Chamaedorea hooperiana

[PalmatierMeg]

I have some Chamaedorea hooperiana seedlings I grew from seeds. They seem to be doing very well for me. All of them stay outside under canopy year round. From what I've read this is a clumping species. None of mine have shown that trait yet. I also read this species prefers a mediterranean climate, which in the US means California. So, should I expect these palms to eventually decline and die during my endless hot, humid summers? is anyone else growing it in FL? Potted or in the ground?

Here are photos of my largest C. hooper

[Jeff Searle]

Hi Meg,

To answer your questions, first this is a clumping species, and will do so as they get bigger. Your's appear to be too small still. And they do grow perfectly fine down here in south Florida. I have grown these for at least 10 years or more and have one planted at the house that is approx. 7' tall now and has been there for several years. A very easy palm to grow IMO.

[JasonD]

It's got a really nice, lax, leaning habit, with long, finely divided leaves. It tolerates our perpetual chill here in San Francisco.

[Davidl]

I have several, all outside and doing great. Seems to be an easy palm to grow here.

[sarasota alex]

Growing well and clumping up here in Sarasota

[Mandrew968]

I have 2 that are clustering. They are planted in native soil, at my in-law's place with no irrigation. They look great while I lost a benzii to lack of watering, very close by--I would say the whole mediterranean climate thing means they don't need too much water to thrive...

[Eric in Orlando]

It grows well here, except for nematodes. While it is not as sensitive as many other Chamaedorea are, it is not as resistant as C. microspadix. But growing in shade/under tree canopy, it has tolerated upper 20sF here with no problem.