Hardytropicals UK

Chamaedorea microspadix is the best cold hardy Chamaedorea for most cold tolerance. It is one of the suckering, clump forming bamboo palms which is native to the open forests of Eastern and Central Mexico. In the wild, it forms dense colonies. Preferring dappled shade, beneath other shrubs or trees, with regular watering to keep this palm moist will result in a lush spread, although it is moderately drought tolerant. The soil requirement pretty easy going, but should be well drained.

The pinnate leaves have 18 to 22 leaflets about 8in (20cm) by 1in (2.5cm) Once the clump has established, trunks are up to 0.5in (1.2cm) in diameter and ringed from leaf scars. The stems resemble a bamboo - hence the palm's common name Bamboo Palm, and the Americans call it the Hardy Bamboo Palm as it is reputed to be hardy down to -8C. Its fairly small size, only growing to about 8 feet (2.4m)  makes it a good plant for indoor or outdoor cultivation in a sheltered shaded position.  Also it could be used in a tub on a more shaded patio.

As palms go it is fairly fast growing with about 6 inches of stem between each leaf node. Just be sure to keep it well-watered in the summer.

Flower stalks emerge from among the leaves in 3 to 6 branches. The inflorescence droops from among the leaves, In some cases the inflorescence will actually break through the sheaths on the trunk. This is a dioecious palm which requires a male and female to set fertile seed. Male flowers are easily distinguished because they are pale yellow and in pairs. The female floweres are more sparse and a deeper yellow. The abundant 0.4 inch (1cm) diameter fruit is bright, attractive, orange-red in colour and is quite a display.

Propagation is by clump division or from fresh seeds, which will take up to 2 months to germinate. Beware when handling the seeds, and do not eat, as the fruit contains oxalic acid which is a skin irritant, and poison