Neanthe Bella Palm

This plant likes to stay on the dryer side, so let the top two to three inches of soil dry out between waterings. Water whenever it’s necessary in hot weather, particularly in the winter when humidity needs to be kept up around these plants. The best way to do this is to mist the leaves with a spray bottle, and to occasionally let some pebble-topped trays of water sit around the plant, ensuring the water just touches the bottom of the pot.

Neanthe bella palms prefer bright, indirect light. They are best positioned in a warm, sunny spot and direct sunlight should be avoided. If your home is shadier, don’t despair - the plants will still be happy, just know that they are less likely to grow. While the filtered sun is ample enough to keep the palm alive, if it’s in full shade it could be a sign that the leaves are turning yellow and it’s in need of more light.

Optimal temperatures for this type of plant are 65-75 °F (18-24 °C). It will do well in warmer rooms, as long as it is kept away from any cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Although, if kept in hot, dry places too often then it might age more quickly.

This plant needs average to high levels of humidity in order to grow nicely. If your home is on the dry side, then regular misting is advised to recreate some of the humidity. Consider purchasing a humidifier so that your plant can benefit from the moisture it needs.

These palms prefer a soil mix of high organic matter, such as a peat-based potting mix. They can also do well in a mix of peat and perlite. Consider filling the pot with pebbles at the bottom of the pot to promote drainage. These palms don’t need lots of fertilizer, so a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer will do just fine.

Fertilizing may be necessary if growth begins to slow. Once a week or two, feed the plant using a liquid fertilizer that is specifically made for house plants. Be mindful not to overfertilize as this may result in burning the roots. As with the watering schedule, reduce the amount of fertilizer during the winter rest period.

Neanthe Bella palms are prone to certain pests. Mealybugs, mites, scales and aphids can infest their leaves, making them unsightly. The first step to getting rid of these is to isolate the plant from others in your home. To examine your plant, use a magnifying glass to search for the bugs. If you find them, try dabbing with alcohol on a cotton bud to kill them and treating with an insecticidal soap. Another option is to remove the insects by hand or to increase the humidity around the plant by misting it daily.

When the root system of the plant has outgrown its initial pot, consider repotting it. It is best to do this during the spring or summer months when the plant is at its most active. To repot, make sure to transfer it into a pot that is one or two sizes bigger, filled with a high-end, well-draining potting mix. When repotting, gently loosen the root ball as it can become overly compacted and it can stunt the growth of the plant.

Prune this plant regularly by trimming off any dead, dry or sappy fronds near the base. You can even pinch parts of the fronds back for a bushy look, as this will encourage the plant to branch out. However, be careful to not do too much pruning as it will reduce the number of fronds.

Neanthe bella palms enjoy light mulching. Typical mulching material includes shredded bark, wood chips, pine needles and coconut husks.

The easiest way to propagate Chamaedorea elegans is by seed. Stems from this houseplant grow at different speeds, so new growth could take a while. Protect you palms from any cold or drafts while they’re propagating. To speed up growth, provide plenty of bright, indirect light, water when the top two to three inches of soil is dry and place it in a warm environment. Generally, keep your palm watered but allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering to prevent rot.

These tall plants can lean over as they grow. Providing a stake or a moss stick can help support the stem and discourage the leaning.

While this plant isn’t highly demanding, it does still require some kind of rest period during the winter. During this time, let the soil dry out entirely between waterings and reduce the amount of fertilizer that you use. You may also want to move it to a slightly cooler area until spring.

No, Neanthe bella palms are not toxic to pets and they can even be beneficial for house cats. The palm leaves are known to scrape off dirt and oil from cats' fur and promote cleanliness.