Chamaedorea metallica
Parlor Palm, Miniature Fishtail PalmFamily: Arecaceae / Palmae
Origin: Mexico, Central and South America
The popular and much loved metallic palm is the only palm that has foliage with a dark metallic blue green sheen like the color of gunmetal. This single stemmed palm has leaves in the shape of a chalice or fishs tail being simple, undivided and notched at the tip. Chamaedorea metallica occurs naturally in thick wet forests along the Atlantic slope and lowland rainforests of Mexico. Thrives in moist, humus rich soil and is tolerant of alkaline limestone soils. Naturally undemanding for nutrients, metallic palm responds very well to regular applications of palm fertilizer. Metallic palm grows naturally in the understory of dense forests, and is tolerant of deep shade and low light conditions. Grows well outdoors in deep shade or medium-bright light. As a houseplant, it thrives with 10-12 hours/day of artificial light. Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 12. Mature and established plants have been reported to tolerate temperatures down to 28ºF for four days with no leaf damage.
Naturally tolerant of low light conditions, metallic palms are perfect for understory plantings and ideal as houseplants. Metallic palm stands out as a small accent plant due to its remarkable metallic evergreen foliage that provides spectacular backdrop for flowering plants in shade gardens. The metallic palm also will grow beautifully on the eastern side of a house where it will get little or no sunlight.
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