chamaedorea elegans, better known als neanthe bella palm, parlour palm and sometimes good luck palm is a very popular houseplant because it’s easy to grow. it is native to the latin american rain forests and can get two to three meters tall.
care
the neanthe bella palm likes a bright to half shady place without sun. the sun will bleach its leaves. it needs room temperature throughout the year and a winter minium of 15 °c (59 °f).
chamaedorea elegans can be plantet in a regular potting mix. keep the soil constantly moist but not wet, “wet legs” over a long time can cause root rot.
if placed at room temperatur water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly (spring, summer) and every six to eight weeks during fall and winter. in half of by the manufacturer indicated concentration.
the neanthe bella palm likes it when it’s sprayed from time to time. this also keeps the leaves free of dust.
propagation
chamaedorea elegans can be propagated by seeds.
the genus dracaena contains about 40 species and belongs to the ruscaceae familiy. some of them are very popular houseplants. the madagascar dragon tree (dracaena marginata) is native to madagascar. there are some cultivars with variegated leaves (red or yellow edges).
care
the madagascar dragon tree does best on a bright to halfshady place without afternoon sun. some morning or evening sun will be tolerated. the variegated cultivars need a bit more light. during the summer it can be placed in the garden or on the balcony.
dracaena marginata can be cultivated at room temperature througout the year and a minimum of 14 °c (57.2 °f) during the winter.
keep the soil constantly moist but not wet. a regular potting mix can be used. from spring to the end of the summer water soluble fertilizer can be given every two to four weeks. during the winter every four to six weeks if dracaena marginata is placed at room temperature. if it’s placed colder there is no need for fertilization. i use the half concentration indicated by the manufacturer.
propagation
stem cuttings can be put direct into moist soil.