Chamaedorea Plumosa community pot

[doubravsky]

Came upon the C. Plumosa at Palm plantation and couldn't resist. Its got about 10 plants in it (they are single stemmed, right?)

These can't be separated this late in the game, can they? Here's a pic... its a 15 gal. pot.

[Palmarum]

In a short answer, no they can not be separated. If you only wanted one or two stems, you could try it, but you would then have to destroy the others in the attempt. There would still be no guarantee the one or two would survive anyhow. The roots are too finely meshed together at this point. I have done some very overgrown community pots before, but I wouldn't try that one. At least you will have a good chance at having male and female plants in the same group. The group will look interesting when it does get larger.

Ryan

[doubravsky]

Ryan,

I pretty much figured the roots would be way too intertwined. Thanks for confirming.

You're right... I think it will make a good specimen with the grouping, especially as it gets bigger.

[MattyB]

I agree with Ryan.  But if you wanted to give a cut right down the middle I think your chances of getting at least two are pretty good if it was done in warmer season.  I've dug some Chamaedoreas and specifically a plumosa and man they are very easily dug up and handle root cutting very well by producing new roots right from the cut.

[DoomsDave]

Dave Doub:

I've disentangled some MAJOR Gordian knots in my time.  And, had a high survival rate.

However, those plants are far along, and, in the interests of any abundance of caution, I'd leave them as they are, put them in the ground, or in a much bigger pot if you can.  You'll probably end up getting some seeds, which wil, as you know, be the REAL prize  . . . .

dave (covetously)

[Walter John]

(MattyB @ Jan. 12 2007,02:22)

QUOTE

I agree with Ryan.  But if you wanted to give a cut right down the middle I think your chances of getting at least two are pretty good if it was done in warmer season.  I've dug some Chamaedoreas and specifically a plumosa and man they are very easily dug up and handle root cutting very well by producing new roots right from the cut.

Agree with Matty the B, I had similar experience with Pinanga kuhlii, cut down the middle and planted both lots, lost a few plants but both clumps are now away and growing. These guys (C.plumosa) love full sun too.