Hi, i've had this plant for about 3 months now, it's starting to look unhealthy but since I dont know what plant it is I dont know what I'm doing wrong. Can anyone help? I looks very similar to a recent palm post, but mine is over a meter high.
It is a Chamaedorea elegans common name parlor palm. Origin Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Belonging to the family Arecaceae. They adapt well to FROST FREE warm temperature climates. Great indoor specimen for good light or in a sheltered spot outside. No direct sunlight. Moderately fertile soil with high organic content is best. They need regular summer feeding with a diluted high nitrogen fertiliser. Or a diluted fish or seaweed based fertiliser works well too. Palms like to be pot bound so if you want to put in a bigger pot only go up one pot size. Trim off any dead leaves. Best to change potting mix every 12 to 18 months. Don't overwater can cope with some neglect. Never fertilise dry soil. Always give a little water to wet the soil, wait a hour or so then fertilise. Let pot drain freely.
And maybe give it a bit more light, it looks like it is leaning towards a window. Some of mine are in half day sun, in the sub tropics, but I just need to keep the water up to it. But then again mine has always grown in these conditions... Ed
I planted several of these parlor palms in one pot. Indoors they get bright indirect light and spotty sun and are kept on the moist side at all times. Outdoors they can tolerate more light. Indoors they can get 3"- 4" tall. Outdoors, they can grow taller. Mine haven't had any pest, but to keep on the safe side, keep an out for spidermites.
thanks loads for all your help. I've moved it into a brighter spot so hopefully that will help, thank you for the replies.
