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Chamaedorea elegans

parlour palm

An evergreen palm, with slenderly stalked, pinnate leaves to 60cm in length, with up to 40 linear leaflets. Tiny yellow flowers are borne in terminal panicles, only on mature plants

Other common names
dwarf mountain palm
parlor palm
Synonyms
Chamaedorea pulchella
Neanthe bella
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Arecaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Chamaedorea are evergreen palms with slender, solitary or clustered stems bearing large leaves which may be pinnate or shaped like a fish tail; insignificant flowers are borne in panicles or spikes below the leaves, followed by small fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico to Guatemala

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-free compost in full light but with protection from strong sun. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. See Chamaedorea for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at a temperature of no less than 25°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and thrips

Diseases

False smut may attack leaves

Get involved

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