Back in the early 80's after I graduated college a girlfriend that had a horticulture class gave me a cutting of a palm like house plant. I put it in a glass of water and it grew roots, I potted it and the plant grew to a beautiful plant that everyone loved and as I moved to different jobs around the country I was constantly giving people a cutting of the plant so the could have one for themselves. Over the years I practically killed the plant with lack of care but always could nurse it back to great health. Then after 10 years of having this plant I was living in an apartment in San Antonio and would often leave the plant on my balcony. One day, when it was looking quite healthy, someone reached onto my balcony and stole my plant. I never expected anyone to steal a plant but it looked so nice at the time I could see how it would attract sticky fingers. To this day, every time I go to a plant store I look for a new one but never can find it. Well the internet has helped me identify lost songs and old books I read, maybe someone can help me ID this plant. I did my best drawing from memory. The leaves at the end of each long stem were green, long and very soft (not hard like a palm). Each cluster had about 5 -8 leaves - I'm not sure if the number of leaves was always the same or if it varied. As I mentioned if you cut one of the stems and put it in water it would grow roots and you could quickly create a second plant. As it grew it would gain more and more shoots with leaves. It grew fairly fast but never got bush like and always had a delicate look and feel. Well it's been 25 years and that is about all I could remember. If I can get a name, I'll track one down and start a new plant. Thanks!
Re: ID: Favorite Palm Like House Plant Pretty hard to tell, but maybe a Cyperus of some sort, such as this one: http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week054.shtml.
Re: ID: Favorite Palm Like House Plant That is pretty close but it didn't flower. I suppose there are Cyperus plants that don't flower.
Re: ID: Favorite Palm Like House Plant This might be it. Mine was not quite as long looking, it was a bit more full but maybe that involves how one trims and cares for it. Cyperus alternifolius Thanks for the lead.
