©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
Chamaedorea
Plant Common Name
Palm
General Description
Bamboo palms originate from the New World tropics, primarily Mexico and Central America. In a comprehensive study of this genus from 2005, researchers identified 100 species and another eight subgenera. Chamaedorea are small palms that are highly variable in form and habit. They can be tree-like and solitary, form dense, trunkless clumps or even climb. Cultivated species are either grown as landscape plants in frost-free zones or interiorscape specimens.
The leaves of Chamaedorea are all pinnate, or feather-like, and have an even number of leaflets. Species like C. metallica have fused leaflets, which makes their leaves look like pleated fishtails. Others, like the classic bamboo palm C. seifrizii, have fine, pinnate leaves and bamboo-like stalks that are straight, green and ringed with leaf scars.
The male and female flowers of all Chamaedorea are borne on separate plants, so they are dioecious. The branched flower spikes emerge from the leaf scars along the trunk. In some species, the flowers are fragrant or offer showy spikes in contrasting colors. For example, the ever popular Chamaedorea elegans has bright orange flower stems that support pretty yellow flowers. The flower colors of other species include white, yellow or green. Shiny, round, blue-black fruits follow the blooms.
Hardiness and culture depend on the species or variety, but most bamboo palms are rainforest understory plants and prefer partly shady to shady conditions. This explains why they grow so well as indoor plants. They perform best if grown in organic-rich, moist but well-drained soil or potting medium. Water them regularly when they are actively growing and keep them lightly moist when quiescent. Houseplants require regular applications of diluted liquid fertilizer and outdoor plants should be treated with a slow-release palm special fertilizer. Wash and inspect the leaves often for signs of mites and mealy bugs; both are serious pests.
Bamboo palms lend a lush tropical look wherever planted. In the garden and landscape, they can be planted as screens, accent plants or container specimens.
The fruits contain calcium oxalate crystals, so there are health concerns regarding the ingestion or handling of these fruits. To learn more see: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP23800.pdf
