Bamboo Palm

19 years ago

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased some plants at a local nursery here on St. Thomas (where I recently relocated to from Michigan). The nursery employee identified these plants as bamboo. Having never grown neither bamboo (nor palms) in Michigan, I took the nursery employee at his word.

I have since found out that what I purchased is probably a "Bamboo Palm." Since I love palms, I am happy to have made this purchase.

However, before I knew that my "bamboo" was actually a "palm," I pruned one of my plants because it was lopsided and slightly taller than the other one (the plants are placed on a patio, in pots on either sides of french doors, so symmetry was important).

Was this a no no? Should you prune palms at all? If no, do they recover from this? I loped several inches off the top of one of the branches and several fronds.

Another question:

My palms are placed on a covered balcony. One of the plants does get some direct sun during the day, but only for a short time in the late morning/early afternoon. Is this okay?

Any other tips regarding care of these plants would be greatly appreciated.

I am not 100% certain, but I did some Internet searches and I think that what I have is Chamaedorea. The plants are approximately 48" to 52" tall. They are currently in 5 gallon plastic pots that are placed in large concrete planters. Since I am currently renting, I would like to keep this arrangement until I find a permanent home for me and the plants -- unless this arrangement is not good for the plants.

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Comments (7)

palmfan
19 years ago
It is fatal for most palms to be pruned if the growing meristem [top including the growing point] is cut off. Fortunately, since you have a Bamboo Palm, you have NOT fatally wounded your palm. Only the cane you cut will never grow new leaves, but new canes sprout from the base. You have nothing to worry about, except where you place this palm. They resent sunshine, at least mine does. Mine was burned badly with morning sun, not even midday sun. You may fare better in the humid tropics, but if possible, move your palms to a shady site since sunburned leaves do NOT recover. You have a palm that I believe is native to the Mexican tropics, probably in a rainforest environment. It will likely enjoy life on St. Thomas. You are surely in a much more palm friendly climate than Michigan. I live in zone 7b in extreme southern New Jersey where I am growing Needle Palms, Mediterranean Fan Palm, and Dwarf Palmetto [Sabal minor] outdoors all year with minimal protection.
Good luck with your palms. Some of the southern fans of this forum can surely suggest good palms for you to grow and enjoy on St Thomas.
island_mell
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you so much Palmfan for the excellent advice and information. I am very relieved to know that I didn't do any permanent damage to my palm.

I will watch the plant carefully for sunburn.

Thanks again!
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bihai
19 years ago
There are actually three palms commonly called "Bamboo Palms". All are Chamaedoreas....C. costaricana, C. microspadix, and C. sefrizii.

The one commonly sold here that a whole lot of folks grow in their yards (I just planted my first one this year) is C. microspadix.

Mine grows in a part day filtered sun situation, it gets morning sun in as Eastern exposure from sunrise til about 12:30 and its hot as hades here in summer and extremely humid. It has never burned, but I wouldn't plant it out in full all day sun either.

I love these, I think they are really pretty and they are hardy here in 8B too which is a plus.
island_mell
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you for the additional feedback Bihai.

I closely observed the lighting situation out on our patio yesterday and I was slightly off in my assessment of how much sun the plants are exposed to. One of the plants receives several hours of filtered sunlight and one is in full shade all day long.

Does this seem like a healthy arrangment for the plants? Or should I try to get a little more sun exposure for the plant that is in full shade?
flound_1129
19 years ago
If they're not happy, you'll know pretty quick.
palmfan
19 years ago
Dear IslandMell,
Your palms will likely both be happy with their location. These palms are quite adaptable, especially in tropical high humidity environments. If you contact me privately off the web, I have something that may be of interest to you. Have to "run" because I am a substitute teacher whose break is coming to an end. I will be on my home computer later, about 10 pm EST tonight.
Happy growing,
Palmfan
gw:einar-ga
19 years ago
I've had a Chamaedorea microspadix in the ground for about 5 years. I've had no problem (so far) with temps in the mid to upper teens. My palm gets partial protection by a stone wall and evergreen shrubs/trees growing around and over it. This Fall I just planted my first Chamaedorea radicalis (I also have 1 in a pot awaiting Spring planting). I'll protect the C. radicalis on the coldest nights this Winter. Einar