Chamaedorea cataractarum – Cat Palm (Cascade Palm)

Chamaedorea cataractarum, commonly known as the Cat Palm or Cascade Palm, is a clumping palm highly valued for its dense foliage and graceful habit. Its fountain-like growth is particularly attractive for creating a tropical atmosphere in homes or offices. Being non-toxic to pets and humans and helping to purify the air, it is an ideal and safe choice for any living space.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The evergreen fronds are long, reaching up to 90 cm (3 ft), and elegantly arched. They are a deep green and composed of multiple narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, giving the plant a very full and soft-to-the-touch appearance, unlike other palms with rigid leaves.
• Flowering: Although grown for its foliage, it can produce small, inconspicuous cream-coloured flowers. However, flowering is very rare in indoor conditions.
• Light: It prefers bright but indirect light. It is also quite tolerant of lower light levels, making it an excellent choice for less sunny rooms. Absolutely avoid direct sun, which will burn its leaves.
• Habit: It grows in a dense clump, with multiple slender stems emerging directly from the base. This arrangement gives it a bushy habit and a very characteristic arched form, resembling a fountain of greenery.
• Growth: Slow. Indoors, it typically reaches a height of 1.2 to 1.8 metres (4-6 feet).
• Humidity: This palm loves ambient humidity. Misting it regularly, using a humidifier, or placing its pot on a tray of pebbles and water is very beneficial. Brown leaf tips are often a sign of dry air.
• Soil: Use a well-draining houseplant potting mix, ideally a formula for palms. Adding organic matter like peat moss helps retain necessary moisture while ensuring good drainage.
• Temperature: Maintain room temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (65°F-80°F). It must be protected from cold drafts, heating vents, and sudden temperature changes.
• Watering: The soil should be kept consistently moist, but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil (2-3 cm) feels dry to the touch. It does not like to dry out completely.
• Pests: Fairly resistant, however, it can be susceptible to spider mites if the air is too dry, as well as mealybugs and scale insects.

Uses

• Types of Use: It is an excellent houseplant grown in a container. Its moderate size and dense habit make it perfect for filling a corner, living room, or office.
• Ornamental Features: Its soft habit and arched fronds soften the corners of a room and instantly create a natural and tropical atmosphere.
• Summer Outdoors: This palm greatly benefits from a stay outdoors during the summer (mid-June to late August). It must be gradually acclimatized and placed in a shady or partly shaded spot, sheltered from direct sun and strong winds.

Care

• Fertilizing: Fertilize once a month from spring to fall with a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.
• Pruning: Pruning is minimal. Simply trim any yellowing or damaged fronds at their base to maintain a neat appearance.
• Repotting: Repotting is only necessary every 2-3 years, when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger and carry out the operation in the spring to minimize stress.