Chamaedorea metallica Grove in the Jungle

[PalmatierMeg]

Chamaedorea metallica is one of the neatest and most unique species in the genus. It is one of the easiest species to grow and should be much more available. Each solitary stem is the diameter of a pencil and bears dark green bifid leaves (pinnate form is rarer) with a bluish sheen that gives it its name. And it is able to tolerate my alkaline sandy soil. I planted an understory grove of them in our back yard jungle. They flower and while I've yet to find a single ripe seed, I've noticed small seedlings popping up. I also place pots of them around the jungle. Here's to a palm that needs to be seen more.

Chamaedorea metallica, Cape Coral, FL 2021

Pinnate Form

[OC2Texaspalmlvr]

Hands down my favorite Cham for sure. I don't think you can have too many hahha I wish they were more available also =) 

T J 

[Frond-friend42]

It should be made much more available...to me. Ok this emoji is overdoing it. I have actually purchased seed that failed to germinate.

[JohnAndSancho]

Had no idea that these went pinnate 

[OC2Texaspalmlvr]

1 hour ago, JohnAndSancho said:

Had no idea that these went pinnate 

They don't only the more rare pinnate form which I have never heard of for sale. Cham Tenella is a really cool palm too 

T J 

[96720]

That’s really neat it’s hard to find plants for the jungle floor. I may have to try one if I can find one!!

[Steve Mac]

Why don't you just put them in the ground Meg?