Chamaedorea radicalis
A small, evergreen palm, used primarily as a houseplant, although it can be grown outdoors in milder parts of the UK if protected from prolonged cold spells and frost. Long, slender stems of tropical-looking, dark green feathery foliage can reach a height of around 2m. Mature plants may produce panicles of very small yellow flowers in mid to late spring, but these are sensitive to frost. Round, orange fruits may appear in autumn if both male and female plants are present
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Orange | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Chamaedorea are evergreen palms with slender, solitary or clustered stems bearing large leaves which may be pinnate or shaped like a fish tail; insignificant flowers are borne in panicles or spikes below the leaves, followed by small fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NE Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in pots of peat-free multipurpose compost in bright, filtered light with protection from direct summer sun. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed every month during the growing season; mist daily to increase humidity. See Chamaedorea for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring at 25°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.