Chamaedorea metallica
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Chamaedorea metallica
My thirty year old C. metallica which I have decided to air layer. The tallest of the 3 stems is the pinnate variant, which is rare as hen's teeth!
Vulneratus Non Victus - Wounded But Never Beaten
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Impressive plant David. I have only ever seen seedlings before.Not a very large plant,for thirty years growth is that because it's in a pot,or are they known for slow growing? That pinnate stem is nearly as rare as your posts .
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
They are naturally fairly slow growing, but if grown in poor light (like mine) for much of its life, then growth rate is very slow. For the last 15 years, it has been given just enough water to survive, and a weak feed every 6 weeks or so to keep it healthy, in an attempt to restrict growth. Otherwise it might have been 6 feet or more by now.
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- Yorkshire Kris
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Is that radiator on?
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
No it isn't. But even if it was, it wouldn't matter as the palm was merely placed there to be photographed. It normally resides in spot with poorer light than that.Yorkshire Kris wrote:Is that radiator on?
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- Dave Brown
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Very nice palm David how long will it take to layer ?
I had a small one from a seedling, which got to around 1ft tall in 5 years. I had it in the conservatory but lost it after other plants hid it from view and it didn't get watered for a whole winter Kept it for a year after in case it resprouted, but no joy.
I had a small one from a seedling, which got to around 1ft tall in 5 years. I had it in the conservatory but lost it after other plants hid it from view and it didn't get watered for a whole winter Kept it for a year after in case it resprouted, but no joy.
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Dave
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Not altogether sure how long Dave. I've only recently set it up, but I was thinking springtime perhaps.
I've not actually done it with a palm before, but I have with woody plants, which can take 3 to 6 months.
I've not actually done it with a palm before, but I have with woody plants, which can take 3 to 6 months.
Vulneratus Non Victus - Wounded But Never Beaten
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Mine , with a single stem, has thrown out about four new leaves this year and there is a new one coming. I have had mine for six years or so but it is only 2ft high. Let us know how you get on with the air layering.
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
What are you doing it for?
Will the. Win stem re sprout when it is separated.
Will the. Win stem re sprout when it is separated.
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
My old specimen is quite happy outside in deep shade until the frosts. However, I keep forgetting to protect from slugs and those interesting leaves get chewed every year
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
I suppose it's experimental as much as anything. But also, I just fancy a change.fern Rob wrote:What are you doing it for?
Will the. Win stem re sprout when it is separated.
C. metallica isn't a suckering palm, so once the stems are cut, the lower section will die.
Vulneratus Non Victus - Wounded But Never Beaten
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
I don't see what you are going to attchive by cutting the plant. It sounds like they are uncommon and slow growing.
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Because over time the stems have grown quite tall, I just fancied starting again with stemless plants. I've had the plant for around 30 years and have become a bit tired of it as it stands. Should anybody fancy buying it from me though, I would consider that option too!
Vulneratus Non Victus - Wounded But Never Beaten
Re: Chamaedorea metallica
As not many people have Chamy Metallica I thought I would put up a pic of my baby, only had it for about six years but it is a decent specimen.
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Re: Chamaedorea metallica
Yes that's a nice specimen Clive. Clearly getting more TLC than mine.
Mine receives minimal light and minimal food and water. It has been in that tiny pot for over 20 years. They can look really lush when pampered a little.
Mine receives minimal light and minimal food and water. It has been in that tiny pot for over 20 years. They can look really lush when pampered a little.
Vulneratus Non Victus - Wounded But Never Beaten