Bamboo Palm Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

Palm Family

Shrub-sized Herbaceous Plant

The bamboo palm owes its common name to the fact that it develops slender, bamboo-like stems as it matures. When used as a houseplant, it is usually grown several plants to a pot, to increase its bushiness. Nonetheless, it is somewhat narrower and more compact than other indoor palms. That trait, together with the bamboo palm's dependability and relative inexpensiveness, has made the species the most popular floor-plant palm in use today.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright indirect light (for example, by an eastern or northern window) is best. The bamboo palm is also often placed in offices and other spaces lit by bright artificial illumination. In this situation, the plant will usually survive if not overwatered, but it may become rather leggy.

WATERING: Make sure the soil surface is dry to the touch before you water. When the soil surface is dry, water the plant thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.

FEEDING: Feed your bamboo palm sparingly, and only when it is actively producing new leaves. At that point, use an all purpose houseplant fertilizer at one-quarter the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Check periodically for spider mites and mealy bug insects. These pests can be controlled with systemic insecticide granules or with horticultural paraffin oil. Also, mites can be deterred by keeping your palm in high humidity. If possible, use a room humidifier nearby.