Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cat palm is an ornamental houseplant in the family Arecaceae. It is native to Brazil, but has been introduced to other parts of the world. The cat palm gets its name from the fact that it is often kept as a houseplant by cat owners, because the plant is known to be safe for cats to eat.

Also called

• Cat Claw
  
• Cattleya
  
• Cat's Foot
  
• Cat's Paw
  
• Cat Tail

Basic info

• Cat palm is a species of palm tree that is native to tropical America.
  
• It is a popular houseplant in many parts of the world.
  
• The leaves of cat palm are large, leathery, and pinnate.
  
• The trunk of cat palm is slender and upright.
  
• The flowers of cat palm are small and white, borne in clusters at the tips of the leaves.
  
• The fruit of cat palm is a black drupe, about 1 cm in diameter.
  
• Cat palm is propagated by seeds or by division of the offsets.
  
• It is a slow-growing palm, and can take several years to reach its full height.
  
• Cat palm is moderately drought-tolerant, but does best in moist, well-drained soils.
  
• It is susceptible to several diseases, including root rot and leaf spot.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

1. For cat palm, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
   
2. Then, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the cat palm's root ball.
   
3. Next, mix some compost in with the dug up soil and fill the hole back in around the root ball.
   
4. Once the hole is filled, water the area well.
   
5. The fifth step is to staking the palm if necessary, using a gardening stake and some string or garden ties.
   
6. Once the plant is established, feed it every few months with a good quality palm fertilizer.
   
7. Palms need to be watered regularly, so make sure to keep an eye on the soil moisture and water when necessary.
   
8. In the winter, Cat palms may need some extra protection from the cold weather, so consider covering them with a frost cloth or tarp if temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.
   
9. Once the plant is mature, it will produce yellow or white flowers which will then turn into small, black fruits.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful cat palm in your garden!

Related plant:
Daphne Plant

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the cat palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is known to prefer sandy, well-drained soils with a moderate amount of organic matter. It is not particularly fussy about soil pH, but does seem to prefer slightly acidic conditions. The cat palm is also known to be fairly drought tolerant once established, so it is not necessarily a high-maintenance plant in that regard.

About light

Not too different with other palm trees, the cat palm requires full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. If it does not get enough sun, it will not grow as tall and will not produce as many leaves. The cat palm is a slow grower, so it does not need a lot of sun to grow well.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for a cat palm are warm and humid. This plant does not do well in cooler temperatures and will suffer if the humidity is too low. If you live in an area with cooler winters, it is best to grow your cat palm indoors where you can control the temperature and humidity.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and it prefers a position that is in bright, filtered sunlight. It is best to water this plant with distilled water or rain water to avoid damaging the leaves. If the leaves of this plant start to turn brown, it is an indication that the air around it is too dry.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, is the main supplement that is required for the cat palm. The food is necessary for the growth and maintenance of the leaves, the flowers, and the roots. The roots are the part of the plant that is responsible for anchoring it in the ground and for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

About light

Pruning your cat palm is important to keeping it looking its best. When pruning, be sure to cut back any dead or damaged leaves. You can also trim away any yellow or brown leaves. If your plant is looking leggy, you can trim it back to promote new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by division in spring or early summer. Carefully dig around the plant to find its root ball. Gently pull the plant apart, creating as many divisions as desired. Each division should have several leaves and a good root system. Plant the divisions immediately in well-drained soil and water deeply. Fertilize monthly during the first growing season. Once established, cat palms are drought tolerant.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the variety of plant. The Sago Palm, for example, is a very slow grower, while the Pygmy Date Palm is a very fast grower. If you are looking for a plant that will grow quickly, look for a variety that is known for being a fast grower. However, if you are looking for a plant that will grow slowly, look for a variety that is known for being a slow grower.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are browning of leaves and yellowing of fronds. These problems are usually caused by too much water or too little light. If you see these problems, make sure to adjust your plant's watering and light conditions accordingly.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your cat palm plant regularly.
  
• Keep the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
  
• Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Trim off any yellow or brown leaves as they appear.
  
• Place the plant in a well-draining pot to prevent root rot.
  
• Repot the plant every two to three years using fresh potting mix.
  
• Check the plant regularly for pests and diseases.
  
• Propagate new plants from stem cuttings.
  
• Give the plant occasional misting to help increase humidity.
  
• Enjoy your beautiful cat palm plant!

Related Plants

• Cat's foot (Antennaria plantaginifolia) is a perennial member of the sunflower family.
  
• Cat's ear (Calochortus catalinae) is a spring-flowering bulbous plant native to northern California and southern Oregon in the United States.
  
• Cat's claw (Clematis virginiana) is a species of clematis native to eastern North America.
  
• Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus) is a tropical perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
  
• Cat's-tail (Typha) is a genus of about 30 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Typhaceae.
  
• Foxtail lily (Eremurus) is a genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, native to dry parts of Eurasia.
  

Source:
Palm Institute - Educating Ethical and Excellent Leaders with …
Palm eLearning Management System
Primary Australian Literacy Mathematics and Science - PALMS