Chamaedorea elegans is part of the Arecaceae family and its native range is Mexico to Honduras where it grows as a shrub primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. Chamaedorea have narrow stems, dark green leaves which are compound with leaflets arranged along the midvein. It is commonly called ‘Parlour Palm’ due to where the plant was typically positioned in the Victorian era.
Genus name comes from the Ancient Greek χαμαί (chamai) meaning ‘on the ground’ and δωρεά (dorea) which means ‘gift’ - this is thought to be in reference to the easily reached fruits of the plant. Specific epithet is Latin, it means elegant.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. You could also position this plant in bright shade.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out ½ way before watering.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed every couple of waterings during the growing season, diluting fetiliser to half the recommended amount.
Temperature: 18-23˚C, able to tolerate up to 29˚C.
Humidity: 60% and over is ideal.
Chamaedorea elegans are non-toxic.