For flower growers and designers, the elegant chamedorea (Chamaedorea elegans, or indoor palm) is a favorite indoor plant. A small decorative tree is a variety of tropical palm trees - an overseas guest hailing from faraway Mexico. Openwork cirrus leaves on a long stalk create a very sophisticated silhouette. Therefore, the plant is widely used not only in ordinary apartments, but also to decorate the exquisite interiors of shopping centers, hotels and restaurants.
Growing conditions
Elegant Hamedorea refers to plants that combine properties such as decorativeness and endurance. She easily adapted to our conditions and therefore is absolutely not whimsical. Not only can bloom while indoors, but even elegant chamedorea is able to bear fruit. Home care is completely uncomplicated, and following simple rules, you can grow a luxurious tropical palm in your apartment. It is worth considering that the plant comes from completely different latitudes, so there are some requirements for creating artificial conditions that should not be ignored. Their non-observance can lead to the loss of a beautiful decorative appearance or even death.
Lighting and temperature requirements
Despite the fact that the plant comes from the tropics, being in direct sunlight is undesirable for him. In nature, elegant chamedorea grows under the crowns of taller trees, where the light is scattered, or in the shade, so at home you will need to create suitable lighting. It will be most comfortable for the plant to be at the window, which looks to the west or east side. In the summer, so that the sun does not burn the leaves, the palm tree should be shaded. This spectacular plant feels great in the back of the room, away from windows. The free choice of location greatly simplifies the owners of such beauties as elegant chamedorea, home care. The photo below shows how it will look especially good near sofas, armchairs, where you can sit down and enjoy its beauty.
In order for the leaves to grow evenly from all sides, it is recommended to turn the tub with the plant periodically.
But this tropical palm tree, of course, loves warmth. Exposure to high temperatures tolerates easily, but if it is too hot, this will lead to wilting of the leaves. In summer, the temperature is maintained within 18-27 ⁰, and in winter it is necessary to ensure that it does not fall below 16 ⁰.
Watering
Humidity of air and soil is an especially important moment for the full development of such a plant as elegant chamedorea. Home care provides for the mandatory spraying of its leaves in the summer period up to 2 times a day. And if the air in the room is dry enough, then this procedure will have to be arranged in the winter. This is done necessarily using warm clean water, which must first be allowed to settle.
High air humidity of this variety of palm trees is only for the benefit - its leaves become larger and acquire a spectacular color. Therefore, it is good if you put an open vessel with water next to the plant, install a room fountain or purchase a humidifier.
Watering chamedorea in spring and summer is required regularly, preventing the land from drying out. In winter, this is done no more than 2 times a week. It is important to avoid waterlogging the soil. This can adversely affect the development of the root system. Watering a palm tree is best only when the topsoil dries up.
Top dressing
In order for the plant to be lush, healthy and vibrant, it must be provided with nutrients. This is done, as a rule, during the growing season, which lasts from April to August. Elegant Hamedorea is an exotic plant, therefore it is not recommended to use any home-made formulations as top dressing, it is better to use special mineral fertilizers. In summer, this is done once a decade, and in winter - every month. Fertilizer is diluted in water and added during irrigation.
Breeding
It is carried out in different ways - by the seeds that the indoor palm gives annually, by root offspring or cuttings and processes.
You can choose any of the methods. Seeds germinate only after 6 months. When the first leaf appears, the plant is transplanted. This method is used very rarely, because at home the seeds germinate rather poorly.
More often use propagation by cuttings.
Carefully cutting it from the trunk, place it in a vessel with water, where fertilizers are added. After 2 weeks, roots appear on the handle, then the process is transplanted into a separate pot, which is covered with a glass jar on top to create a thermal effect.
Soil features
The earthen mixture for this room palm requires special. It should have a large amount of humus. You can use the ready-made special soil mixture for indoor palm trees or prepare the soil yourself, mixing in equal proportions the turf land, humus, peat and perlite. Pre humus is sterilized. To do this, you just need to place it in a dense bag in the microwave. In the future, in order not to disturb the plant, only the outer layer of the soil is replaced, it is removed very carefully, without damaging the roots.
Plant transplant
Chamedorea does not tolerate this procedure, so a transplant is done only if necessary, usually as the plant grows. It is best to immediately drop him in a large tub, so that in the future he does not have to transplant. In this case, use the transshipment method, which will avoid damage to the root system.
A plant purchased in a store must be transplanted after 2 weeks of adaptation to home conditions. Then the transplant is carried out as it grows - twice a year, until the graceful chamedorea becomes adult. A photo of the formed room palm can be seen in the article.
Diseases and Pests
Elegant chamedorea can be exposed to various diseases. But most often, non-compliance with the conditions for caring for the plant can lead to damage by fungal diseases and insect pests. Due to insufficient moisture on the plant, there is a high probability of the appearance of a spider mite. And if the soil is moistened with excess, then leaf spotting or pink rot may appear on the palm tree. In this case, the plant should be treated with soapy water, washed with clean water under a shower, and, if necessary, use special preparations.
If the leaves turn yellow or dark dry spots appear on them, this indicates insufficient watering and humidity or the use of not settled water. Darkening of the ends of the leaves occurs due to too low or, conversely, too high temperature in the room where the elegant chamedorea is located. A photo of damaged plants shows plain representatives of the flora. In this case, urgent need to take action.
Spider mites are usually disposed of with insecticides, treating all parts of the plant and repeating the procedure again after 7 days.
To avoid such problems, you need to carefully study all the rules for caring for such an unusual plant as Chamaedorea elegans. And then this tropical miracle will fully demonstrate all its beauty and attractiveness.