slow growth, usually with a single trunk, originated from Mexico. The most common species is Chamaedorea elegans, or Neanthe elegans. Also grow its low grade 'Beautiful'. The slender trunk of the elegant Chamaedorea (C. elegans) is first green, then chestnut in color, and the offspring grow directly from the roots. The complex pinnate thin leaves sitting on them are 30-60 cm long. On adult specimens, paniculate inflorescences of yellow flowers are sometimes formed, in place of which dark berries later appear. Tall chamaedorea (C. elatior) with a more compact crown and dark green leaves is much less popular than elegant chamaedorea (C. elegans). The leaves of the Costa Rican chamaedorea (C. costaricana) are shaped like a beautiful fan. The most common dwarf species is chamaedorea cataractum (C. cataractum) with a white-spotted trunk and dark green leaves.

Chamaedorea was formerly called Neanthe. This low woody plant of slow growth, usually with a single trunk, originated from Mexico.

The most common species is Chamaedorea elegans, or Neanthe elegans. Also grow its low grade 'Beautiful'.

The slender trunk of the elegant Chamaedorea (C. elegans) is first green, then chestnut in color, and the offspring grow directly from the roots. The complex pinnate thin leaves sitting on them are 30-60 cm long. On adult specimens, paniculate inflorescences of yellow flowers are sometimes formed, in place of which dark berries later appear.

Tall chamaedorea (C. elatior) with a more compact crown and dark green leaves is much less popular than elegant chamaedorea (C. elegans).

The leaves of the Costa Rican chamaedorea (C. costaricana) are shaped like a beautiful fan.

The most common dwarf species is chamaedorea cataractum (C. cataractum) with a white-spotted trunk and dark green leaves.

Cultivation

Cultivation is quite simple. This is a houseplant, however, in the southern regions it can be exposed to the open air, but only in the summer. Often it is planted in several copies in one pot or in compositions with other non-flowered plants that have similar requirements. Chamaedorea prefers a fertile soil rich in organic substances. It is recommended to periodically add a liquid complex fertilizer in a concentration of 5 g per bucket to the water for irrigation.

Location

Chamaedorea prefers a light shaded location, does not like bright sunlight.

Temperature

This palm prefers coolness: in summer, the air temperature should be about 18-20 °C, but in winter-not lower than 12 °C.

Watering

Chamaedorea prefers a fairly moist soil, so in the spring and summer period it should be watered often, but do not overdo it. In addition, the environment should be kept moist by frequent spraying. In the autumn-winter period, watering can be reduced, but you should always make sure that the soil never completely dries out.

Transplant

It is carried out in the spring, if the roots have filled all the space available; the new pot should be slightly larger than the previous one.

Care

It is enough to remove dust with a damp cloth (or sponge). In summer, you should place the plant under a shower or rain from time to time. Avoid applying lustrating solutions that can damage the foliage. When the tops of the leaves darken, they should be pinched, and the dead leaves should be removed.

Reproduction

Chamaedorea is propagated by seeds, they are sown in spring in the soil, 75% consisting of peat and 25% of sand. For good results, the plant should be kept at a high temperature (about 27 °C) and moderate humidity. However, taking into account that young plants are quite cheap to sell, chamaedorea is not recommended to propagate at home, especially since seeds are not easy to find. Less often propagated by root offspring.

Diseases

Chamaedorea is quite sensitive to tick damage. Yellow specks appear on the leaves, which eventually turn black, spread out, and then the leaves fall off. The plant should be treated with appropriate preparations (acaricides) and maintain a sufficiently high humidity, which these pests do not like. Infestation with aphids and worms is less common. Spots on the leaves may appear if they are sprayed in the open sun or in high light conditions. With excessive watering, if the soil does not have good drainage, the roots rot, and the entire plant begins to turn yellow.

Acquisition

Chamaedorea is easy to purchase-either separately or in compositions - in all gardening centers and flower shops with a wide selection of crops. Buy a small plant with lots of leaves, a well-dressed base, and no patchy or dry leaves or shoots.