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Seifriz's chamaedorea (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Chamaedorea seifrizii is an evergreen, clumping palm with slender, upright, bamboo-like stems; sources variously describe its habit as shrubby or tree-like. It is an evergreen perennial.

LightIt tolerates low light, while sources differ in supporting conditions ranging from bright light to partial sun and shade; protection may be needed under strong direct sunlight.
WaterKeep the growing medium slightly moist but well drained; water after the surface has dried somewhat, reduce watering in winter, and avoid overwatering.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity.
TemperatureA single source reports a USDA hardiness-zone rating for this species. It is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing.
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Seifriz's chamaedorea illustration

Overview

Chamaedorea seifrizii is an evergreen, clumping palm with slender, upright, bamboo-like stems; sources variously describe its habit as shrubby or tree-like. It is an evergreen perennial.

Origin and habitat

Chamaedorea seifrizii is native from southeastern Mexico to Honduras, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It occurs in forest habitats, including disturbed forest and limestone-associated environments; sources differ in describing these habitats as moist woodland, forest, or seasonally dry forest. It occurs in subtropical to tropical environments and is suited to warm conditions.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 200–300 cm, while a single source reports a mature spread of about 100–150 cm. It is reported to spread slowly as a clump, producing new stems from the base. The evergreen leaves are pinnate, with lance-shaped to narrowly elliptic leaflets; the terminal leaflets may be fused and can be larger. Mature plants produce small yellow flowers, and the inflorescence axis may change from green to orange or orange-red as it matures; flowering and fruiting are reported from summer to autumn, and the small, nearly round fruits become black when mature.

Light

It tolerates low light, while sources differ in supporting conditions ranging from bright light to partial sun and shade; protection may be needed under strong direct sunlight.

Watering

Keep the growing medium slightly moist but well drained; water after the surface has dried somewhat, reduce watering in winter, and avoid overwatering.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

A single source reports a USDA hardiness-zone rating for this species. It is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a well-drained growing medium; sandy loam or loam can be used outdoors and potting medium indoors, while other supported soils include chalk, clay, loam, and sand with acidic to neutral conditions.

Feeding

Fertilizer can be applied regularly during the growing season; sources support either balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release general fertilizer.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly by seed, and some sources also report division.

Common problems

Potential pests include mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites or glasshouse red spider mites, and thrips. Disease is generally uncommon, but overwatering can lead to root and stem rot. Indoors, watch for mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and thrips, while overwatering may cause root and stem rot. It is generally reported to be sensitive to frost and should be kept away from freezing conditions.

Identification

Chamaedorea seifrizii forms clumps of slender stems from the base, with conspicuous nodes that give the stems a bamboo-like appearance, together with pinnate leaves; mature inflorescence axes may turn orange to orange-red.

Photos

Chamaedorea seifrizii
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources