Chamaedorea cataractarum - Cascade Palm
Description
Chamaedorea cataractarum, commonly known as the Cat Palm or Cascade Palm, is a small, clump-forming tropical palm known for its dense, bushy growth and attractive, feather-like fronds. This palm is highly valued for its lush, green foliage and compact size, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Flowers
The Cat Palm produces small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters on short inflorescences among the leaves. These flowers are followed by small, round, black fruits that add a touch of ornamental interest to the plant.
Foliage
The leaves are pinnate and arching, with numerous narrow leaflets arranged along the length of the frond. Each frond can reach up to 1 meter in length. The leaflets are bright green, providing a lush and vibrant appearance. The foliage is dense and feathery, creating a full and bushy canopy.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to black as it matures. While not typically consumed, the fruit adds seasonal interest to the plant.
Form and Size
The Cat Palm typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters with a spread of 1-2 meters. It has a clumping growth habit, forming multiple slender stems topped with crowns of arching fronds. The stems are smooth and green, contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering is needed during dry periods.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as an accent plant. Also suitable for containers on patios and verandas.
- Indoor Plant: Thrives as an indoor plant in bright, indirect light. Adds a touch of tropical elegance to interior spaces.
- Ornamental: The dense, bushy foliage and arching fronds provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Cat Palm is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its compact size and lush foliage make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
- Spathiphyllum spp. (Peace Lily)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
- Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
Common Name
Cat Palm, Cascade Palm, Cataract Palm
Botanical Name
Chamaedorea cataractarum
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Native to southern Mexico and Central America
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
