Chamaedorea elegans, one of the most beautiful houseplants. Its slender pinnate leaves exquisitely enhance any room or corner. And in addition to its beauty, it is very easy to care for and maintain.
In this guide we will discuss chamaedorea care with all the information you need to keep it healthy and beautiful.
Chamaedorea: description, cultivation and care
The chamaedorea elegans, commonly called the indoor palm or lounge palm, is a species of the areca family. It is native to the tropical areas of Central America, especially Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
It is one of the most popular varieties for decorating indoor spaces for two main reasons: it is spectacularly beautiful and very undemanding in terms of care.
The chamaedorea is truly beautiful and spectacular. Its slender, elegant leaves are perfect for enhancing and giving prominence to any interior space. Thanks to its moderate dimensions, (it does not usually exceed two metres in height), it adapts perfectly to all kinds of indoor spaces.
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How to grow the Salon Palm
To develop in optimal conditions it needs warm temperatures and sunny climates. In regions where temperatures are cooler, it is best grown as a houseplant.
Its pinnate leaves, made up of 20 pairs of leaflets up to 20 cm long by 2 cm wide, can reach up to 1 metre in length.
The long, flexible stems slightly resemble those of bamboo. They can grow up to 3 metres tall.
In its natural habitat, it produces an abundant flowering in bunches that can be more than a metre long. The female flowers have an intense yellow colour. When tender, they are usually eaten in salads and dressings.
- Location
One of the best things about chamaedoreas is how easy they are to care for. It doesn't matter if you place it in a well-lit spot or in a corner with little light. So you won't have much trouble finding a place for it. However, bear in mind that this plant, which is already slow-growing, will take longer to grow the less light it receives.
- Soil
Although they can live in dry areas, they appreciate humid environments. During the hottest months they can be hydrated by spraying them with a mist sprayer.
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- Light
Like all tropical plants, chamaedoreas need to be kept out of direct sunlight so that their leaves do not burn.
- Temperature
They are very sensitive to cold and low temperatures. In coastal regions with a Mediterranean climate, they can live outdoors without any problems. The ideal temperature for their perfect development should be a minimum of 18 degrees and a maximum of 25 degrees. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to grow it indoors as it will not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees.
To encourage proper development, it should ideally be kept in places with a constant and stable temperature.
When to plant a lounge palm
The ideal time to plant chamaedoreas is during the spring. You can obtain new plants from cuttings or suckers.
- Multiplication
Chamaedoreas can be propagated by cuttings. To do this, simply separate one or more of their stems, with their roots and the soil attached to them. The cuttings are then planted in pots filled with a light, well-drained substrate. Once planted, they should be watered regularly to facilitate rooting.
As mentioned above, watering is not synonymous with waterlogging. It is preferable to water the plants sparingly rather than drowning them by overwatering.
- Watering
The frequency and intensity of watering is often the most problematic issue in plant care. This is also true for chamaedoreas. To know when to water the plant, just look at the soil in the pot. If it is dry, it is time to water again.
During the summer, the plant should be watered a couple of times a week. In winter, a little water every fortnight will suffice. The essential thing for the survival of this species is to maintain the right level of humidity all year round.
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- Fertilisers and fertilisers
If you want your chamaedorea to look its best, it is advisable to fertilise and feed it to give it the right amount of nutrients it needs.
The best time to add fertiliser is in summer. It is necessary to fertilise a couple of times a month with a specific fertiliser for indoor green species. Generally, it is sufficient to add 50% of the dosage indicated by the manufacturer as excess product will burn the ends of the leaves.
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- Transplanting
Transplanting should be done every year into a larger pot or container, with good depth to allow the roots to develop properly. The pot should not be excessively large. It is more important that it is of good height and contains a light, well-draining substrate.
- Pests and diseases
As with most tropical plants, the two main pests that attack it are spider mite and mealybug. Spider mites, which cause the leaves to turn yellow, usually appear when the environment is excessively dry. Although they are easily eliminated with a specific insecticide, it is best to increase the level of hydration by using a humidifier and misting the leaves with a spray.
As for mealybugs, which cause the typical whitish tinge on the underside of the leaves, simply wipe them off with a clean cloth dipped in methyl alcohol. A plant insecticide can also be used.
The appearance of fungus on leaves and stems is also quite common. To eliminate them, watering should be spaced out and sprayed with a specific fungicide.
Most common problems of the lounge palm
- Yellowing leaves
This situation can be due to two reasons: lack of watering or exposure to direct sunlight.
In the first case, the solution may be to water it more often to maintain the humidity of the substrate. In the second case, place it in a place out of direct sunlight.
- Dry leaf tips
The main reason for dry leaves is usually draughts or a dry environment. To avoid this, it is best to relocate the plant away from sources of heat and draughts. It is also a good idea to moisturise the leaves with a spray bottle.
- Brown leaves
This may be due to over-watering. Try to limit the amount of water and space out the frequency of watering.
with this care and a little love and dedication, your beautiful chamaedorea will be a sight for sore eyes for many years to come!
There is something that plants and content creation have in common: natural geometry. I love creating visual content and managing Be.Green campaigns.