Chamaedorea Cataractarum

Even though I've been in my new home since LAST September, I've finally got my first official sub-tropical outdoor plant; Chamaedorea cataractarum, a.k.a., The Cat Palm tree a native plant of Southeastern Mexico.

The cat palm tree is actually not a tree at all but a clump of stems covered with fronds.  Since it prefers to be in shade, it's perfect for my little patio that is out of direct sun for the whole day.  It's cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 25F and since my patio is really protected, it should do extremely well.

I think (operative word here) that it should be reasonably easy to look after.  It wants to be kept consistently moist but doesn't want 'wet' feet.  With a little bit of liquid fertilizer every three months or so, it should keep it's wonderful deep green fronds.

I'm told that it will produce tiny little yellow flowers in the early spring.  Here's hoping.