Chamaedorea elegans
Encyclopedia
Chamaedorea elegans, the Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlour Palm, is a small palm tree native
to the rainforest
s in Southern Mexico and Guatemala
.
s in sub-tropical climate
s, such as Southeastern United States
, and in tropical areas, growing to 2–3 m (6–10 feet) tall with slender, cane-like stems.
The "Parlour Palm" is often grown as a houseplant
, where it grows to 2 m (6 feet) tall with very slow growth. Although it prefers moderate to high humidity, this palm will grow in low to average home humidity. It can be grown in low light, but it grows best with bright, indirect light. was particularly popular in the Victorian era
.
The inflorescences have a slightly bitter taste, and are considered a delicacy in El Salvador
and Guatemala
. They are usually eaten in salads, or covered in egg batter and fried. The latter dish is called "rellenos de pacaya", and is often served with tomato sauce, like chiles rellenos.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist. Water thoroughly, allow to completely drain, and then discard excess water. Can withstand short periods of drought. Leach the soil at least once a year.
Temperature: cool
Humidity: Average indoor humidity levels
Soil: Standard potting soil. Rarely needs repotting, as it prefers being root bound.
Propagation: Can be easily produced from seed or suckers and even air layered if the plant grows too tall.
Problems: Poor drainage, too frequent watering, or standing in water will cause root rot. Spider mites can be a problem, especially if the plant is kept too dry.
Native plant
Native plant is a term to describe plants endemic or naturalized to a given area in geologic time.This includes plants that have developed, occur naturally, or existed for many years in an area...
to the rainforest
Rainforest
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm...
s in Southern Mexico and Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
.
Cultivation and uses
Chamaedorea elegans is used in gardenGarden
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form today is known as a residential garden, but the term garden has...
s in sub-tropical climate
Subtropics
The subtropics are the geographical and climatical zone of the Earth immediately north and south of the tropical zone, which is bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, at latitudes 23.5°N and 23.5°S...
s, such as Southeastern United States
Southeastern United States
The Southeastern United States, colloquially referred to as the Southeast, is the eastern portion of the Southern United States. It is one of the most populous regions in the United States of America....
, and in tropical areas, growing to 2–3 m (6–10 feet) tall with slender, cane-like stems.
The "Parlour Palm" is often grown as a houseplant
Houseplant
A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices. Houseplants are commonly grown for decorative purposes, positive psychological effects, or health reasons such as indoor air purification...
, where it grows to 2 m (6 feet) tall with very slow growth. Although it prefers moderate to high humidity, this palm will grow in low to average home humidity. It can be grown in low light, but it grows best with bright, indirect light. was particularly popular in the Victorian era
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
.
The inflorescences have a slightly bitter taste, and are considered a delicacy in El Salvador
El Salvador
El Salvador or simply Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. The country's capital city and largest city is San Salvador; Santa Ana and San Miguel are also important cultural and commercial centers in the country and in all of Central America...
and Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
. They are usually eaten in salads, or covered in egg batter and fried. The latter dish is called "rellenos de pacaya", and is often served with tomato sauce, like chiles rellenos.
Care of houseplant
Light: medium to low, not in direct sunlightWater: Keep soil evenly moist. Water thoroughly, allow to completely drain, and then discard excess water. Can withstand short periods of drought. Leach the soil at least once a year.
Temperature: cool
Humidity: Average indoor humidity levels
Soil: Standard potting soil. Rarely needs repotting, as it prefers being root bound.
Propagation: Can be easily produced from seed or suckers and even air layered if the plant grows too tall.
Problems: Poor drainage, too frequent watering, or standing in water will cause root rot. Spider mites can be a problem, especially if the plant is kept too dry.