Chamaedorea elegans from the supermarket

[Manalto]

My supermarket was selling assorted houseplants in 3" pots for $4. Not one to pass up a deal, or an opportunity to make more work for myself, I gladly surrendered the cash and trundled home with my prize, 14 Chamaedorea elegans (labeled Neanthe bella, an obsolete name) jammed into one dinky pot. 

At home, I gently teased them apart, potted them up individually, watered and placed them in the shade.

Temperatures have been consistently in the 90s during the day and 70s at night. I hope they'll thrive in these conditions. 

It's probably the most common indoor palm - isn't it known as "Parlor Palm"? - but I like them, and what a deal! If they all survive, that's less than 30 cents each, plus some patience.

[Darold Petty]

[Patrick]

Very nice! I did the same thing about 3 or 4 months ago. They get to hang out with me at work and they are doing well. I started with a big bunch like you, broke them into 15 in triplet pots. They sat for about a month because of the transplant; but they're really starting to take off now. they've thickened up quite a bit. I only lost 4 total. It's quite a bargain for only a few dollars; and when they get to adult size they are a really nice plant. I bet they will establish and grow really well in the heat and humidity of the summer out there. When does it start getting really cold out there? I usually try to get my stuff moved in by the middle of October.  We'll hit 30's and low 40's by November. Good luck with your new workload

 

[aabell]

Chamaedorea in general will tolerate a lot of root abuse in my experience, I'll bet most or all survive for you. Great durable little palms for indoors or out, especially for that price. 

[Manalto]

1 hour ago, Patrick said:

Very nice! I did the same thing about 3 or 4 months ago...

When does it start getting really cold out there? I usually try to get my stuff moved in by the middle of October.  We'll hit 30's and low 40's by November. Good luck with your new workload

Part of me also likes the rescue aspect of this little project because there's no way they'd all survive clustered together, although three to a pot, given a little "breathing" room seems ideal. I hope they like the heat and humidity; with mountain species you don't always know.

It doesn't get really cold until mid-December here, but since it's a zone 10 palm, I may follow your lead and bring them in around the same time. I've got an unheated shed that's handy for stashing them in surprise cold snaps. A labor of love, ha, ha...

Aaron, I only have experience with C. radicalis and C. microspadix, but I, too, have found them quite forgiving of root disturbance. Good to know these share that trait.

 

[PalmatierMeg]

I've done that a number of times over the years, most recently about 3 months ago. Bought a crowded pot of them from Lowe's then separated them into 24 4" pots. They are remarkably tough little palms so most of them will survive. I will plant some in my back yard jungle and keep others in pots. Very nifty solitary palms that are cost effective and should be grown more.

[Manalto]

9 hours ago, PalmatierMeg said:

...I will plant some in my back yard jungle and keep others in pots. Very nifty solitary palms that are cost effective and should be grown more.

Nice to know they thrive in the heat and humidity of South Florida. Our climate here on the north Gulf Coast is about the same as yours this time of year.

I can't use them in the landscape here in 8B so the surplus will be gifts. I shall begin my search for victi... I mean, recipients straightaway. We also have spring and fall plant sales at the botanical garden, so maybe I'll donate the overflow.

Edited August 5, 2023 by Manalto

[Patrick]

You will be selling them proper, as they should be then. Solitary. Just had dinner at my moms house and she has a few around. Spectacular once they reach adult size.