Trying not to kill a Chamaedora elegans

[Hardypalms]

Hi

 

I am just restarting a potted palms collection. I don't have a green house and will not go crazy buying palms as in past years.

I just bought a small Chamaedora elegans and intend to keep it alive and have it grow.

I did some research online and came up with the following:

-Likes a window facing north
-Do not over water. Water when the top 1 inch feels dry. Yellow fronds indicates it needs water.
-Vulnerable to pests, check often
-Keep it away from vents.
-Likes moderate humidity (Shall i spray it with water lightly once or twice a week?)
-Fertilize during the growing season, not in winter. (I knew that)
-Re-pot only every other year as it is sensible to re potting (Any experience re-potting it?)

 

Can you guys add anything?

Thxs

Pat

[Pal Meir]

How big, how old is your Ch elegans? Photos would be helpful for any advice. — The only pest I experienced were tiny spider mites when exposed to direct sun.

[palmsOrl]

Especially in pots (and this species usually is) make sure to incorporate some perlite and/or sand (say 30% of total volume, not just a sprinkle) or other materials to give the soil some structure and aeration.  This is what I did when I repotted one a few months back and it has done quite well.

Also, watch out for spider mites.  To prevent spider mites, spray all the leaves down with water, especially the undersides, once per week if not more and to treat a topical insecticide indicated for spider mites should work.

[Pal Meir]

And you can keep them for half a century (and longer) in pots:

[Hardypalms]

My Chamaedora elegans is small,like 2 feet tall. it is under an umbrella outside for now away from direct sunlight. I will spray it with water as indicated.

Boy that 45 years old one is something.

 

Thxs to all

 

Pat