Chamaedorea metallica

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Chamaedorea seifrizii, Chamaedorea erumpens

This attractive indoor palm produces long bamboo-like canes which in time form a tall, columnar shaped plant, perfect for today's interiors. In common with other chamaedoreas it tolerates low light well, requires a rich soil with an abundance of water and is generally reliable, and exceptionally easy to look after. Keep it out of direct light, feed during the growing season, and keep the soil slightly moist all the time.

Chamaedorea sp.

Chamaedorea sp. is a small palm, native to Central America, usually between 10-20 feet in height. It needs full sun or partial shade, with regular watering, and depending on the species, can survive in USDA Zones 9-11. However, for cold regions, it is recommended to cultivate Chamaedorea in a pot, as even the hardiest of varieties will struggle in cold climates.

Chamaedorea is a dioecious species, meaning it has male and female flowers on separate plants. While the female inflorescences are larger and present for a longer period of time, it is the male inflorescences that provide the most useful diagnostic characters for the identification of Chamaedorea species. Unfortunately, due to their small size and short life-span, male flowers are often overlooked and not collected.

Due to its wide range of cultivars, some of which are highly sought after, Chamaedorea populations in the wild have come under increasing pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase Chamaedorea from a reputable seller, ensuring the plants have been cultivated ethically and sustainably. With regular care and maintenance, this plant can remain a beautiful feature of your garden for many years.

Chamaedorea tuerckheimii

This species is found in the northern ranges of tropical moist forest, or rainforest on Atlantic slopes at 900-1500 m in elevation. This is one of the smallest palms known, ranging from 0.3 to 1 m tall. Simple rounded, small leaflets with "crinkle" surface, resembles a Ruffles potato chip.

Consistently moist soil, well drained position, protect from wind.

Chamaerops humilis

Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm) is a palm native to the Mediterranean, typically growing 5-10 ft tall, although it can reach up to 20 ft. It generally prefers full sun and moderate water, making it a great choice for those looking to bring some life to their outdoor spaces. It is a tough plant, able to withstand even heavy frosts with mature plants being cold hardy to mid-20sF for at least a short time. In addition, it is salt tolerant and can be grown close to the seaside. It also makes an excellent container plant, perfect for those in colder climates. The perfect addition to any garden, this amazing palm can be found from USDA Zone 8-11.

When growing in a pot, it is important to choose the right one for your Dwarf Fan Palm. Select a pot with drainage holes and use a quality mix of loam-based potting compost, with added grit if possible, as this mixture is well-aerated and allows excess water to drain away. Make sure the pot is large enough for the plant, as a Dwarf Fan Palm can become root-bound if left in a pot that is too small. Water your pot-grown palm regularly and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a general purpose mix, once a month in summer. During the colder months, place the pot in a sheltered spot, such as against a wall, to protect your Dwarf Fan Palm from harsh winds.

Chambeyronia macrocarpa

This is one of the most beautiful palms in the world. A feather solitary palm to about 20-25ft, with a spectacular, bright red new leaf, which stays red for up to 10 days. The leaflets are also very wide, thick, and shiny so even without a new leaf it is very distinctive with very fat and thick pinnate leaves 10-12 feet long. Easy to grow. This is a must have in the garden.

Chrysalidocarpus cabadae, Dypsis cabadae

Beautiful stems of blue green highlighted by white leaf scars. Cabada palm is adaptable to a wide range of soils, light and fertility. It has moderate salt tolerance.

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Areca lutescens, Dypsis lutescens

The golden cane palm can grow up to 20 feet tall, although it is usually smaller. Six to eight leaves on long petioles (leaf stems) arise from the main trunk and gracefully arch outward and downward. Each leaf has about 80-100 leaflets that are arranged on the leaf stem in a shallow V. The common name derives from the beautiful golden yellow color of the petioles. Prefers acid soil. Ganoderma rot.

Coccothrinax argentata, Coccothrinax garberi, Coccothrinax jucunda

As a large shrub or a small tree, the Florida Silver Thatch Palm can grow to anywhere between 5 and 10 feet tall, with a mature height of up to 10 to 20 feet. This palm is native to Florida and is ideal for greening small gardens, public parks and patios.

This plant loves full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It requires regular watering, and prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. The Silver Thatch Palm is known to tolerate salt, making it an ideal choice for seaside areas. It is also mature-plant cold hardy, with the ability to withstand temperatures as low as 30s F for a short time.

When cultivating Coccothrinax argentata in a pot in cold regions, it is important to select a well-draining potting mix and to keep the pot from freezing. The plant should be brought indoors when temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.

For best results, it is important to have patience with this slow-growing species. While it will not make a major impact in the garden immediately, the Florida Silver Thatch can be a stunning addition to any yard for many years to come.

Coccothrinax barbadensis

Coccothrinax barbadensis, also known as Silver Thatch, is a native of the Antillean Island of Jamaica that can grow to be a large and stately tree. It can reach incredible heights of up to (50 ft), with its fan-shaped, palmate leaves made up of up to 60 wavy segments. The undersides of the leaves are covered in a silvery-gray hue. It is an especially salt-tolerant species, capable of withstanding considerable coastal exposure.

Silver Thatch is a sun-lover, so it's best to plant it in an area with full sun exposure and moderate water needs. Best grown in USDA Zone 9-11. When growing Coccothrinax barbadensis in colder regions, a large pot may be a better option. To enjoy its full potential, it's important to provide it with ample room to grow. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil and water it regularly to ensure that its roots stay moist. To keep its growth healthy, feed it with a balanced fertilizer every few months. Additionally, trim the leaves occasionally to keep it from becoming top-heavy. With proper care and maintenance, this beautiful palm makes a striking addition to any garden.