About

Chamaedorea microspadix is a compact, clumping palm that reaches heights of up to 1.5 meters. It features slender, cane-like stems topped with arching, feathery fronds made up of lance-shaped leaflets. In summer, established specimens may yield pendulous clusters of small, pale yellow blooms. This species is well-suited for indoor settings or conservatories and can withstand temperatures down to -5°C, provided it remains dry.

About the genus

Chamaedorea consists of evergreen palms characterized by slender, either solitary or clustered stems. These palms feature large leaves that can be either pinnate or resemble a fish tail. The flowers, which are not particularly noticeable, emerge in panicles or spikes beneath the leaves and are succeeded by small fruits.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Palms, Houseplants
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native to
E Mexico

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in pots of peat-free multipurpose compost in bright, filtered light with protection from direct summer sun. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed every month during the growing season; mist daily to increase humidity. See Chamaedorea for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring at 25°C
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free