Hardy Parlour Palm

Hardy parlour palm (*Chamaedorea radicalis*) is a compact palm native to northeastern Mexico, grown for its finely divided blue-green to dark green leaves. It can be kept in a large container or planted in a sheltered, mild-climate garden, where it brings a fine-textured evergreen accent. ## Form and placement The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/121848/chamaedorea-radicalis/details) describes it as clump-forming and gives approximate mature dimensions of 1.5–2.5 m tall by 1–1.5 m wide. The [Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney palm guide](https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-names-and-classifications/palms) describes a small palm with a solitary trunk, under 2 m, and notes that several plants together can make a bamboo-like screen. These accounts indicate that a grouped planting can look denser than an individual stem. ## Growing conditions Choose full or partial shade in a sheltered position with well-drained soil. For container growing, the RHS recommends bright filtered light and moderate watering; protect foliage from frost and harsh direct summer sun. Its relative cold tolerance does not make it frost-proof. ## Flowers and fruit Small yellow flowers may appear in spring. Orange fruit can follow in autumn when male and female plants are both present. ## Maintenance Water moderately during active growth and let excess drain away. In a pot, keep the palm in filtered light and move it to frost protection when cold threatens. Remove damaged leaves as needed and check periodically for common indoor palm pests.