Japanese name: テーブルヤシ Scientific name:Chamaedorea elegans
[Overview]
A small palm growing wild in tropical rainforest, reaching about 2 m tall.
The trunk is usually single, cylindrical, 1.5–2 cm across, with ring-shaped scars where leaves have fallen, and no spines.
The leaves are pinnately compound, arranged spirally and alternately at the top of the trunk, and spread in an arch.
There are 12 or more pairs of leaflets, linear to lanceolate with pointed tips, widest at the middle.
It is dioecious.
Spadices stand upright from below or among the leaves, bearing small yellow spherical flowers in a spiral.
The fruit is spherical, about 0.6 cm across, ripening black.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division, layering or seed.
For overwintering, place it in a bright spot indoors in winter so that it stays at 5°C or higher.
It prefers bright shade and well-drained, moderately moist soil.
It dislikes strong direct sunlight and strong wind.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries from spring to autumn, and keep it on the dry side in winter.
Apply slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer from spring to autumn.
Pests and diseases include scale insects and spider mites.
