Chamaedorea elegans Parlour palm, Love palm

Mexico, Guatemala; 1 - 2m
Planting position: Semi-shade to full shade.
For warmly temperate to subtropical areas only.
Protected area from wind.
Requires regular watering during growing season, but less in winter months.
Potting mixtures of soil-based mix and coarse peat in equal parts.
Humid conditions and medium-light-intensity.
Fortnightly applications of liquid fertiliser.
Light pruning of dead growth only.
Watch out for red spider mites.
Propagation is difficult, from seed.

The 15cm long leaflets are spaced either sides along the feathery fronds and the palm will eventually produce small and round, yellow flowers. Mostly planted indoors, but under the right conditions this unisex plant could also be lovely outdoors.
C. metalica (1m) is rare and difficult to grow. Its heart-shaped fronds are dark and greenish-blue with a metallic sheen.
C. microspadix (2,5m) with bamboo-like trunks, covered up by dense clusters of the bright green pinnate fronds. Bright red fruits appear during summer.
C. tepejilote (4m) has a thin, green and smooth stem with lovely rings. Long green fronds consists of pointed, lanceolate leaflets, all evenly spaced.