How to Care for a Chamaedorea Palm

Chamaedorea palms, or bamboo palms, are compact plants with delicate-looking, medium to deep green fronds. They grow no more than 7 feet tall and do well in shade. They are warm weather plants, hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 10 to 12, but make excellent houseplants due to their low light requirements. Chamaedorea palms are hardy and thrive with minimal care. While they grow in deep shade, foliage color is improved with some exposure to indirect sunlight each day.

Planter

Potting soil

Balanced houseplant fertilizer

Soft cloth

Pruning shears

Select a planter made of heavy material to prevent toppling. It should have at least one hole in the bottom to allow water to drain out. The width of the planter will depend upon the size of the chamaedorea palm, but should be large enough to easily accommodate the plant's root ball.

Fill the planter with potting soil, then scoop out an area that will contain the root ball.

Transplant the palm into the planter with its roots at the depth they were previously growing. Water until the soil is moist to the bottom of the planter.

Water often enough to keep the soil lightly moist. Drain off excess moisture that pools in the saucer beneath the planter.

Feed with balanced houseplant fertilizer from late winter until early fall.

Wipe the foliage off regularly with a soft, damp cloth to prevent an infestation of spider mites.

Trim away dead or brown fronds as necessary to keep the chamaedorea palm looking healthy.

Keep the chamaedorea palm away from cool drafts.

The berries occasionally produced by this plant are very poisonous.