Cat Palm

Chamaedorea cataractarum

• ​Common name: Cat Palm, Cataract palm, Cascade Palm, Mexican Hat Palm
• Scientific name: Chamaedorea cataractarum
• Family name: Arecaceae
• Origin: Southern Mexico
• Height: 4-6 feet
• Width: 6-8 ft
• Growth: Slow
• Zone: 9a-11
• Light needs: Partial shade to full shade
• Salt tolerance: Low
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers loose well drained soil, slightly alkaline to slightly acidic (pH 6.1 – 7.8)
• Moisture: Humidity tolerant, should be watered regularly and often to keep soil moist
• Drought tolerance: Low
• Pests/diseases: Mealybugs, scale, aphids
• Growing conditions: Should be grown in a somewhat shady, moist area with well-drained soil. Planting with peat moss or topsoil will help the plant retain moisture. Fronds can be trimmed occasionally for a cleaner look. Individual palms should be planted at least 3 feet apart, and they can thrive in the ground or in a large container.
• Characteristics: The slender, green, cane-like stems sprout directly from the ground. Leaves are long, thin, and pinnate. Flowers are yellow and grow in clusters on a stalk. The fruit is round, shiny, and dark green.
• Propagation: By seeds
• Facts: Chamaedorea palms are also called “parlor palms” for their use in Victorian parlors. The cat palm is not a palm tree as the name might suggest, since it does not have a trunk.
• Designer considerations: Good for mass plantings and ground cover in shady areas. Also makes a great houseplant.