How to care for a Chamaedorea Cataractarum | Cat Palm plant

Cat palms are native to Southern Mexico and Central America.

Like most palms, Cat palms are great air purifiers.

Non-toxic to pets.

Cat palms are native to a humid environment, so they do best when their soil is evenly moist (not wet!) and need to be watered frequently. Cat palms can be sensitive to the chlorine and minerals in tap water and should be watered with filtered water. They also benefit from increased humidity which can be increased using a pebble tray or humidifier.

Cat palms like bright, indirect light and lots of it. They can tolerate full sun, with proper watering, but prefer partial shade.

During the active growing season (spring & summer), Cat palms should be fertilized once a month with an all purpose liquid fertilizer.

Cat palms do not need to be repotted frequently, usually every 3 years. Make sure to use well draining potting soil and to use a pot with drainage holes.

Cat palm's lower leaves will naturally turn yellow and brown as new growth emerges. These leaves can be trimmed with clean scissors or pruning shears. Cat palms also produce bright yellow pendulous flowers that will produce small, round fruits. Although, Cat palms are dioecious, meaning that the male and female parts required for pollination are on separate plants, so the fruits will only be produced if you have both a male and a female plant.

Keep an eye out for spider mites.