SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chamaedorea cataractarum

COMMON NAME(S): Cat palm
SUB FAMILY: Ceroxyloideae
TRIBE: Hyophorbeae
ORIGIN: Southern Mexico
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (no problem at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 5'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Trunkless; clustering just above the base
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Low
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; low
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Shrub, foliage plant, massed in beds
HUMAN HAZARDS: Irritant
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS:

COMMENTS: This small Chamaedorea species is virtually trunkless. Each stem splits just above soil level, and a beautiful, well-rounded clump is eventually formed. Cat palm is of easy culture, and is useful as a low shrubby accent in the shaded garden. It also makes an attractive potted specimen. Cat palm is somewhat more tolerant of higher light levels than many other Chamaedorea species, but will still bleach in sunny locations unless water and fertilizer are regularly provided.