Botanical name: Chamaoderea seifrizii
Family: Arecaceae
Sufamily: Arecoideae
Reed palm also called Clustered-parlour-palm or Cane Palm is a graceful Indoor Palm with a high tolerance to shade and is ideal as a specimen houseplant on account of its size. It can grow to a height of 6-10 ft under good conditions with densely clumping cane-like stems and feathery fronds. It belongs to a group of palms called cane palms which produce tall reed-like stems which look like bamboo canes when mature. It grows slowly and may take a few years to reach the average height of 6ft. Once grown and mature apart from being attractive, they also produce flowers followed by bright-orange fruits. These fruits contain oxalic acid which can irritate skin; wear gloves when handling.
Reed Palm is closely related to Chamaedorea erumpens (Bamboo Palm) which bears deep-green broad leaflets.
Reed Palm prefers partial shade, close to an east- or west-facing window. Too much light will cause the palm to develop a yellowish color. Learn how to ensure your plant receives the correct light in this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Keep the soil moderately moist at all times for Reed Palm during the growing season. Reduce watering in the cold season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Use chlorine-free water for watering; like all palms Reed Palm is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water. Avoid getting the base of the palm wet to prevent rotting. Do not allow the palm to sit in soggy soil as it may lead to root-rot and eventual death of the palm. Learn more on how to water houseplants.
Average warmth with a minimum of 120C is ideal for Reed Palm. If the temperature is comfortable for you it is suitable for the Reed Palm. Protect the palm from cold draughts. Find out more on temperature for houseplants.
Reed Palm has no need for high humidity. However, it benefits from occasional misting of the leaves during hot weather. Occasionally clean the mature leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust.
Feed Reed Palm with a nitrogen-rich water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing period. Water thoroughly until the solution comes out through the drainage holes. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Find out more on feeding houseplants.
Repot Reed Palm at the beginning of the growing season only when the palm has become root-bound;Bamboo Palms does not like root disturbance. Use a pot 1-2 sizes larger that has a drainage hole(s). The soil should be free-draining and rich in organic matter.
Pruning Reed Palm is easy. Cut away the old brown and dry fronds near the soil surface to maintain your plant neat and tidy. Where the seeds are required for propagation, allow the fruits to mature and drop then cut away the spent flower stalk. Where the seeds are not required, cut away the flower stalk immediately to prevent the plant from wasting energy on developing the flowers and seeds. Learn more on how to prune houseplants.
Reed Palm can be propagated from seeds, offshoots or by division.
Propagating Reed Palm from seeds
Reed Palm seed germination is difficult and may take up to 4-6 months. Sow the seeds in moist soil and place in a warm place, about 300C. Keep the soil moist through out the period until germination takes place. Lower the temperature slightly after germination and maintain the soil moist until the plant is well established.
Propagating Reed Palm from offshoots
Carefully cut the offshoot from the mother Reed Palm. Ensure the offshoot has adequate roots before seperating it from the mother. Pot the offshoot in its own pot, place in a cool shaded place and maintain the soil moist through out. Allow the offshoot to be well established before transplanting.
Propagating Reed Palm by division
During repotting, divide Reed Palm into sections and pot up the sections in individual pots. Place in a cool shaded place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the plant to be well established before transplanting.
Reasons for brown leaf tips in Reed Palm are dry air, underwatering, cold draughts and damage by touching. Trim off the brown tips with sterilized scissors. Correct the faults by raising the humidity, watering correctly, protecting the plant from draughts and placing Reed Palm away from traffic respectively.
Underwatering Reed Palm is the reason for yellowing leaves. Keep the soil moderately moist at all times during the growing season. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Overwatering or sudden decrease of temperature are the causes of brown leaf spots in Reed Palm. Remove the affected parts and improve the growing conditions by correct watering and maintain the right temperature by protecting Reed Palm from cold draughts.
The lower leaves in Reed Palm may turn brown and droop due to age; remove by cutting and not pulling. If browning is general and accompanied by rotting the reason is root-rot disease due to waterlogging.
Common pests in Reed Palm are Red Spider Mites, Scales and Mealy Bugs. Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests. Isolate the plant to prevent spread to other houseplants.
The foliage of Reed Palm is non-toxic to both humans and pets. The fruits (berries) are highly poisonous to both humans and pets. It is important to prevent flowering by removing the flower stalks when they begin to form. The fruits contain oxalic acid which can irritate sensitive skin; always wear gloves when handling.
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