Cat Palm Tree: Overview

The Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is one of the most beautiful indoor palms. It has slender, gently curving fronds growing from the base of the plant (the Cat Palm has no trunk). This lovely palm tree grows to an average of 3-4 ft. in height. Native to Mexico and Central America, it grows best in humid and warm conditions but can adapt to growing outdoors in hardiness zones 11-12 as long as the night temperatures are above 40°F.

The Cat Palm belongs to the Arecaceae family and is related to the Areca Palm and the Coconut Palm. It can live for decades when grown as an indoor plant, and it takes up to 10 years for this palm to reach maturity. It occasionally produces a yellow inflorescence and fruit, even when grown indoors. This palm prefers medium to bright indirect light for optimal growth. It’s an easy-care plant and is considered one of the best palms for beginners. Moreover, the aptly named Cat Palm is non-toxic for cats and dogs and is an excellent pet-friendly choice. 

In the ancient world, palm trees often symbolized victory and triumph and were known as symbols of peace. In Feng Shui, the Cat Palm Tree is associated with good fortune and is believed to balance a home’s energy. 

Cataractarum Palm: Alternative Names

• Cascade palm
• Cataract palm
• Cattail palm
• Mexican hat palm

Cat Palm: Benefits

• Excellent oxygen-producing and air-purifying plant 
• Gorgeous large plant for interior decoration
• Boosts indoor humidity
• Has stress-relieving and mood-boosting properties
• Increases property’s curb appeal 
• Pet-friendly tropical palm

Cat Palm Care Guide

The Cat Palm is a tropical plant that needs sufficient light and humidity. It’s easy to grow indoors or on the porch in warmer climates. Here are some Cat Palm care tips to keep in mind:

Watering and Humidity

Cat palms require plenty of water, but they need it to drain away so the soil is never waterlogged or soggy. That’s why the pot you choose for your palm needs to be equipped with enough drainage holes. When caring for a Cat Palm, remember that it grows best in high humidity. Place its pot on a pebble tray or mist daily to provide sufficient moisture for your palm. 

Light and Temperature

Your Cat Palm plant will grow best in medium to bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided because it can scorch the palm’s tender leaves. As a tropical plant, the Cat Palm prefers warmer temperatures, ranging between 50℉ and 80℉. Keep it away from drafts and heating vents. 

Soil, Repotting, and Fertilizing

Cat Palms prefer to be a little rootbound, so only repot them if you see roots growing from the drainage holes. Use a pot about 2 inches larger than the previous one, and plant your palm in well-draining soil mixed with peat moss for better root aeration. Place your Cat Palm in a spot with indirect light and high humidity to avoid transplant shock. Feed your Cat Palm monthly in the growing season.

Propagation

You can propagate your palm during repotting by dividing the plant. Simply water well before repotting and divide the clump into 2 or 3 separate plants. Make sure that you use a clean knife when cutting the roots. Wash the roots for an easier time when deciding where to cut the clump. 

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Prune any dead or browning leaves. You can also cut off the brown tips of your palm’s leaves. These develop due to underwatering, low humidity., or direct sunlight exposure. Yellowing leaves and leaf drops are signs of overwatering. Check that your palm’s pot has enough drainage holes, and refrain from watering too frequently. 

Cat Palm Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The beautiful Chamaedorea cat palm is the perfect focal point for your room. Its easy-going nature and gorgeous foliage make it one of the most popular large plants for the home and office. It also makes a magnificent gift for family and friends. 

Best Locations & Uses

• Perfect palm for plant lovers with pets
• Ideal for beginner indoor gardeners
• Wonderful bedroom plant, due to its air-filtering properties
• Beautiful statement plant for large spaces
• Great as a porch plant in warmer climates

Companion Plants

The perfect companion plants for your Cataractarum Palm should thrive in medium light so that they can benefit from the same location:

• Golden Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum): A highly resilient best-selling plant, the Golden Pothos is perfect for darker corners of your home. It looks amazing in hanging baskets, and it’s one of the best air-purifying plants on NASA's list.
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Known as one of the easiest plants to grow for beginners, the hardy ZZ Plant thrives in a variety of growing conditions. Its graceful stems and glossy leaves brighten up your living space. 
• Umbrella Tree Plant (Schefflera Gold Capella): The easy-care and fast-growing Umbrella Tree Plant is another favorite choice for medium-light spaces, adding an elegant tropical note to your plant display. 

Alternative Plants

If you want to check out other palms available on Lively Root, some amazing and easy-care varieties to choose from include:

• Ponytail Palm Tree (Beaucarnea recurvata): Another pet-friendly choice, the Ponytail Palm Tree is a compact and fun plant with a bushy crown of thin, long leaves growing from a sturdy trunk. 
• Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): One of the easiest palms to grow indoors, the pet-friendly and air-purifying Neanthe Bella Palm will charm you with its beautiful feathery fronds.
• Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa): The delightful and pet-safe Lady Palm has vivid green, fan-like fronds growing on long stems and is another low-maintenance indoor palm.

Make a Cat Palm the Focal Point in Your Living Space

Transform your home’s interior with a gorgeous Cat Palm for sale, letting it work its magic and generate a tropical atmosphere of calm and beauty!